How to Clean Solar Panels?

Solar panels cleaning is a regular work for better performance of rooftop solar. But, do you know how to clean solar panels? We have surveyed many rooftop solar projects across India ranging from small rooftop solar (1kW to 10kW), mid-sized solar projects (15kW to 50kW) and large rooftop solar projects (100kW to 350kW). According to our personal experience, we will share tips about cleaning solar panels. 

Do not clean your solar panels if it is raining or if the sun is shining directly on them. The water will dry too quickly and leave streaks, and the heat from the sun can damage the panels. Also shut down the power supply before cleaning. Use a soft cloth, a mild soapy solution, a garden hose, and a ladder if your panels are on your roof. You can also add a few drops of mild dish soap to a bucket of water. Dip the cloth in the soapy solution/ use a wiper with soft cloth and wring it out until it is damp. Wipe the panels down with the damp cloth, starting from the top and working your way down. Be sure to clean all sides of the panels, including the edges and the backs. Rinse the panels with the garden hose to remove any soap residue. Use the cloth to dry the panels completely.

Cleaning Process for Small Rooftop Solar Projects

Small Rooftop Solar Projects are installed in residential homes and small businesses. Generally, these projects have 2 to 20 solar panels installed. We know that a solar panel is made of multiple components such as solar cells, glass, backsheet, aluminum frame, junction box, and more. When wind flows then dust comes and settles on the glass of solar panels. This glass is tempered glass so during the cleaning process, we must know to not use hard or dirty clothes to avoid scratches.

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Cleaning Process for Mid & Large Rooftop Solar Projects

Large solar projects are generally installed at larger spaces, in industries, big businesses, large car parking, etc. These projects have capacity ranging from 15kW to 50kW in case of mid-sized solar projects and 100kW to 350kW for large rooftop solar projects. Since these projects are huge, the number of installed solar panels are also high. Hence it will be better to use automated cleaning techniques rather than using man power or you have to employ 2-4 persons to do the job and that too on a regular basis. With the advancements in technology and Artificial Intelligence, AI can be used to automate the cleaning of solar panels. This can help to improve the efficiency of solar panels and reduce the need for manual labor. For example, AI can be used to control a robotic arm that cleans solar panels with a soft cloth.

Things to keep in mind before cleaning solar panels:

• Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials to clean your solar panels. These can damage the panels and void your warranty.
• Be careful not to over-wet the panels. Too much water can seep into the seams and damage the seals.
• If your panels are heavily soiled, you may need to clean them more often. However, most solar panels only need to be cleaned once or twice a year.

Conclusion

Cleaning solar panels is a regular affair. So if you are not comfortable cleaning your solar panels yourself, you can hire a professional solar panel cleaner. The cleaner the solar panels are, the better will be its efficiency and power generation. Mid and large rooftop solar projects can produce a significant amount of electricity, so it is important to take steps to protect your investment. By following these simple steps, you can help to keep your solar panels clean and free of dirt, debris, and bird droppings.