How to clean solar panels at home?
Even small photovoltaic systems need to be cleaned regularlyto maintain their efficiency. Dust, pollen, bird droppings, andurban debris reduce electricity production. Proper maintenance is thereforeessential. Why clean your solar panels? A dirty panel can lose up to 15% of its performance. Cleaning helps to maintain optimal production and extend the lifespan of the modules. Robot […]
Should you choose dry or wet cleaning?
The choice between dry or wet cleaning of solar panels doesn’t have a universal answer, as it depends directly on the environment and the exposure of your photovoltaic installation. In some desert or rural areas, where industrial pollution is almost non-existent, one might think that dry cleaning would be sufficient. However, even in these conditions, […]
Is reduced PV electricity production the only negative impact of fouling?
Soiling of photovoltaic panels not only reduces electricity production, it can also have structural consequences for the modules. PV systems are designed to last an average of 20 to 30 years, but the accumulation of dirt promotes the formation of hot spots that overheat some cells. These localized areas can irreversibly damage the panel, reducing […]
Isn’t rain enough to clean photovoltaic panels?
Many people wonder if rain is enough to clean photovoltaic panels. While rain has a temporary positive effect by removing some dust and light particles, it is no substitute for a thorough cleaning. Like your car’s windshield, rain alone does not provide the mechanical action needed to loosen even the most stubborn deposits or sand […]
How often should I have my photovoltaic system cleaned?
The cleaning frequency of a photovoltaic system cannot be summed up in a universal rule: it depends on many factors specific to your site and environment. Climatic conditions play a major role: rain, humidity, dew, wind, and temperature directly influence the accumulation of dust and dirt on your panels. The nature of the dirt is […]
Is it worth investing in cleaning technology or outsourcing to a cleaning company rather than factoring in PV production losses due to fouling from the start of a project?
When planning a photovoltaic project, some developers wonder whether it is better to invest in cleaning technology upfront or outsource to a specialized company rather than accept production losses due to panel soiling. In most cases, the financial calculations for a PV project are based on the LCOE (Levelized Cost Of Energy), which takes into […]
Does the tilt of the panels affect fouling?
The tilt of solar panels plays a significant role in their fouling and, consequently, in the energy performance of a photovoltaic system. Studies show that modules installed flat accumulate dust, sand, pollen, and other particles more easily than those tilted at a steeper angle. However, the angle is not the only factor: the wind direction, […]