Why You Need Washing Solar Panels for Maximum Efficiency?
Introduction
Washing solar panels increases their energy output considerably. So it’s very important to be well aware of the advantages and all the safe methods to wash solar plates. Safety first during this activity can refrain you from the regret of any loss to the solar system and injury to any personnel. Solar panels’ main purpose is to convert sunlight into electricity.
These are very popular and getting much attention as a renewable energy source. After the installation of solar panels as per solar system design, proper system maintenance is required. To ensure that solar panels work efficiently and produce maximum electricity, it’s essential to keep them clean. I will provide you with all the necessary information on how to get the most from solar panels with planned maintenance strategies.
Maintenance of PV Solar System
Maintenance of a PV System is necessary for a successful and smooth operation. Various types of maintenance are performed in PV power plants Preventive Maintenance, Corrective Maintenance and Predictive Maintenance. These are techniques to plan maintenance activities for planned maintenance like annual, and semi-annual maintenance as per the manufacturer and IEC standards. Washing of solar plates is an essential part of solar system maintenance and is needed frequently. In this article further I will discuss in detail the importance and safety precautions while cleaning solar panels.
Need of Washing Solar Panels
Regular well-planned solar module cleaning is an important integral part of solar maintenance and the issues related to soiled panels are often underestimated. Much delayed and prolonged periods between module cleaning can result in bird droppings chemical reaction and fungal growth, both of which can be extremely difficult to remove.
The operational performance efficiency of the solar modules is highly affected by soil accumulation on the surface of solar panels. Soiling dust particles limit the total effective irradiance and, therefore, decrease the output of the solar PV module. Research results from NREL showed that there is a 7% increase in the efficiency of solar panels with washing. The importance of cleaning solar panels will be further cleared from the below advantages.
Increased Efficiency
With the passage of time many soiling particles like dust, dirt, debris and other waste of birds accumulate on solar panels causing the reduction in their efficiency. So regular washing is necessary to ensure maximum sunlight absorption so the solar system will generate more electricity for your home and reduce your electricity bills.
Longer Life
Well clean solar panels have a longer life span. Sand elements work as sandpaper on a microscopic level and slowly wear down the protective coating. Sand also causes corrosion on the structure and frame of the panel so regular washing will sweep all the sand and keep panels clean and live longer safely.
Safety Inspection
During washing you can inspect solar panels for hotspots, cracks and all the wiring cables. Any potential risk will be caught timely and remedies can be followed as per standard operating procedures to avoid a big loss.
What Should be the Frequency to Wash Solar Panels?
As the amount of dust or soiling on the panels will vary from location to location in desert areas, near industrial areas, agricultural land, or railway lines. The frequency required for cleaning of solar panels must be decided at the site. The most efficient and optimal method to inspect whether cleaning is required or not is human inspection.
In Pakistan, on normal days cleaning of solar panels weekly or twice a month is good practice for maximum generation. After some dusty storm, you can wash panels as required keeping in view the safety requirements.
Important Safety Precautions for Washing Solar Panels
During washing always follow safety precautions from the solar panel manufacturer. As an expert PV Solar engineer i recommend the following safety checklist which can be applied during washing panels of your home or commercial solar system.
Use PPE
Always use personal protective equipment to keep yourself safe during cleaning. Must wear properly inspected safety shoes and gloves as safety first measurement.
Time of Washing
Never wash solar panels during hot and high temperatures. Doing so can create cracks in the solar panel and finish the warranty. The most recommended times are in the early morning or very late evening when atmospheric temperature and module temperature are lower. For the safe side see recommendations of your manufacturer but in most of cases modules temperature around 50 degrees if safe. These cracks will lead to a decrease the efficiency and ultimately damage further.
Water Quality
Remember to wash solar panels with high-quality ultra-pure water. In some areas underground water is not good for washing of solar panels so borehole or tap-water is not recommended by the manufacturer. As salty or acidic non-filtered water will cause damage to the solar panel glass. So for longer life as guaranteed by OEM of solar panels always use clean water.
Panel and Water Temperature
Monitoring water and panel temperature is also crucial for safe washing of solar panels. It should be the same in the ideal case. But for real case scenarios there should not be more than 20 degrees centigrade difference in the temperature of water and the solar panel.
Avoid Hard Chemicals
Do not use any harsh chemicals on the surface of the panels as it can void the manufacturer’s warranty and damage the panel’s glass. If some detergents are recommended by the OEM, then prefer to use those only and must be biodegradable and comply with local environmental regulations.
Avoid Abraising
Do not be too harsh with the panels. Use soft wrappers or brushes to clean panels while washing as hard rub can cause scratches on the panels.
Water Pressure
Make sure to use a safe limit of water pressure during panel washing and in line with the panel manufacturer guarantees guidelines also mentioned in the IEC-61215 (maximum pressure load) it should be less <35 bar (500 PSI) at the nozzle.
Professional Trainings
Always seek help from the professionals in case of any ambiguity. For your commercial solar project get proper training from authorized persons.
Methods of Washing Solar Panels
Module cleaning methods therefore vary from manual to robotic and mechanical, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages
Manual Washing
Use a soft brush or wrapper with water from the nozzle to gently clean all the dust and other droppings on the solar panels. First shower water with permissible pressure on the panels then use wrappers for removing dust.
Automatic Robots for Solar Panel Cleaning
There are many automatic solar panel cleaning robots for washing solar panels. There are various models with different washing capabilities. They just travel on the panels and have the option to clean panels with or without water. Perfectly designed with soft rotating brushes. Ideal and much cost effective if you have a large number of panels and do not want to bear repetitive labor costs.
Conclusion
Keeping your solar panels clean is very crucial for maximum electricity production and longer lifespans. Follow proper guidelines and methods to wash panels at suitable regular intervals depending upon the requirements for your site. Adopt safety is the first policy, use safety kits, make sure the panels are earthed properly, and do not touch any bear wire.