Cleaning Dust From Solar Panels

However unless you live somewhere with high amounts of smog dust dirt or sand blowing around solar panel cleaning is generally not necessary.

Cleaning dust from solar panels.

New research to keep solar panels clean and efficient. New solutions are necessary to maintain maximum collection. Read more about solar and snow here. Some of the sunniest places also don t get much rain which does a good job cleaning panels.

Cole said solar panel wash is especially helpful in arid locations where dust is high and water is scarce because the wash allows for less water to be used in cleaning. One of the reasons for this is dirt. While there are still diy services and professional solutions to eliminate any soiling on your array industry innovations are also paving the way for easier upkeep. Special coatings for glass to repel dust and reduce.

Admittedly it is a very shallow hill and it might take over 40 years to get to the bottom but day one is going to be as good as it gets. Remember that solar panels can become extremely hot in the sun so schedule your maintenance session in the early morning at dusk if possible or on a cloudy day. If the sun is beating down on the panels any water used can quickly evaporate and dirt will become smeared. Clean your solar panelson an overcast day early in the morning or in the evening.

Attempt to spray off the first layer of loose dirt dust and debris with a regular garden hose. Clean the surface of the solar panel with a soft cloth or sponge. Fill a bucket or spray bottle with warm water and soap no other special equipment is needed. As soon as your panels are out in the open in the clean air or not so clean air dust.

After that it is all down hill. The task of solar panels cleaning is not worth your life. Dust adhesion on solar panels is a major challenge to energy harvesting through photovoltaic cells and solar thermal collectors. If a lot of dust and dirt has accumulated you might need to clean more thoroughly.

In most cases occasional rain will be enough to naturally and safely keep your solar panels clean and free of debris that could lower production. And snow actually cleans your panels as it melts taking any dust and dirt with it as it slides off the slick module surface. Early morning can be a particularly good time for cleaning as dew that has settled on the panels overnight will likely have softened grime. You do not have to clean the wiring underneath.

Because you don t want to scratch the panels in any way it s best to use just water and a non abrasive sponge to apply soapy water. Essentially in the same manner you would wash your car at home. The most effective way to clean your solar panels is with a hose and a bucket of soapy water.