Benefits Of Cleaning Solar Panels

The potential energy loss depends on the level of filth your solar panels have accumulated.

Benefits of cleaning solar panels. If the cells aren t clean then less sunlight is able to be absorbed and less electricity is generated. However unless you live somewhere with high amounts of smog dust dirt or sand blowing around solar panel cleaning is generally not necessary in most cases occasional rain will be enough to naturally and safely keep your solar panels clean and free of debris that could lower production. Cleaning solar panels are similar to cleaning typical windows and research indicates that frequent cleaning boosts its overall efficiency. Solar panels that are not regularly and properly cleaned will lose up to 80 of their effectiveness.

When sunlight hits a solar cell it excites the electrons in the semiconductor material and it s this energy that can be captured as electricity. A test done by one company found the amount the efficiency is lowered is minute maybe 5 per cent or less. Regular washing removes the dirt on the solar panels that diminish the maximum collection of sunlight. Solar panel cleaning is a great chance to check your panels over and make sure they are in good condition.

Another company found that a thorough clean made the panels 3 5 per cent more efficient. And with a typical 5 kw system this might equate to about 20 of loss in your energy bill. Keeping solar panels clean can also improve their efficiency. Dirty solar panels are less efficient than clean ones dust bird droppings and leaves hinder the solar panels to operate at maximum efficiency.

There are reasons why cleaning solar panels is extremely beneficial for someone who owns a system. Keeping solar panels clean maintains their effectiveness and allows you to get the most uv and power out of them. Your solar panels need to be exposed to sunlight in order to produce power. Finally cleaning your solar cells extends their life.

If solar panels are dirty you are missing out on the savings they are designed to provide on your power bill.