According to the IEA’s Renewable 2024 Report, solar energy systems contributed 75% of all global renewable energy capacity in 2023.
This highlights that Solar PV technology has been developing on a larger scale, but the best methods for solar panel cleaning are needed immediately to increase the efficiency of solar panel systems.
The research has proved that there could be a 20-40% loss of energy due to the effects of dust and dirt accumulation over solar panels.
An experimental study on the effect of dust on power loss in the solar photovoltaic module has indicated a 20-40% loss of energy output in solar systems due to dust accumulation. Also, this can go up to 60% in extreme cases and cause significant power loss.
Consider a 1 MW solar panel system which typically generates 4,000 kWh daily. However, if dirt reduces its output by 30%, daily energy drops to 2,800 kWh.
And at ₹5 per kWh, this could result in a daily loss of ₹6,000.
Solar panel cleaning is therefore the most important aspect of increasing the overall efficiency and power generation of solar plants.
This article explores various solar panel cleaning methods and how they can enhance the efficiency.
Methods Used For Solar Panel Cleaning
Solar panel cleaning is paramount for increasing the overall efficinecy of the solar power plants. Over the years, the solar panel cleainig methods have been improved significantly.
Here is a list of the most popular solar panel cleaning methods, along with a detailed analysis of robotic technology which is considered the most effective solution.
1. Manual Solar Cleaning
Manual solar panel cleaning using water is a common method. In this method, the cleaning is done manually by using common tools like water hoses, sponges, or burshes etc. In some instances, mild detergents are used for cleaning grime.
Manual Solar Cleaning comes in two types as mentioned below-
Manual Cleaning Using Water
Manual solar panel cleaning requires a generous amount of water and intensive labour. Moreover, using a high-pressure water machine would result in faster cleaning.
There are several challenges in manual cleaning with water. Those are:
- Water wastage due to huge consumption.
- Hard or untreated water left spots or mineral residues on the panel. This hampers optimal absorption of sunlight.
- High-pressure water can damage the panel surface, causing scratches, cracks or even tears.
- Water ingress in panels can cause permanent damage or electrical hazards.
- It is a labour-intensive method and requires frequent monitoring.
Dry Manual Cleaning
The solar panels can also be cleaned using a soft brush without scratching the panels. Soft brushes can be ideal on sites with minimum dust accumulation. It is particularly used for solar panels in residential or small-scale commercial settings.
Challenges involved in the dry manual solar panel cleaning method are:
- Labour-intensive and time-consuming method.
- Required consistent monitoring of labourers.
- Dry manual cleaning of solar panels is ineffective in dusty and dry areas.
- Brush or sponges can result in small scratches or marks on the panels.
- Dry manual cleaning is not beneficial for sticky or largely accumulated dirt.
- Proper training is mandatory for efficient and consistent results.
- This method is risky without proper equipment.
2. Automated Solar Panel Cleaning Robots
Automated solar cleaning involves the integration of robotics to clean solar panels.
The automated solar cleaning robots clean the solar panels using waterless techniques. This prevents any damage to the surface of the solar panels.
Taypro has its own patented dual-pass cleaning system. The solar cleaning robots by Taypro clean the panels using the microfibre cloth and airflow.
The automated solar cleaning method is useful for large-scale solar panel installation. This is the best method for the sites that require regular cleaning of the solar panels.
To know the solar cleaning robots of the cost, energy production, and savings use TAYPRO’s Solar Panel Cleaning Robots ROI Calculaotor.
Advantages of Integrating Solar Panel Cleaning Robots
- Solar panel cleaning robots increase the overall efficiency by around 3% – 4%.
- Enhanced power generation based on the environmental factors.
- Solar cleaning robots save a significant amount of water.
- An environment-friendly method that requires no water.
- It gives efficient and consistent cleaning results with no left-back residue.
- Though costly at the initial stage, solar cleaning robots reduce operational costs.
- No requirement for manual involvement or monitoring.
- They have an advanced AI-based system that inspects their operations.
- Solar cleaning robots ensure complete safety and longevity.
The data from the TAYPRO’s Solar Panel Cleaning Robots for the projects shows significant savings in water consumption, CO2 emissions and increase in the power generation.
Solar Cleaning Robots Plant Wise Water Saving In Ltrs ( Yearly)
Solar Cleaning Robots Plant Wise Increase In Power Generation In KWH ( Yearly)
Solar Cleaning Robots Plant Wise Total CO2 Reduction In Kg ( Yearly)
Overview of Savings at Solar Power Plants By Integrating Solar Panel Cleaning Robots
| Plant Name | Capacity (MW) | Water Saved | Labour Cost Saved | Increased Power Generation(KWH) |
| Agra, Madhya Pradesh | 250 | 27272700 | 4545450 | 11250000 |
| Yadgir, Karnataka | 50 | 5454540 | 909090 | 2250000 |
| Banda, Uttar Pradesh | 70 | 7636380 | 1272730 | 3150000 |
| Soyegaon, Maharashtra | 100 | 10909080 | 1818180 | 4500000 |
| Chayan, Rajasthan | 150 | 16363620 | 2727270 | 6750000 |
3. Nanoparticle Coatings
Nanoparticle-based technology is an innovative way of repelling the dust from the solar panels. This coating prevents the accumulation of dust and other environmental pollutants.
Nanoparticle coating is basically a liquid polymer containing silica, which is applied as a thin layer on the solar panels. This revolutionary technology is dirt and moisture-repellent thereby, comprehensively protecting the solar panels.
This nanoparticle-based coating is highly transparent and does not deprive the efficacy of the solar panels. These coated panels can be easily cleaned with a quick wash with water.
Nanoparticle coating ensures the longevity of the solar panels and fosters their productivity. This self-cleaning requires very minimal maintenance. This is a cost-effective and time-saving method of solar panel cleaning.
4. Pipe and Nozzle Module Cleaning System (MCS)
Solar panel cleaning method using pipe and nozzle module cleaning system is yet another cleaning method. The nozzles are installed near the modules and the panels are cleaned thoroughly with water sprinklers.
These high-speed and large droplets of water do not leave any residue or spots on the surface of the panels. It comes in both automated and manual modes. The PVC pipes and nozzles are easily and strategically installed over or alongside the solar panels.
The water or air is sprayed uniformly across the solar panels to clean the dust. The tilt of the solar panels allows excessive water drainage. The pipe and nozzle module cleaning system has an advanced time setup and thereby, requires no human intervention in operations.
Solar cleaning through this method requires less time and effort. Coupled with automated solar cleaning robots, this method can improve the overall power generation of solar plants.
Important Factors To Consider While Solar Panel Cleaning
- Shut down the power of the solar panels to prevent any electrical hazards.
- When the modules are generating electricity there is a leakage current flowing through the modules. If modules are cleaned with water while generating electricity, then there is a chance of electrocution to the cleaner.
- Always conduct the solar panel cleaning process during cool hours like in the early morning or late evening. This prevents thermal stress.
- Never clean the solar panels with harsh chemicals or heavy water pressure. This may affect the longevity of the panels.
- Though the solar panels are tilted, make sure to dry or wipe excessive water to prevent stains.
- Ensure the solar panels are cleaned with soft or treated water to avoid mineral stains on the panel surface.
- A professional solar cleaning service provider is necessary for large-scale commercial installations.
- Proper tools and safety measurements are necessary for solar panel cleaning. Accurate techniques should be used for cleaning to avoid any damage.
- Consistent inspection is vital to keep a check on any damage, residue, or water ingression.
FAQs
Why is it necessary to clean solar panels?
Solar panel cleaning is important to maintain the efficacy of the solar plant. The accumulation of dirt and other environmental pollutants hampers the absorption of sunlight and reduces power generation. Regular cleaning ensures maximum efficiency and longevity of the solar panels.
Does cleaning the solar panels improve the performance?
The efficiency of the cleaned solar panels is improved by an average of 10%. The overall performance loss is reduced with every cleaning cycle.
How many times do solar panels need to be cleaned?
The cleaning of solar panels is based on its site location. Solar panels in a clean environment require occasional cleaning in 3 – 6 months. Whereas the solar panels in dusty areas must be cleaned regularly to prevent high dirt accumulation.
What is the best time to clean the solar panels?
The best time to clean the solar panels is in the late evening or early morning. The cooler temperature is always ideal for seamless cleaning without any damage to the solar panels.
Is manual solar cleaning beneficial?
Manual cleaning is a traditional method of cleaning the solar panels. It is a cost-effective process but requires intensive labour. Thus, it is ideal for solar panels in a residential setting or at a small commercial plant.
What are the different methods of cleaning solar panels?
The different methods of cleaning solar panels include manual solar cleaning, automated robotic solar cleaning, pipe and nozzle MCS, solar cleaning, waterless vibrations, nanoparticle coating, etc.
Is an automated solar panel cleaning robot an efficient method?
Using automated solar panel cleaning robots is the most effective method of cleaning. It saves significant operational costs, water, and labour costs, and increases efficiency. Also, it does not cause any damage to the solar panels as it uses microfibre cloth and airflow for cleaning the panels.
