Solar panels are created in such a way that they make the most of the solar energy and convert it into electricity. But even a dust or grime can prevent light reaching the cells before reaching them. Field experiments indicate that any 1% dirt on your panels can cause a decrease in energy production of 3 to 5 percent, that is, you lose more power than the area coverage would tend to indicate.
Why a Little Dirt makes a big Impact
Dirt rarely spreads evenly. Rather, it lays in patches and streaks. These dark spots stop the current flowing through the whole chain of solar cells. This imbalance has been dubbed the hot spot effect whereby a small amount of dust can lead to causing a larger proportional loss in production.
- Uneven Shading: The presence of one dirty cell can impair the functioning of other cells.
- Light Scattering: The dust alters the texture of the surface, and reflects sunlight rather than allowing it to pass through.
- Heat Buildup: The dirty spots become warmer and the resistance increases making the voltage less.
Real-World Energy Loss
In a home system that would normally generate 500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each month. One percent of dirt causes a loss of 3 percent, or a loss of around 15 kWh of energy each month, which is sufficient to run large appliances a few days. Over a year, that’s 180 kWh or more. This loss of kilowatt-hours is simply subtracted from the credits that lower your power bill in areas with net-metering.
In bigger commercial arrays generating thousands of kWh of power per day, the economic blow is even bigger. Something that may appear as a fine coating of dust may cost hundreds of dollars in wasted energy within one season.
Why Rain Can’t Solve the Problem
Lots of house owners believe that panels will get clean after natural rain. In fact, minerals and urban pollutants are usually present in rainwater. As it evaporates, it leaves streaks and spots, which block still more light. The cities such as Karachi with its combination of sea salts, humidity, and dust accumulate these mineral stains at a faster rate.
Caring Effects Frequent Washing To Safeguard your Investment
Regular work of a professional cleaner maintains the panels in their highest efficiency. Key benefits include:
- Stable Production: The highest amount of sunlight collected implies the highest amount of electricity produced.
- Longer Lifespan: The elimination of dirt eliminates hot spots and micro-cracks that reduce the amount of time that panel life span.
- Better Savings: Clean panels provide greater net-metering credits and reduced bills.
Tap water is not the best choice since they are full of minerals that can leave an impression. The best is pure, deionized water and this is what professional services utilize.
It is Professional Service that Counts
Solar Sweep companies are also specialized in cleaning that is safe and free of chemicals. They clean the dust, bird droppings and mineral stains with purified water and soft, non-abrasive equipment without scratching the glass or damaging electrical parts. Maintenance plans are done on a seasonal basis so that the panels remain cleared during a dusty summer, humid monsoon and following a heavy wind.
Conclusion
The layer of grime does not have to be thick to damage your solar investment. Even a single percent of dirt on your panels can lower your energy production, which will drop your percentage of monthly saving, and postpone the payback period of your system. Professional cleaning such as the pure-water service provided by Solar Sweep keeps the panels clean, production high, and your electricity bills at the lowest all year round.
