Why should solar panels be cleaned?
It seems obvious to think that solar panels should be kept christmas island email list clean to extend their useful life as much as possible, but this is not the only reason to do so. Consider that solar panels are placed outdoors, exposed to different types of dirt, such as dust, branches, leaves, soil, etc. In some cases, they are even exposed to getting dirty with bird droppings, which can damage the panels in the long term.
The various dirt agents to which solar panels are exposed cause their performance to decrease over time. The loss of performance varies depending on the type of dirt, but can be between 10 and 25% approximately if the solar panels are not cleaned regularly.
How often should solar panels be cleaned?
Another of the most common doubts among people who install photovoltaic panels is how often they should be cleaned. In reality, it must be taken into account that the panels have a high resistance, and it is not necessary to clean them every so often. In other words, the maintenance of the panels is simple.
On the other hand, keep in mind that they don't have to get dirty the same at all times of the year. Spring is usually the season when they can accumulate the most dirt, mainly due to the fact that there is more pollen in the air.
In addition, during periods when it rains more, the panels tend to be cleaner, because the water itself has a cleaning effect. Therefore, to know if it is necessary to clean the panels, it is best to check it physically. Even so, it is advisable to check it annually to keep them in perfect condition.
A good time to carry out this check is, for example, summer, when there are usually fewer external agents. However, remember to clean them first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon, since solar panels reach higher temperatures during the day.
What products are best for cleaning solar panels?
If you are going to clean solar panels , it is important to know which products are best suited for this purpose. And even more important is to know which ones you cannot use so as not to damage the surface of the panels. In fact, when doing so, it is essential to be careful not to scratch the glass. In general, this is the equipment you need to clean solar panels :
Warm water and neutral dishwashing soap. You can add a few drops of dishwashing soap to warm water, but just a few drops are enough. It is important not to use more abrasive detergents, as they can damage the glass. In some cases, depending on the strength of the material, you can use a little mild glass cleaner, although the most recommended is always the most natural. When applying water, do so gently and using a sponge, never with a pressure hose.
Soft sponge or microfibre cloth. To remove excess liquid, it is best to use a soft, absorbent sponge or a microfibre or cotton cloth that does not leave too much lint. This will allow you to rub on the most stubborn stains, but without using too much force to scratch the surface.
Brush and pole. If there is an area of the solar panels that you cannot reach, you can use a soft brush attached to a pole to clean them.
Special scraper for windows. If the solar panels are covered in snow, choose to remove it with a scraper that does not scratch the glass, similar to the one we use to remove snow from the windshield of a car.
