Clean energy
Clean the solar panels correctly – for more electricity and durability
Soiled solar modules can significantly reduce the performance. How to clean them properly, which aids are suitable and what needs to be considered, reveals star.
Solar modules work most efficiently when your surface is free of dirt, dust, pollen or bird droppings. Especially in regions with little rain or near agriculture and industry, persistent deposits can quickly form. These prefer to settle on the bottom of the modules, where water flows more slowly. Depending on the angle of inclination and location, such pollution can reduce the power yield by up to 20 percent. Regular cleaning therefore contributes directly to the economy of the system. With dirty solar panels, the cells can also overheat, which leads to faster wear. Regular cleaning is particularly important in urban areas where fine dust and soot can stem the modules in order to extend the lifespan of the system.
Clean the solar panels: when and how often clean?
In many cases, especially after winter or with a strong pollen flight in spring, in many cases. In dry summers, additional cleaning of the solar panels can be useful. Ideally, it is cleaned early in the morning or in the evening if the modules are not hot. So you avoid tension cracks through temperature differences and water stains by evaporating too quickly.
Suitable cleaning agents and tools
Cleaning should always be done without aggressive chemicals. Normal tap water or water distilled in stubborn dirt is usually sufficient. If you want to make life easier, you can fall back on special tools. The For example, has a pull -out stem that can be connected to the garden hose. With a length of six meters, it is also suitable for particularly high systems. The matching brush is matched to the sensitive surfaces of solar modules and prevents scratches. Alternatively, the brush can also be ordered and snow sign to free the solar panels from the white splendor in winter.
Alternatively, it can also be worked with simpler tools for smaller systems or balcony power plants. About with the . It also comes with a telescopic handle, but can be driven together very small and used right next to the area. There are special PV system cleaning agents, such as the . With products of this kind, you are on the safe side in terms of concern about damage to the modules through perhaps too aggressive cleaner.
In addition to dust and bird droppings, lichen growth is one of the most stubborn dirt on PV systems. Special products such as something can be sprayed up before the actual cleaning and the vegetation can be solved.
Home remedies: What really works?
A lot can also be achieved with simple home remedies. Vinegar water is often recommended, but should only be used very diluted so as not to attack the sensitive coatings of the panels. Rash can also help, but only in minimal dosage. A splash on a bucket is completely enough. It is important to work with soft towels or microfiber – hard brushes or scours have lost nothing on solar modules. If you collect rainwater, you can use this ideal for cleaning: it is free of lime and does not leave any edges. With particularly stubborn bird droppings, it helps to soften the area briefly before cleaning up with circular movements.
Safety aspects in cleaning
The cleaning of solar modules harbors serious dangers, especially in roof systems. If you work on ladders or sloping roof areas, you should be aware of the risks. An insufficiently secured position, moist surfaces or sudden wind can quickly lead to dangerous falls. Non -slip shoes with a good profile, a stable and correctly set up conductor and a second person for protection are essential. The use of fall fuses or professional roof hooks with a belt is even safer. Alternatively, many cleaning tools such as telescopic poles offer the option of carrying out cleaning from the ground. Especially with larger or steeper roofs, it makes sense to hire a specialist company. These have suitable safety equipment, lifting platforms and experience in dealing with photovoltaic systems-and thus significantly minimize the risk of accidents.
Advantages of regular cleaning
In addition to the immediate increase in income, the maintenance of the solar modules brings with it further advantages. The lifespan of the system can be extended by avoiding corrosion and material fatigue. Fine dust, bird droppings and pollen can attack the coatings over time. In addition, a clean system is less susceptible to hotspots that arise from selective shading and, in the worst case, can lead to damage to the cells. Visual control is also a plus point when cleaning: small damage, loosened cables or defective seals can be recognized and remedied earlier. Cleaning indirectly also supports the value retention of the entire solar system.
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Source: Stern
