What Are The Best Practices Of Cleaning Solar Panels?

Solar panel cleaning is the best way to optimise energy production and improve longevity. There are several best practices to incorporate in the daily operations of solar modules to sustain their efficiency. 

Solar panels produce usable electricity while absorbing the sunlight. In this process, proper penetration of sunlight is essential to convert it into maximum energy. However, these solar panels need to be cleaned and maintained periodically. 

Uncleaned solar panels reduce the overall efficiency by 10% – 30%. It not only hampers energy production but also leads to financial loss in terms of maintenance and repair. Moreover, the decrease in efficiency will become substantial in months.

This indicates the ultimate need for solar cleaning. Regular solar panel cleaning removes dust and debris from the surface of panels, which boosts the energy conversion rate of the solar modules. This prevents operational costs while giving maximum output. 

Taypro recently incorporated its automated solar panel cleaning robots at a 150 MW solar plant in Chayan, Rajasthan. It saved 16363620 litres of water, reduced Rs. 2727270 labour costs, and increased energy generation by 6750000 kWh. 

Why is Solar Cleaning Necessary? 

Several studies have stated that cleaned solar panels increase efficiency by 3% – 4% daily. For daily energy output, the seamless functioning of solar panels is necessary. This is possible through periodic solar cleaning.

Soiling can result in millions of financial losses. However, solar panel cleaning can uplift energy production and revenue generation. It also saves non-renewable energy and electricity expenses. In the case of commercial plants, the overall efficiency of solar panels can be increased by 50% – 60% by proper cleaning. This helps in generating maximum revenue with minimum operational costs. 

Regular solar cleaning enables early detection of any abrasion or damage. Due to this, it can be quickly resolved before leading to a major hazard. Thus, solar cleaning also prolongs the lifespan of the solar panels. 

Solar panel cleaning plays a crucial role in optimising efficiency and energy production. Hence, it is equally important to know the cleaning frequency, best methods, and necessary considerations for solar panel cleaning. 

How Frequently Should Solar Panels Be Cleaned? 

Solar panels should be cleaned occasionally to ensure smooth functioning by them. Accumulated dust can gradually reduce the energy conversion rate and lead to financial loss. The cleaning frequency of solar panels is based on various factors. 

Solar installations in dusty, polluted locations need to be cleaned daily. It will require advanced cleaning methods with proper equipment. Whereas, solar installations in humid and clean environments can be cleaned occasionally. 

Solar panels are generally cleaned once a month or half-yearly. Location plays a vital role in determining the intensity of dust accumulation and cleaning frequency. 

Best Methods To Clean Solar Panels

Following are the best methods of cleaning solar panels:

Dry Manual Solar Cleaning 

Solar panels can be cleaned using a brush or microfiber cloth. Dry manual cleaning is the most commonly used method of cleaning solar modules. 

This is manually done with soft-bristled and non-abrasive brushes or microfibre cloth to remove the dust and pollution residue. It also includes air pressure for cleaning to avoid any abrasion. 

This method is time-consuming and only suitable for small-scale or residential solar installation. 

Water-based Manual Solar Cleaning

In this method, solar modules are thoroughly cleaned using sponges and water hoses. Soft and non-abrasive sponge or cloth is used along with treated water. First, the water is sprayed uniformly and then wiped using a sponge or cloth. 

This method also involves mild detergents to clean grime and sticky dirt. It ensures deep cleaning and requires a significant amount of water for thorough rinsing. 

Automated Solar Cleaning Robots

An automated solar cleaning robot is an advanced method of cleaning solar panels. Cleaning robots are mounted on the solar roof, which automatically cleans the dust and grime from the panel surface. This technique does not cause any staining or abrasion led by detergents or untreated water. 

Taypro’s Next-Gen waterless automated solar cleaning robots use its own dual-pass cleaning technology that integrates microfibre cloth and air pressure to rinse off the dirt from the panels. It saves water and a significant amount of operational costs. 

Nanoparticle Coating

Nanoparticle coating is a moisture and dust-repellent solar cleaning method. A coating of silica is placed on the panels which prevents accumulation of dust. This thin and transparent coating does not disrupt sunlight absorption and allows the dust and water to slip off easily. 

Pipe And Nozzle Module Cleaning System

Specifically beneficial for large or commercial solar installation, this method integrates stainless steel pipes and water nozzles to clean the solar panels. A network of stainless steel or PVC pipes is arranged across the panel roof. 

Besides, water nozzles are placed strategically on the panels ensuring water is getting sprayed uniformly. The tilted angle of solar panels lets the dirt and water slip off easily, allowing a quick drying process. This method uses water efficiently and is suitable for dusty areas. 

Precautions To Take While Cleaning Solar Panels

Switching Off The Modules – The foremost step in the cleaning process is to shut down the electricity supply before cleaning the panels. The power supply may lead to electrocution or major damage to the modules. 

Avoid abrasive tools – It is better to avoid the use of harsh brushes and sponges to clean the solar panels. They can cause minor abrasion and cracks which could hamper the productivity of the solar panels. Extreme damage could result in the replacement of the panels. 

Use Treated Water – Ensure treated water is used for cleaning solar panels. Untreated water may leave mineral residue or spots. Staining can hamper light absorption in solar panels, thereby, affecting its energy output. 

Use Proper Equipment – Ensure proper and safe tools are used for cleaning the panels. Large-scale solar installations need professional solar cleaning services by a solar cleaning company to avoid any discrepancies. 

Weather Conditions – Choose the right time for cleaning the solar panels. Cleaning during sunny hours can cause thermal pressures and tearing of panels. Cleaning should be done during cooler hours of the day or in the evening. 

How Does Location Impact The Cleaning Cycle of Solar Panels? 

The location along with climatic conditions plays a vital role in determining the cleaning schedule of solar panels. The intensity of dust accumulation varies from region to region, depending on the weather and surrounding elements. 

Dust, construction debris, bird droppings, pollution, and more can lead to accumulated soiling on the solar panels. In humid and coastal regions, moisture and sand dust can get deposited on the panels. Rainwater can clean the panels, however, periodic cleaning in 4-6 months is necessary to sustain the efficacy. 

Whereas, the dust accumulation can be very high in arid locations. Due to scanty rainfall in such locations, it is recommended to clean the solar panels once a month or more frequently if it is required. 

In urban areas, city pollution or dust from construction sites can drop the efficiency by 1% – 2% daily. The grime created by heavy pollutants and smog remains uncleaned by rainfall. Thus, solar panels in urban areas should be cleaned every 2 months. 

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