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Solar Panel Cleaning Guide
Ensuring Optimal Performance with Solar Panel Cleaning in South Africa
With an increase in the demand for renewable energy across the globe, as well as loadshedding and the uncertainty of South Africa's electricity supply, solar panels have emerged as a popular solution for both residential and commercial energy needs providing cost savings, reliability and more eco-friendly means to generating electricity.
While some may assume that solar panels may be sufficiently cleaned by rain alone - this is not the case. Over time, the dust, dirt, bird droppings and other debris accumulate on the surface of the panels. This build-up eventually acts as a barrier between the sun and the solar panels, which in turn reduces the panel's efficiency, with dirty solar panels potentially losing up to 30% of their power generation capacity.
How often should you have your solar panels cleaned?
Solar panels do not require much maintenance, it is recommended that solar panels are given a thorough clean at least twice a year. However the frequency may depend on various factors such as location, weather conditions and pollution in the area. Cleaning may be required more regularly in outlying, agricultural or industrial areas where dust is more common. It is recommended that the performance of your solar panels are monitored regularly using monitoring systems or software, enabling you to identify the energy production trends of your panels and when they may require cleaning.
What is the best way to clean your solar panels?
When it comes to cleaning solar panels, it is recommended that you get your panels cleaned by professionals who are equipped with the necessary gear and expertise. Solar panel cleaning companies that handle the cleaning will have professional solar panel cleaning equipment and this also ensures that you don’t have to lay down extensive capital. If you are a business that has many solar panels that require cleaning, or if you are looking into starting your own solar panel cleaning business; Cleantecs is a globally recognized brand with the equipment being manufactured in Germany with an emphasis on quality and cleaning efficiency. These professional-grade tools ensure thorough cleaning without causing damage to the panels.
Water filtration system for solar panel cleaning
De-Ionized resin filter system
Professional Solar Panel Cleaners typically make use of “pure water”, otherwise known as Deionized water or a reverse-osmosis system. Deionized water removes impurities that can leave streaks or spots on the panels, ensuring a clean and clear surface for optimal sunlight absorption.
Deionized water is recommended over a reverse osmosis system as deionized water produces purer water; however the reverse osmosis system will still lower the total dissolved solids of the water source. Additionally, Cleantecs solar panel cleaning equipment eliminates the need for additional cleaning agents, utilizing only water pressure to effectively clean the panels.
What Equipment is needed to clean solar panels?
For those considering entering the solar panel cleaning industry, investing in quality equipment will save you both time and money. With the use of Cleantecs solar panel cleaning equipment, contractors will be able to clean up to 350m² per hour, making it ideal for professional contractors cleaning any volume of photovoltaic panels. This solar panel cleaning set is the most popular set chosen by our customers, paired with a Kränzle HD 11/130 high pressure washer. A brief overview of the components required for the operation are as follows:
Solar Panel Cleaning Brush
The SOLA-TECS C800 brush is recommended as it is the most popular size used in Europe and will clean 300m² per hour. The SOLA-TECS brushes range from 420mm up to 1020mm in length, with the largest brush being able to clean 350m².
View all solar cleaning brushes
A Splash guard is also recommended as this will prevent the already cleaned solar panels from getting dirty as well as protecting the person cleaning the panels from splash back water.
Lances (Modular and Telescopic Lances)
It is recommended that full carbon fibre pole systems are used, as this makes it significantly lighter than other materials and reduces bending. The SOLA-LITE pole systems are full carbon fibre and range from 1.8m modular poles which then connect to reach a desired length, to Telescopic poles which come in two lengths (12m or 15m).
The advantage of the telescopic lances is that you can work at different heights with a single pole. The pole can be extended by releasing the quick-release clip and pulling the internal pole to maximum length. The most popular is the 12m Telescopic lance set which includes a 25m high pressure hose that runs internally in the lance, we often suggest getting additional high pressure hose length to clean larger commercial panels more freely.
The Modular pole (SOLA-TECS VCMO) is a 1.8 metre single-module full carbon pole. It is extremely light, strong and modular, weighing 520 grams. The modular poles can be easily combined to achieve the desired length so if you want to carry out all work using a pole system and prefer a plug-in system, this is the choice for you.
High Pressure Washer
One has to take into account the water flow and pressure of the high pressure cleaners as that is what drives the SOLA-TECS C system. We have put together our recommended high pressure cleaners, whether they are reliant on a power supply or if they require a petrol engine for maximum independence.
Kranzle HD 11/130 TS
The Kranzle HD 11/130 TS is a high pressure washer with a single-phase electric supply (230V), a powerful operating pressure of 130 bar and a water flow rate of 11 litres per minute. This is the recommended high pressure washer to use for solar panel cleaning and can also be mounted to a stainless steel frame.
Kranzle Quadro 799
The Kranzle Quadro 799 is a reliable and mobile cold water high pressure cleaner with a 400V power supply, a powerful operating pressure of 180 bar and a water flow rate of 13 litres per minute – this high pressure washer is designed for industrial cleaning applications.
Kranzle B16/220 Yamaha Petrol Pressure Washer
The B16/220 is a mobile petrol pressure washer with a Yamaha motor mounted on a stainless steel trolley. This pressure washer operates at 220 bar and has a water flow rate of 16 litres per minute.
Safety Gear and Protective Measures for Equipment
Safety is a top priority when cleaning solar panels, especially when working at heights. Contractors should always use safety gear, including harnesses and hard hats, and exercise caution to avoid accidents or to damage the equipment. This is why, although you may be able to hop on your roof and clean it yourself – it is safer to hire professional contract cleaners. Before ascending onto a roof with all the necessary equipment, one needs to ensure that safety is prioritized.
- Use a sturdy ladder or other safe means of access of getting onto the roof
- Avoid walking directly on the solar panels to avoid damage to the panels
- Maintain a safe distance from the edge of the roof
- Be mindful of the weight of your equipment and secure your equipment. The equipment used in the cleaning of these photovoltaic panels can be expensive and it has been the case where contractors have had their equipment fall off the roof.
Solar Panel Cleaning System Set-Up
In the image below, you can see an example of a complete solar panel cleaning system.
As illustrated, there are multiple components needed to begin your journey as a solar panel cleaning contractor. Whether you’re a contractor or a solar panel owner, ensuring proper maintenance is key to maximising the benefits of solar energy in South Africa.
In conclusion, regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of solar panels regardless of the size of your operation. By investing in quality equipment and following proper cleaning procedures, both contractors and solar panel owners can ensure optimal performance and maximum energy production from their systems