Owning a solar system accrues numerous benefits, especially with the frequent erratic and unreliable power supply experienced by economic agents, especially in Africa. The benefits of having a solar system include less exorbitant electricity bills, a net zero carbon emission home, protection from price rises in electricity and a host of other benefits, such as supporting local businesses and contributing to energy independence. Although these solar systems could be capital-intensive, the long-term merits supersede the demerits.
It is essential to understand all there is to know about the upkeep and maintenance of these solar systems, especially the cleaning and caring for the panels, to get the most out of such an investment. In order to maximize the benefits of owning a solar system, you should avoid the following:
- Unnecessary Washing of the Panels
It is essential to be careful while cleaning these panels to avoid damaging any delicate electronics and wiring. While it can be fun to make your panels sparkle and shine, it’s generally only necessary to clean them if they are excessively dusty, which might be affecting their performance, or if there are creepy crawlies hanging out on them. A rain shower is often enough to keep your panels clean and functioning at their best.
- Avoid the Use of Abrasives
If there is an urgent need to wash the solar panels, it’s crucial to exercise caution and avoid using any abrasive materials or methods. It may be tempting to break out the heavy-duty scrubbers and harsh cleaning solutions to tackle tough dirt and grime, but these can end up doing more harm than good.
Abrasives can scratch and damage the surface of your panels, reducing their efficiency and even causing permanent damage. The solar panels are usually covered with silicone sealant to prevent water from seeping in and short-circuiting the system. This silicone is designed to repel water, but that doesn’t mean it will repel anything else, like oil, dirt or mud. If you clean your panels with abrasives like steel wool, you could damage the sealant and allow moisture in, which could lead to short circuits.
The simple rule is that if the cleaning material is not designed to clean solar panels, don’t use it. Just make sure to steer clear of any abrasive materials.
- Avoid the Use of Harsh Chemicals
Harsh cleaning agents can do more harm than good if applied to solar panels. They can strip away the protective coating on the solar panels, reducing their efficiency and even causing permanent damage. The anti-reflective coatings, EVA coatings, tempered glass, and more can be damaged. These could consequently affect the environment, releasing harmful chemicals into the air and water. Also, they can be potentially dangerous to your health if not used properly.
- Avoid High-pressure Water Jets
Though high-pressure water may seem like a quick and easy way to blast away dirt and debris, it can do more harm than good. High-pressure water jets can damage the delicate surface of your panels, causing scratches and reducing their efficiency. Using high-pressure washers on solar panels can stress the photovoltaic cells embedded in the panel’s surface. The cell is tough and durable, but it is not designed for continuous exposure to water at high speeds. In fact, flooding a cell with water at high speed is one of the main ways that manufacturers test their PV cells to see how well they can hold up over time. In addition, these powerful streams of water can force water and debris underneath the panels, potentially causing damage to the wiring and electronics.
It is advisable to engage the services of an expert if the solar panels need to be cleaned or washed. Instead of risking damage from improper cleaning, contact someone who knows what they’re doing and can ensure that nothing happens to your solar panels.
In conclusion, the best recommendation is to leave the panels alone and allow nature to do the cleaning for you or engage a solar expert.