Solar Panel Cleaning: Do Solar Panels Need to be Cleaned?
Solar panels convert sunlight into electrical power to meet our routine energy requirements, e.g., charging mobile devices, laptops, digital cameras, and running appliances, like refrigerators, air conditioners, microwave ovens, fans, and more. When sunlight falls on PV panels, electric current is produced and delivered to the circuit through the output wires.
The electricity production largely depends on how clean the solar panels are. The more clean they are, more electricity will be produced. Cleaning the panels is not a difficult job. However, you may need some help. You can either do it yourself or hire professional PV panel cleaning services.
If you are wondering "do solar panels need to be cleaned", the answer is YES. Read this article in detail to understand what makes them dirty and how you can clean them.
What makes solar panels dirty?
The common culprits that can reduce the production of solar panels include dust, pollen, agricultural debris, pollution, bird droppings, and leaves. Let's look at these causes one by one.
- Dust: If your PV panels are installed near industrial facilities, airports, factories, or main roads, you may pay special attention to the performance of panels and clean them frequently to ensure maximum power production.
- Pollen: Pollen does not dissolve in water. Since it is a sticky material, it can't be taken off from the solar panels easily. Panels installed near pollen-rich trees, like pine trees, may get covered with pollen, especially in spring weather.
- Pollution: If your area has high levels of particulate matter, your solar panels won't be able to absorb the desired amount of sunlight, as grime and dust from the air accumulate on the panels' surface.
- Bird droppings: If tree branches hang over your solar panels, bird droppings are going to affect their production. In that case, you will have to put more effort in cleaning your panels regularly.
- Leaves: In fall weather, leaves usually cover your PV panels and badly affect the production of electricity. Dried leaves blow away, while wet leaves may stick to the panels.
Do solar panels really need cleaning?
Well, it is unavoidable to keep your solar panels away from dust and debris. Once the panels are covered with dust, they can't deliver the amount of power they are designed for. This is where cleaning plays its part. How frequently you should clean your panels depends on several factors, including system design, number of PV panels, location, installation angle, weather, and types of build-up.
More panels cover more area, which is why it requires more effort to clean them. Similarly, the type of build-up decides when you should clean the panels. Moreover, weather conditions also have a greater impact on the frequency of cleaning solar panels.
If you live in a rainy area, you don't need to put any effort or spend money to clean the panels, as rain does the job. However, the panels must not be installed flat. As long as they are not flat, rain will clean them automatically. Don't forget this thing while installing panels in rainy regions.
The system's location is another parameter that determines whether or not you should clean PV panels regularly. If you live near busy highways, factories, or areas where dust frequently covers your panels, electricity production will be significantly affected. If this is the case, frequent panel cleaning will be necessary. If the system is small, you can try cleaning yourself. If you can't or if the system is big, you can always hire professional panel cleaning services.
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the energy loss from dirt in certain areas of the United States is as high as 7%. If you don't want to bear this much energy loss, keeping your panels clean should be your top priority.
So, now you have a clear answer to the question, "do solar panels need cleaning". Let's get into the specifics of the potential benefits of cleaning PV panels.
Can cleaning solar panels improve the production of PV systems?
Answer to this question actually depends on various factors. Let's dive into the detailed answer to this query, as thousands of people often show this concern.
According to a research study, the production of panels increases 3.5% when they are cleaned compared to when they are accumulated by dirt. This cleaning involves water and a soft rag. The reason behind this fact is that when the dirt is taken off from the panels' surface, they can absorb more sunlight and hence, more electricity is produced at the output.
The study also discussed the rain cleaning the panels. But this time, the production was not as increased as in the case of manual panel cleaning. The increase in the panels' performance was only 1.9% when rain cleaned them. Why so? Well, rain can take care of basic clean up, but it is not as effective as some elbow grease and proper cleaning equipment.
People are usually concerned about how much dirty PV panels cost in terms of power production. Are you the one with the same concern in mind? If so, the below formula will help you determine the exact value of PV panel cleaning.
Yearly production loss = Annual power generation (kWh) x energy loss from dirty solar panels x cost of electricity per kWh
Suppose your solar electric kit or system generates electricity of 20,000 kWh, and there is a 7% production loss due to dirt PV panels, and you pay $0.17 per kWh for an electricity supply from the utility grid, the annual loss of electricity from the dirty solar panels can be calculated as follows.
Yearly production loss = 20000 x 0.07 x 0.17 = $238
How often should you clean solar panels?
Are you wondering how often you should clean your panels to ensure maximized power production? If so, try cleaning them anywhere between 2 and 4 times a year. It is the general rule. If not 4 times, you should at least clean the panels twice a year. However, this thing does not work for every area or region.
If your area is more dusty because of nearby industries, fields, or pollution, you will obviously be needing more cleaning than usual. But, if your panels do not accumulate so much dirt, cleaning them twice a year is enough.
Do you wonder how to know if it is time to clean the panels? The very first thing you should keep a close eye on is the energy output. If the output is reduced, it may be an indication of dirty solar panels. Alternatively, you can simply see the panels physically. If there is visible dust or grime, they need instant cleaning to reach their full power production potential.
The cost of DIY panel cleaning is much lower than hiring professional services. DIY cleaning only requires a few dollars to purchase cleaning supplies. In contrast, hiring solar panel cleaning professionals will cost you between $150 and $300 for a one-time service.
For those looking to optimize their solar panel's efficiency, consider upgrading to the Renogy 200W ShadowFlux Anti-shading Solar Panel. This advanced panel utilizes ShadowFlux technology to maximize output even in partial shading, boasts a 25% efficiency rate with anti-hotspot tech to prevent overheating, and is rated ≥IP67 for protection against water, dust, and stress. Its compact and lightweight design ensures an easy installation process while maintaining consistent performance, making it a smart investment for reliable and high-performing solar energy production.
Do you need to clear snow from your solar panels?
You may get worried about the production of your solar panels during heavy snowfall. When snow covers the panels, it blocks sunlight from absorbing into the panels. But you don't need to be concerned, as snow melts on its own due to the slick surface and heat produced by the PV panels.
Since panels produce more heat, snow melts faster on them compared to an empty roof. But if your batteries are low and snow is taking more time than usual to melt, don't wait. In such a case, brush the snow off your solar panels to make them reach their full potential again.
While cleaning snow from the panels, ensure to use the right equipment and cleaning practices. Always use a soft broom and avoid scraping. Considering these things will help you avoid compromising the panels' warranty and damaging them. You can also use a snow roof rake to avoid facing this issue in the future.
Can I use a pressure washer to clean my solar panels?
No, a pressure washer is not recommended at any point of cleaning solar panels. In fact, a high pressure washer is the biggest enemy of the panels. When water falls with a high pressure on the panels, it may get inside them through the seals. As a result, it will corrode fine wires and may lead to the failure of PV cells. You do not want this at any cost. Right?
Moreover, high pressure water can break glass and may lead to permanent loss of the panels. A range of other specialized equipment is available on the market for solar panel cleaning, including but not limited to telescopic cleaning kits, soft brushes, and garden hoses.
What is localized soiling on solar panels?
When leaves, bird droppings, isolated dirt spots, or other similar materials are stuck on a part of solar panels, it is called localized soiling. If you compare it with the general soiling, it is when the dust covers the whole surface of the panel.
If localized soiling is not removed manually or by rain, it can block some parts and lead to hot spots. A PV panel is made up of different cells. When one of the cells can't receive sunlight due to localized soiling, the overall power generation drops, but the current keeps flowing. As a result, you may experience permanent damage due to overheating.
Targeted cleaning with microfiber cloths is a great solution to keep your panels away from damaging from localized soiling.
Conclusion
Do solar panels need to be cleaned? Yes, you should keep them clean to get the maximum power production. However, the frequency of cleaning varies depending on the system's location, weather, and other similar factors.
If dust often covers the entire panel surface in your area, you should go for regular cleaning with proper tools. If it often rains in your region, your cleaning effort would be minimal, as rain does the job. To reduce your electricity bills and increase production of your solar panels, never forget to keep them well-maintained and super clean.
Solar panel cleaning FAQs
What happens if you don't clean your solar panels?
If you don't clean them, dust and debris will accumulate on the panels' surface, reducing the amount of energy at the output. It leads to higher electricity bills.
Can I clean my solar panels myself?
Yes, you can. All you need is a long-handled squeegee, a garden hose, water, and a non-abrasive soap to clean your solar panels on your own.
Does cleaning void the warranty?
The use of improper tools and cleaning practices may void the warranty. Usually, warranties need proper maintenance and regular cleaning to remain valid.
Can I use vinegar or soap?
Using vinegar is safe for cleaning PV panels. However, avoid using soap, as it leaves a residue that can trap dust and hinder the overall efficiency.
