Dirty solar panels...Clean solar panels

Why clean solar panels?

Airborne dust particles, sticky tree and plant sap, lichen, soot and bird droppings are just a few of the things that can contribute to a build-up of dirt on your solar panels. These dirt accumulations can unfortunately create cellular shading on the panels, preventing sunlight from reaching the cells. This results in poor system performance, a loss of efficiency and even less financial returns for the owner and investor in these solar energy options.

Dirty solar panels 

  • Lose efficiency and lifespan 
  • Reduce overall system performance
  • May cause permanent module staining
  • See a loss of return on investment
  • Affect your limited warranty

 

Regular solar panel cleaning

  • Ensures a maximum output
  • Maintains your warranty
  • Saves you money
  • Extends the life of your investment
  • Prevents permanent module staining
  • Gives you peace of mind 

 

The Self Cleaning Myth

When a solar panel is called self cleaning, it tends to mean that the surface is hydrophobic; meaning water droplets cannot stick to the surface. In essence, these surfaces aren’t exactly self-cleaning and maintenance free at all. They reduce mineral residue that can block the sun reaching the cells, however, in a dusty environment a single solar cell within the panel can become inefficient and this will affect the performance of the rest of the cells within the panel. 

When a PV system is wired in series, if one cell is shaded, then the output of the entire panel is lower as a result. Rain alone is not enough to ensure solar panels remain free from a build-up of dirt throughout one year, let alone a lifetime - so seek professional support

 

 

 

 

 

Solar panels being cleaned by an extendable brush
Close up image of unclean solar panels
A solar panel being cleaned with a brush
Side by side image of a clean solar panel in comparison to a dirty panel