A photovoltaic installation is an investment for many years – not only in cheaper electricity, but also in greater energy independence. However, for the system to actually operate at full speed, it is worth taking care of more than just the proper installation of photovoltaic panels. The key to failure-free operation and maintaining high efficiency is regular maintenance, inspection and, above all, cleaning of photovoltaic panels.
Why do clean panels mean an efficient installation?
Over time, dust, pollen, soot, bird droppings and leaves settle on the surface of the panels. Even a thin layer of dirt can significantly reduce the amount of light reaching the cells, and thus reduce energy production. In extreme cases, efficiency can drop by as much as a dozen or so percent!
Moreover, contamination can lead to uneven heating of the module surface and the formation of so-called hot spots – local overheating of cells, which in the long term negatively affects their efficiency and may shorten the life of photovoltaic panels.
Therefore, it is worth taking care of photovoltaic panels not only for aesthetic reasons, but above all to keep them fully functional. This is especially important in spring and summer, when dust is the highest and solar panels work with the highest intensity. Regular cleaning is a simple way to maximize the potential of a photovoltaic installation.
Washing photovoltaic panels – how and when?
It is best to wash photovoltaics in the early morning or evening, when the panels are cool and there is no risk of thermal shock. It is possible to wash photovoltaic panels yourself, as long as you use the right products and tools. It is worth avoiding pressure washers, which can damage the panels, as well as strong detergents and hard water, which can leave streaks or damage their surface.
To clean the panels yourself, it is recommended to use demineralized water, a standard lance with soft bristles and cleaning agents intended for delicate surfaces. Such gentle cleaning allows you to effectively remove dirt without the risk of scratching or damaging the structure of the cells.
Do-it-yourself cleaning or professional services?
If you do not have access to the roof, the right equipment or you simply want to be sure that the cleaning will be risk-free, it is worth ordering professional cleaning of photovoltaic panels. Companies offering such a service use specialist preparations, use water with a soft pH and have devices that allow for safe cleaning of panels even at height. This is a good solution especially for larger installations, where regular cleaning can really translate into the full efficiency of the system.
Not just washing – or about inspections and care
How to take care of photovoltaics in full? In addition to cleaning photovoltaic panels, equally important are issues that often fade into the background - which is a pity, because they have a real impact on their efficiency, failure-free operation and the life of the entire installation.
First: regular technical inspections. Once a year (and preferably after winter or intense storms) it is worth checking the condition of cable connections, the tightness of junction boxes and the stability of the mounting structure. Sometimes a slight loosening or corrosion of the connector can lead to a decrease in the efficiency of the panels or - in extreme cases - serious failures.
Secondly: monitoring the operation of the installation. Most modern inverters allow you to monitor energy production on an ongoing basis. Drops in generation that are not due to weather can be the first sign that something is wrong – dirt, shade, technical fault. A quick reaction means less loss and a faster return to full system efficiency.
It is also worth taking care of the area around the panels – avoid vegetation that casts a shadow, make sure that leaves or tree needles do not settle on them. Properly installed photovoltaic panels are less susceptible to dirt and much easier to maintain, so it is good to consider their location at the design stage.
Simple ways to extend the life of photovoltaics
By taking care of your photovoltaic panels, you not only extend their lifespan, but also significantly increase energy production and maximize your return on investment. Regular cleaning of photovoltaic panels, periodic technical inspections, environmental monitoring and performance monitoring are the foundations that will ensure that your photovoltaic installation will operate without failure for many years. Regardless of whether you decide to wash the panels yourself or use professional photovoltaic cleaning services, it is worth remembering that clean panels mean greater efficiency and better use of every ray of sun. And now that you know how to take care of photovoltaics, make sure that it works as efficiently as possible - every day.
