Solar energy is among the most popular renewable energies since it comes with various advantages, including low energy bills and low emissions of CO2. But to improve the efficiency and durability of the panels, it is required to clean them periodically. This particular blog focuses on discussing the main advantages of maintaining the cleanliness of solar panels and the numbers that prove the necessity of this action.

1. Enhanced Efficiency and Performance 

Another advantage revolving around solar panel maintenance has to do with the power output of the panels, which is usually improved due to cleanliness. Many people tend to forget that during the installation of solar panels, there is bound to be dust and bird droppings on the surface of the panels, hindering the incoming sunbeams from entering the system fully. It was revealed in a study that the effectiveness of solar panels can decline by up to a quarter if they are dirty​.

2. Increased Energy Output 

The cleaning of solar panels enhances the production of electricity. Clean photovoltaic panels, as found in Google research realized in one of their solar farms, generate 36% more power if they are cleaned for a year than if they are left uncleaned. Apart from contributing to the reduction of demand for fossil energy, which has proven health hazardous, this increased energy output results in several advantages, including lower electricity bills in homes and businesses. 

3. Extended Lifespan of Solar Panels

Cleaning is essential since it preserves the efficiency of the panel by avoiding the accumulation of particles, which hinders the panel’s capacity to harness energy and may cause damage in the long run. Neglected products’ surfaces will create hotspots that gradually degrade the cellulose, and even create micro-cracks. Therefore, if you keep the panels clean, this problem will be eliminated, and the life cycle of the system will be longer. The claim from Solar Energy International is that proper maintenance of these solar panels makes them last for more than 25 years. 

4. Improved ROI (Return on Investment)

Solar power systems are capital intensive, and therefore, proper cleaning of the solar panels will assist in maximizing the return on investment. The energy produced during the next period is increased, and the lifespan of the panels also contributes to the improvement of the overall profit. Cleaning the solar panel system will also increase efficiency and, in turn, lower the return on investment within a shorter time than in cases where the solar panel system is not cleaned. 

5. Compliance with Warranty Requirements 

It is important to note that most manufacturers of solar panels have specifications for the maintenance that comes with the warranty. Cleaning services are usually stated as a requirement for ensuring that the warranty on items is still in effect. Observing these requirements will help you protect your warranty.

6. Aesthetic Appeal  

Clean solar panels are aesthetically pleasing and thus contribute to beautifying the appearance of the property. Regardless of whether they are being used in a house or a business building, clean panels are an indication of the owner’s maintaining standards of environmental conservation and detail.

7. Protection Against Potential Damage  

Problems that often include cracks, corrosion, or loose wiring can be detected during the cleaning process. When cleaning, you or a hired cleaner can observe the panels for signs of damage and work on solving the issue before it escalates. Such a preventive measure can help avoid extra expenditures on the necessary fixes in the future. 

8. Higher Resale Value 

If you are planning to sell your property, it will be quite useful if your property has a maintained solar panel system. Prospective buyers are likely to want a property with a clean and well-maintained system, as they will know that it will not take much to bring it up to par. Zillow also points out that houses with solar panels may be up to 4% more expensive than comparable houses that do not have them. 

9. Compliance with Local Regulations 

There are cases where regional authorities or utility companies demand routine cleaning and general system checks to confirm that the photovoltaic systems are free from harm. 

10. Contribution to Sustainability Goals  

Cleaning the solar panels more often goes a long way toward contributing more to environmental conservation through/clean energy production by the solar system. Most of your panels, if optimally placed and run, will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases as well as encourage the use of renewable sources of energy.