In addition to providing clean, renewable energy, solar panels are designed with materials that resist inclement weather. However, it is important to choose Solar Panels High quality and made Proper maintenance To maintain its energy efficiency. In this article we explain how to clean and care for solar panels to maximize long-term performance.
Solar panels: cleaning and care
While solar panels are installed at a strategic angle so that rain will naturally wash them away, in some cases, the panels can do this Dirt accumulates, soil, Leaves y Stool to Avifactors that reduce its performance and electrical output.
To mitigate this effect, it is crucial Clean solar panelsBut be careful, if the panels are installed on steep surfaces, it is better to hire a professional cleaning service. Your safety first!
However, if the solar panels are easily accessible, you can clean them yourself. In fact, this is more than recommended if you have a photovoltaic array on your balcony.
Necessary tools and materials
- Clean water
- Mild soap or pH neutral detergent
- Soft brush or sponge
- Garden hose with adjustable sprayer
- Microfiber cloth or mop
- Ladder (if needed to reach panels)
Steps to manually clean solar panels:
1. Turn off the solar system: Before starting cleaning, turn off the solar system to avoid any electrical hazard.
2. Wait for the boards to cool: Try to clean your solar panels when they are cool, i.e. first thing in the morning or late afternoon. Only in this way do we prevent temperature contrasts from causing breakage and damage to the glass.
3. Removes surface dirt: Use a garden hose with a gentle spray nozzle to spray warm water onto the boards to remove surface dirt such as dust and other particles.
4. Preparation A Cleaning solution: Mix clean water with mild soap or non-abrasive detergent in a bucket.
5. Cleaning panels: Use a soft brush or sponge to apply the cleaning solution to the solar panels, working in small sections from top to bottom.
6. Rinse Clean water: Rinse the panels with clean water to remove soap residue.
If you notice any stubborn stains on the board, such as bird droppings, remove them with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol.
7. Sika Los Plates: Use a soft cloth or microfiber cloth to gently dry the boards to avoid water marks. If the panels are very large, use a mop with an extendable handle (the ones used to clean tiles and walls).
8. to examine Los Plates: After cleaning, inspect the photovoltaic panels to ensure that there are no damages or defects that may affect their performance.
Now, how often is it necessary to do this cleaning? According to experts from Smart Spainit is necessaryClean baseboards at least twice a yearEspecially in those areas with high levels of pollution, dust and dirt.
More ways to clean solar panels
Below we show you other common cleaning methods for solar panels:
Cleaning Tools
It is possible to find on the market a wide range of products for cleaning solar panels. Most notable are an extendable telescopic bar that allows you to reach the highest areas and specialized center means for cleaning these devices.
Professional cleaner
Professional cleaning is recommended to maintain the integrity of solar panels installed on very high and inaccessible surfaces.
Most professional cleaning companies, including the installers themselves, offer solar panel cleaning services.
Automated cleaning
Did you know that in photovoltaic parks there are semi-automated robots responsible for cleaning these panels? These robots move smoothly over the panels and clean them using soft microfibers and air flows to remove dirt.
Vibration without water
Another popular method for cleaning solar panels is waterless shaking. In it, a motor attached to the back of the solar panel generates vertical vibrations that remove dust from the panels.
Nanoparticle coating
In harsh environments, the solar panels are covered with a transparent layer of nanoparticles that repel dust and facilitate cleaning with rainwater.
Additional tips for caring for solar panels
To make sure your home’s solar panels have a long useful life, always clean them with mild products. And also:
- Avoid using any abrasive cleaners that may corrode the glass or damage the systems.
- Do not use high pressure water as this may damage the plate surface.
- If the baseboards are very dirty, consider hiring a professional to do a deeper cleaning.
- Keep a record of the cleaning operations performed and their impact on the performance of the solar panels.
Regular cleaning of solar panels is essential to ensure their efficiency and extend their useful life. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to keep your solar panels in optimal condition and make the most of their ability to generate clean, sustainable energy.
