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Is washing photovoltaic panels advisable and what to look out for?

Protection and care of photovoltaic panels: the key to their efficiency

Keeping photovoltaic panels clean is an important aspect of maintenance, affecting their efficiency. Although rain and snow can naturally clean the panels, regular washing can significantly improve their efficiency. If you want to take professional care of your panels, this article is for you!

When and how to clean photovoltaic panels? Who should take care of this?

In this article you will find out:

  • Why you should clean PV panels,
  • Who can do it,
  • Which means are best for this purpose,
  • When is the best time to carry out the cleaning.

Why is it worth cleaning PV panels?

Solar panels are effective when they are free of contaminants such as dust, sand, moss, exhaust fumes or bird droppings. These contaminants can reduce the efficiency of the panels by up to 20% if they are not removed regularly. Therefore, it is a good idea to regularly maintain the cleanliness of the panels to keep the performance of your photovoltaic system high.

How do I look after my photovoltaic panels?

Cleaning the panels is not easy and requires the right materials and skills. Getting out on the roof can be risky, so consider hiring professionals. Many companies offer a service that includes panel cleaning as part of the warranty.

How and with what do I clean my photovoltaic panels?

Before cleaning your panels, it is worth bearing in mind a few key points. Panels should be cleaned with products that will not damage their surface. The best choices are:

  • Distilled water or rainwater,
  • A mixture of glass cleaner and wine vinegar.

For cleaning, it is best to use:

  • A soft nylon sponge,
  • A soft brush.

Who should clean the photovoltaic panels?

You can clean the panels yourself or use the services of specialists. Self-cleaning is possible if you have easy access to the panels and adequate protection. This is particularly convenient for ground-mounted installations. For rooftop installations, it is better to entrust this task to professionals.

What to avoid when cleaning photovoltaic panels?

When cleaning the panels, avoid:

  • Walking on the panels,
  • Using tap water,
  • Using a pressure washer, which can damage the panels.

Following these rules will help to avoid damage and maintain the high performance of the panels.

When is the best time to wash photovoltaic panels?

Photovoltaic panels are best washed twice a year - in spring and summer, when pollution is most intense. In areas with frequent rainfall, the frequency of washing can be lower. However, during periods of intense pollution, such as harvesting or pollen season, washing may be necessary more often.

Do photovoltaic panels need to be cleared of snow?

Yes, lingering snow on photovoltaic panels can negatively affect their efficiency. It is important to remove snow in a way that does not damage the panels. Washing the panels in winter is not recommended, as this can lead to damage.

Modern solutions: self-cleaning photovoltaic panels

One modern solution is self-cleaning photovoltaic panels, which have built-in sprinklers. The system works in two stages: first the panels are washed with a mixture of water and soap and then rinsed with clean water. The process takes place under low pressure, which minimises the risk of damaging the panels.

Keeping photovoltaic panels clean is crucial to their efficiency and longevity. Regular cleaning and proper care will ensure the maximum performance of your photovoltaic installation for many years to come.

You can also use professional companies that offer panel cleaning services, and more and more of these are appearing on the market.

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