Maintaining constant efficiency and extending the life cycle
The cells of a photovoltaic panel are connected in series. If a single cell is hidden from the sun by dirt, the efficiency of the entire panel decreases. Depending on the natural environment around the solar power plant, we estimate that without cleaning, the efficiency drops by 2-15% per month.
From 4 to 7 € / panel
=
Average annual loss of production without cleaning*
*for a 350Wp PV panel, in France – average value, taking into account the local environment is crucial for an accurate estimation
Bird droppings easily cause hot spots that quickly damage the entire panel
Without cleaning procedures, pollution and cause an increasing loss of energy production
Annual global PV production losses due to non-cleaning of modules are estimated to be between $4 and $7 billion by 2023!
Source: Techno-Economic Assessment of Soiling Losses and Mitigation Strategies, 2019 for Solar Power Generation