Solar panel systems require regular cleaning to keep producing energy at optimal levels. Dirty panels lose 10% or more of their power output, meaning that you must use more energy from the grid, increasing your power bill. Regular cleaning helps to prevent this loss and protects your investment.
The most common way to clean solar panels is to use water. But this requires a lot of water to fully clean the system and may also damage the solar panels themselves. Cleaning chemicals are sometimes used, but these often have a negative environmental impact.
A new, non-water cleaning method is now available for solar panels. Researchers at MIT have developed an electrostatic cleaning system that uses the polarity of dust particles to automatically detach and jump off solar panels, without the need for any water or brushes. A simple electrode passes above the surface of the solar panel, imparting an electrical charge to the dust particles and causing them to repel one another. The process can be carried out manually, or more regularly by an automated cleaning solution that could replace the need for manual washing and significantly reduce water usage.
If you have a rooftop solar system, you can usually access the panels with a ladder and hose. A garden hose with a long spray nozzle is typically sufficient, but make sure the nozzle is rated for use on glass surfaces so you do not scratch the solar panels. It is important to never clean solar panels in bright sunlight, as this will heat the surface and cause soapy water to stain it. It is best to clean solar panels in the morning or evening, when they are cooler and less exposed to sunlight.
Alternatively, you can have a company like RST CleanTech perform this maintenance for you. They can provide a fully automated cleaning solution that will continuously keep your solar panels clean in the safest and most efficiently manner possible, all without the risk of voiding your system warranty.
Ground-mounted solar systems are typically easier to maintain, but they can still become dirty and require occasional cleaning. They are also more vulnerable to damage from animals, neighborhood pranksters and vandals. Many of these systems are installed in fenced-off areas with alarms to deter unwanted visitors, but this is not always enough.
Regardless of the type of solar system you have, the most important thing is to have it cleaned regularly. Solar power is a great investment, and you want to ensure that it is operating at peak efficiency. A dirty solar system will not only decrease its production capabilities, but it can actually lead to a fire hazard. By scheduling regular inspections and cleanings, you can be confident that your system is performing at its best. You may even see a reduction in your energy bills as a result!. Find out more details in relation to this topic here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_cell .
