Get the Most Out of Your Investment: The Complete Guide to Solar Panel Maintenance and Cleaning

There are few investments that pay dividends as well as installing a solar energy system. However, too often solar panels are viewed as a set-and-forget type of technology, and nothing could be further from the truth. While highly durable, without the appropriate level of care and maintenance, even the most advanced solar panel technology may be unable to function at an optimal level for 25 years or more.

At MVT Solar, we are committed to ensuring your system operates efficiently by cleaning regularly. We've compiled the information below on the subject based on decades of experience in the solar energy industry and industry research data.

"Soiling": The Major Reason for Energy Loss in the Solar Industry One of the most common problems that occurs in the solar industry, which leads to decreased performance, is what is called "soiling".

In several places in India, particularly in developing cities or arid agricultural land, dust accumulation can be quite high. Studies have indicated that heavily contaminated panels can reduce power production efficiency by up to 25-50%. Think of buying a 10kW setup but being able to use only the energy produced by a 5kW setup due to a mere film of dirtiness on its surface. This disparity in efficiency will make you pay more on your electricity bill while reducing the rate at which your investment pays back.

"String" effect and hotspots Understanding the wiring of the solar panels is essential when considering the impact of contaminants on power output. In residential solar systems, "string inverters" are used to wire the panels. In this wiring technique, if one of the panels in the string becomes dirty with bird droppings or dust, the entire chain becomes affected.

Moreover, localized contamination such as bird droppings is even more dangerous. Due to their opacity and acidic nature, they prevent the sunlight from hitting certain cells. These particular cells become a resistor in the electric current flow; hence, they tend to heat up. Eventually, the heating may cause hotspots that can result in the degradation of the cells' performance or even breaking through the tempered glass.

The Golden Rules for Proper Cleaning of Solar Panels

Proper cleaning of solar panels can help maintain their efficiency and avoid expensive repairs; however, cleaning improperly will cost a fortune due to possible damages. Below, some rules need to be followed strictly:

1. Always Consider the Time Frame

Never try to clean your panels during the day when there is sunlight falling on them. The temperature on solar panels increases significantly under the burning Indian sun; therefore, applying cold water at this point can lead to thermal shock, which will shatter tempered glass. The perfect time to start cleaning your panels is before 8:00 AM and after 6:00 PM

2. Use the Right Equipment

Water: The best choice is de-mineralized or soft water, which does not leave scaling, which is more difficult to clean than the initial dust layer.

Brushes: Use only special solar sponges or brushes with delicate bristles.

No Pressure Washing: The high-pressure wash may damage the seals between the glass and the frame, allowing moisture to enter and causing failure.

3. Lack of abrasive materials

On its own, water should be abundant.. A small amount of biodegradable soap may be added if there are stubborn stains.. Avoid abrasive powders, ammonia, or bleach, which will remove the protective layer from the glass and lower its effectiveness.

A Complete Maintenance Guide

In addition to cleaning the glass, proper maintenance of solar panels involves an inspection every six months or annually.

Trees and Vegetation Control: Vegetation grows faster than one may think. What did not cause any shadows on the roof last year could be doing so now. It is recommended to regularly trim surrounding vegetation to allow for maximum exposure of the cells to the sun during the day, i.e., from 10 AM to 4 PM

Electrical Inspections: Look out for any indications of damage to your conduits and wires. Wires will be open to weather in rooftop systems. Ensure that the wires have not been bitten off by rats or become frayed due to strong winds.

Integrity of Mounting Structure: While at MVT Solar, we insist on rust resistance through Aluminum or Galvanized Iron structures, it's important to check the tension in the bolts, as well as the integrity of the mounting itself, especially after the monsoon season or a particularly strong wind storm.

Inverter Performance: The inverter is the brain of your solar panel system. Always monitor it through the display or the mobile app. A sudden dip in performance that does not coincide with bad weather conditions needs professional assistance.

When to Leave It to the Professionals?

Though many find the cleaning process fun and exciting, there may come a time when a homeowner would benefit from having professional technicians perform an inspection.

Professional maintenance involves the following:

Safety: For roofs that are very steep and/or for high-rise buildings, technicians will make sure that safety measures are put into place.

Thermal Imaging: Our infrared cameras can identify "invisible" faults such as cell cracks or micro-hot spots that would otherwise be difficult to locate with the naked eye.

System Calibration: We make sure that the inverter's firmware is up-to-date and that "Balance of System" (BOS) components work under safe operating conditions.

Conclusion:

Protecting Your 25-Year Investment A solar power plant requires a lifetime of 25 years from its owner. Regular maintenance in terms of monthly cleaning of your solar panels, as well as a technical audit once a year, will allow you to enjoy your system's performance for decades.

Dirty solar panels mean lost energy which translates into losing profits. It is vital not only to take care of your PV system, but also to enjoy its benefits and maximize profit from renewable resources.

If you are unsure about how well your solar system is working, feel free to call MVT Solar team. We can provide you with professional cleaning and maintenance services!