Unlock the Full Potential of Your Solar System
Content:
Why Clean Your Panels?
Many solar panel owners are unaware of the significant benefits of maintaining clean and well-functioning solar installations. By properly maintaining your system, you can optimise its efficiency and fully capitalise on its energy output.
It is estimated that solar power plants can lose up to 30% of their energy production capacity due to the accumulation of dust, dirt, and debris over time. Additionally, inefficiencies in electricity generation may arise from poorly functioning or malfunctioning equipment.
Benefits of Regular Solar Site Visits and Cleaning:
- Ensures panels are free from dust and dirt, leading to higher daily energy yields.
- Allows for inspections of equipment and panels, identifying issues such as broken or damaged panels, loose wiring, or obstructions.
- Prevents shading from overgrown vegetation or animal nests, which reduces solar radiation and overall energy yield.
Regular visits to your solar site, ideally two to three times a year, are essential to maintain optimal performance and prevent potential hazards. For example, shattered panels are a common issue found in PV systems across South Africa and can present serious fire risks if not addressed promptly.
What Difference Does It Make? What Do the Statistics Say?
Now that we’ve highlighted the importance of regular cleaning and maintenance, let’s examine the impact this has and what the data shows.
Below are the results from several solar sites across Gauteng, demonstrating the improvement in energy yields after cleaning:
| Site Location | Percentage Increase in Yield (%) |
|---|---|
| Johannesburg | 13% |
| Johannesburg | 17% |
| Johannesburg | 32% |
| Pretoria | 24% |
| Pretoria | 12% |
| Pretoria | 13% |
| Pretoria | 37% |
Overall Average: 21% improvement in energy yield.
As the data shows, cleaning the sites resulted in significant gains, with some locations experiencing an increase in energy output of up to 37%.
Before Cleaning:
The graph below illustrates the increased energy yields after a site was cleaned in July 2024, clearly showing the positive impact of regular maintenance.
Conclusion
Clean solar panels deliver more consistent energy production from your system. Despite being considered low-maintenance, solar installations require regular cleaning and inspection to prevent daily energy losses of up to 30%. Routine maintenance ensures your system operates at peak efficiency.
Additionally, predictive and analytical monitoring tools can help determine the optimal timing for cleaning and maintenance, a topic we will explore in future articles.
If you have a home solar installation, it’s time to review the condition of your panels – they may be overdue for cleaning or maintenance.