Solar panel cleaning: why is it important?

Solar panel cleaning: why is it important? The cells in a photovoltaic panel are connected in series. If a single cell is hidden from the sun by dirt, the efficiency of the whole panel decreases. Regular cleaning of solar panel installations is an essential key to maintaining their energy efficiency and extending their lifespan. Ground-mounted plants, solar farms, rooftops or solar shading systems: investing in a renewable energy production plant has won over many companies and institutions in France. It’s an investment, which means it needs to be properly maintained to pay for itself over the lifetime of the photovoltaic panels.

There are several important reasons why cleaning photovoltaic panels is essential. Here is a non-exhaustive list of essential reasons to clean solar panels:

           -Optimizing energy production

           -Preventing deterioration

           -Improved longevity

           -Preventing performance problems

           -Reduced maintenance costs

Why clean solar panels?

But why clean solar panels? Cleaning a solar panel, whether thermal or photovoltaic, is a necessary step in maintaining your system. If you don’t do it often enough, the solar panel’s performance will be reduced, the main cause usually being the layer of dirt that covers them. That’s why regular cleaning is so important, and will ensure that you benefit from solar energy with optimum production and results.

How often should solar panels be cleaned?

Regular cleaning of your solar panels is essential to maintain their efficiency and maximize their energy production. By following good cleaning practices, you can prevent the build-up of dirt and debris that could reduce your panels’ performance. If you live in an area with little rainfall, it’s advisable to clean your solar panels more frequently. Similarly, if you live near a heavily polluted area, you’ll need to clean your panels more often to remove dust and dirt deposits that could reduce their efficiency.

Preventive maintenance of solar panels

Solar panel maintenance: knowing how to detect when they need cleaningIt’s important to know how to detect when solar panels need cleaning. There are several signs that photovoltaic panels need cleaning. Here are the 4 main signs:

1-         Decline in energy production

2-       Accumulation of dirt or debris on the panels

3-       Observation of spots or shading on panels

4-      Disadvantageous environmental conditions 

Periodic cleaning is very important and will ensure that you benefit from solar energy with optimum production and results.