7 Simple Steps on How to Clean Solar Panels Efficiently
Nes Quilop
Suffering from the energy crisis brought by disputes and wars overseas has put the Philippines with an enormous trend in purchase and use of solar panels. Such as in vast and industrialized places like Cebu, the number of solar power users continues to increase. As a local supplier, we don't just provide solar panels that cater to the lifestyle and budget of people, we also recommend these seven (7) simple steps on how to clean solar panels efficiently.
The Best Way to Clean Solar Panels
Understanding Safe Cleaning Techniques
To really know what are the efficient and safe cleaning techniques for solar panels, below are the safest and most efficient techniques recommended by the company.
Seek Expert’s Help: Check if you have a workmanship warranty from your installer for them to help you in cleaning your panels. In Alfatech, we provide 1 year workmanship and if that comes to due, we will gladly teach clients the proper way of cleaning solar panels.
Watch your Step: Avoid stepping into solar panels. They are made from fragile materials that will never be designed having the capacitance to support human weight or high pressure.
Check the Climate, Look Out for Weather: It is much advisable to clean solar panels on fair days like early morning or even on overcast days as intense conditions (heat wave, drought, etc.) dry cleaning solutions fast, which can leave streaks and damage to the glass of the panel.
Tools Needed for Cleaning
A common kit for efficient solar panel cleaning may include the following materials:
Rotating Brush Cleaner: a tool featuring a spinning head of soft brushes that attaches to a long or handheld handle
Soft-Bristled Scrubbers: these are non-abrasive, thick yet soft fibers that put gentle care especially on caring for the anti-reflective coating on your panels.
Garden Hose: common synthetic, elastic, and elongated waterway tubes that help reach far areas to clean
Squeegee: flat-edged piece of plastic or rubber that carefully scrapes off excess cleaning agents used.
Consequences of Neglecting Cleanliness
Reduced Energy Production: Any type of accumulated dirt limits the amount of electricity generated as it blocks the absorption of sunlight by the panel.
Decreased System Efficiency: The build up of dirt remained uncleaned abruptly and significantly lowers the solar panel's performance or functions.
Higher Electricity Expenses: Unclean solar panels produce limited electricity, which increases user reliance on electricity distributed by grid companies.
Shortened Equipment Lifespan: Long-term neglect accelerates early deterioration, leading to short-term usage of the solar panel.
Reduced Return on Investment: Poorly maintained solar panels effectively decrease the overall efficacy benefits of a solar energy system.
Does Rain Clean Solar Panels?
Rain can act as natural cleaners but the company highly recommends human intervention in cleaning to ensure a higher level of neatness for solar panels to have peak efficiency.
Conclusion
As we continue to face an energy crisis, the demand on solar panels may increase more but depending on these alone without taking care of them is abrupt. So, whether professionally done or executed by yourself, let's take good care to clean our solar panels properly for us to ensure its optimal performance and a huge return on investment.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Solar Panels
Cleaning solar panels requires utmost care. With that, we have provided the following steps to be followed in doing so:
Prepare Your Cleaning Area
Cleaning areas must be free from any other obstructions to prevent further damages or accidents.
Gather Your Solar Panel Cleaning Kit
Having a complete set of solar panel kit ensures thorough cleaning.
Turn Off the Solar System
If and only if you have solar systems, you may turn it off to prevent accidents such as electrocution, grounding, etc.
Choose the Right Time and Weather
Intense heat could dry liquid cleaners faster, leaving streaks and damaging glass. Cold or wet climates could impose danger on you. That's why always pick the right time to clean solar panels.
Clean the Surface Gently
Clean the panel gently with mild soap and soft materials to avoid panels getting abrasions or streaks.
Rinse with Water
Rinse panels gently with clean water to remove soap lathers or any excess cleaning agents/waste. Do not apply intense pressure to avoid further damage on the delicate panel parts.
Inspect for Damage or Dirt Accumulation
Carefully and thoroughly examine if there are anymore waste residues to ensure nothing is left
How Often Do You Clean Solar Panels?
Though solar panels are designed to endure or withstand conditions on outdoor settings, cleaning them regularly is still advised for its peak efficiency.
Factors Influencing Cleaning Frequency
These are numerous circumstances that may tend to add or reduce how often you clean solar panels.
Location: Panels on urbanized areas can collect more debris and pollutants, while those installed in rural areas are prone to experiencing increased dust and pollen buildup.
Weather Conditions And Seasonal Changes: Rainfall can help rinse light dirt and dust while dry climates require frequent cleaning due to limited precipitations. There are also seasons that can impose higher dust, pollen, or falling leaves accumulation.
Surrounding Vegetation: Debris (e.g. leaves, branches, pollen, sap, etc.) falling from trees or surrounding vegetation can induce higher level or faster accumulation of blockages preventing solar panels to work well accordingly.
Wildlife Activities: Heightened activities by wildlife (birds, rodents, etc.) put the panel severely facing an increase in droppings or wastes produced by the animals, which can abruptly block sunlight and reduce efficiency of the panel.
Solar Panel's Tilt and Orientation: Steeply installed panels can be much easier to clean or can require little less frequency due to the huge surface exposed by slope.
When Do You Clean Solar Panels?
There are certain circumstances that define when to clean. With care, we recommend the following schedules on cleaning your solar panels.
Once After 6-12 Months: This is applied mostly on solar panel systems installed on residential areas (subdivisions, villages, etc.) that are under normal conditions.
Once After 3-6 Months: This may be adapted in urban, industrial, or commercial areas wherein concentration of dust or pollutant producing buildings (factories, restaurants, etc.) is high.
Every After Major Weather Events: As long as conditions stabilize, you may check or clean panels after the onslaught of major weather events (storms, ashfall, extended dry periods, etc.)
Importance of Solar Panel Maintenance
Having solar panels is a renewable source of energy. Maintaining it can lead the panels to its peak efficiency, reiterating benefits and prolonged use.
Benefits of Clean Solar Panels
Improved Energy Efficiency: Generating electricity or energy in general through a clean solar panel is much more efficient as clean panels absorb more sunlight.
Higher Power Output: When obstructions are cleaned thoroughly, solar panels provide and maintain optimal energy production.
Extended Lifespan: Regularly maintained panels prevent early deterioration and it prolongs usage of the solar panel.
Lower Energy Costs: Clean solar panels are proven to be efficient in reducing dependence on electricity distributed by grid companies, leading to greater savings for energy and cost of living.
Early Detection of Issues: Clean panels are a great help in preemptive inspection of issues and damages such as cracks, loose connections, or other maintenance concerns before they get worse.
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