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 account the total production costs over the system’s lifetime. Currently, few projects directly incorporate the costs associated with not cleaning. However, this approach is gaining ground because it allows for the anticipation and minimization of energy losses and the risk of module degradation.
Incorporating the costs of non-cleaning from the outset is complex: the impact of site-specific fouling would need to be measured over at least a year, any environmental changes anticipated, extreme weather events taken into account, and the formation of lichens or mosses anticipated.
This is why many developers are now choosing a proactive approach: using cleaning robots or specialized companies, which not only maintain optimal performance but also protect the lifespan of the panels. A post-summer cleaning session, for example, can prevent the growth of microorganisms that compromise PV cells.
In summary, photovoltaic modules never produce at 100% of their potential if fouling is not managed. On-site measurement and appropriate analysis will determine the optimal cleaning frequency and guide the choice between automation, outsourcing, or financial compromise.
