Once installed, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels require little maintenance and are expected to last 25-30 years. However, to maintain optimal power generation, they must remain clean. Let’s look at the most effective ways to keep PV panels clean and some of the elements that influence solar panel cleaning and maintenance.

How To Clean Solar Panels?

There are numerous methods for solar panel cleaning, ranging from hand washing to completely automated systems. While rainwater can clean part of the dust that accumulates on panels over time, it can also cause dirt to form at the panel’s base, which is insufficient to remove heavy pollutants.

1. Robotics

Companies like Italy-based Washpanel use robotics technology to create automatic and semi-automatic robots specifically built for solar panel cleaning. It offers portable semi-automatic robots for panels deployed in locations such as carports, greenhouses, and shed rooftops. It also supplies fixed roof robots for massive installations in dusty conditions that require regular cleaning.

In the Middle East, Ecoppia uses solar-powered autonomous robots to clean PV panels overnight with soft microfibre and airflow rather than water, as high-pressure washing might harm the panels. The robots also clean their onboard solar panels and charge their batteries swiftly between activities.

2. Soap-Free Brushes and Sponges

Solar maintenance firms such as Bland Company and Premier Solar Cleaning in the United States have discovered that solar panel cleaning with deionized water and a rolling or vehicle-mounted brush eliminates the need for soap, which produces a residue that not only shadows panels but also attracts dirt.

Polywater, a lubricant company, has created a Solar Panel Wash that uses water to remove filth without leaving a film. SunSystem Technology removes filth with a solution of diluted vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.

In addition, homeowners can physically wash the solar panels with a garden hose and a soft sponge that does not contain any cleaning agents.

3. Waterless Vibration

Scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland and NASA-funded research in the United States have devised methods to force solar panels to vibrate to remove surface dust and debris. The Heriot-Watt approach involves attaching a direct-current (DC) motor to the back of a panel, which can be set to produce vertical vibrations. You can simply contact your solar panel company to avail this facility.

4. Nanoparticle Coatings

High temperatures, humidity, and pollution impact PV panel efficiency. A solar panel nano-coating refers to a specialized and extremely thin layer that is applied onto the surface of solar panels. This coating boosts the panel’s effectiveness by offering features like hydrophobicity (repelling water), oleophobicity (repelling oil), safeguarding against UV damage, and resilience against environmental elements.

The nanoparticle-based technology repels dust, making it easy to clean with water and highly clear. This ensures that the coating does not affect panel efficiency.

5. Manual Cleaning Work

Manually cleaning the PV panels is an excellent old-fashioned method! Robots, waterless vibration, and specific coating solutions are inventive and efficient, but in many cases, these solutions are relatively inexpensive and efficient. This is especially true for modest installations, whether residential or commercial, as well as specific buildings and installations like agrivoltaics. Some tools will be helpful when cleaning solar panels to help you complete the operation correctly. On the one hand, numerous specialized brushes rotate while removing soil from the panel. Any essential cleaning tool, such as those used on automobile windscreens, could also aid us.

Optimal Cleaning Time

According to studies, regularly cleaned solar panels operate up to 30% more efficiently than those that are left unattended. The frequency of cleaning depends on the local environment; for instance, panels in arid or agricultural regions might require more frequent cleaning due to dust and pollen accumulation.

Best Time: Clean the panels during the early morning or late evening to avoid cleaning them while they are hot, which could cause smearing or even damage.

Weather Consideration: Choose a cool or overcast day to prevent rapid evaporation that might leave spots.

Regular cleaning with non-abrasive products and water can successfully remove dirt and debris. However, professional cleanings can ensure thorough maintenance and long-term solar performance. By adopting these best practices for solar panel cleaning, you can ensure that your solar installation performs at optimal levels, providing maximum energy output and prolonging the lifespan of your investment.

Also Read: How Much Power Will Solar Panel 100 Watt Generate?