How to Clean Photovoltaic Solar Panels

After the installation of solar photovoltaic panels, it is inevitable to encounter situations such as dust, fallen leaves, bird droppings, etc. Accumulation on the module surface can significantly impact the electricity generation of solar photovoltaic panels. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly clean the solar photovoltaic modules and solar panels.

According to industry statistics, regularly cleaning photovoltaic solar panels can effectively increase electricity generation by around 8 percent per year.

So, how do we clean photovoltaic solar panels? How often is it appropriate to clean them? What are the recommended tools for cleaning solar panels? Let’s explore these questions together with solar panel manufacturers today.

Currently, owners of residential solar panels can clean their solar panels themselves. In the absence of special circumstances, there is no need to spend money on professional maintenance teams.

The cleaning tools for solar panels are also common, such as high-pressure water guns, solar panel cleaning brush, cotton mops, and more. These tools are cost-effective and easy to use.

During cleaning, if there is only a small amount of dust on the surface of the solar panels, simply rinsing with a high-pressure water gun may be sufficient. If there are particles such as sand or soil on the surface, use a high-pressure water gun to wash them off and then use a soft brush to scrub to prevent particles from sticking to the panels.

For sticky contaminants such as bird droppings or oil, clean with a clean cloth, rinse with glass cleaner, and then rinse thoroughly with a water gun. It is important to note that during the use of a high-pressure water gun, attention should be paid to the pressure, as excessive pressure may damage the solar panels.

What should be considered when cleaning solar panels?

(1) Choose cleaning times in the early morning, evening, or at night, avoiding high-temperature periods such as noon to prevent damage to solar panels.

(2) During cleaning, avoid direct contact between hard or sharp objects and the solar panels.

(3) Avoid stepping on solar panels, brackets, and other components, as this may damage the station and affect its lifespan.

According to current industry maintenance experience, in rainy and snowy seasons like winter, cleaning can be done once a month (clean promptly if there is significant accumulation), and in other months, cleaning can be done twice a month.

For areas with northwest wind and sand, it depends on specific conditions. Note: Try to avoid using soapy water when cleaning components. Typically, when we wash our hands with soap, a thin film is left behind.

Similarly, washing components with soap can leave a thin film or residue on the surface, promoting faster adhesion and accumulation of dust, affecting the power generation of the station. Additionally, avoid using other corrosive cleaning agents.

The above information is provided by solar photovoltaic panel manufacturers about how to clean solar panels. We hope it can be helpful to you.