automatic solar panel cleaning system

Solar Panel Cleaning System Explained

ByEditorial Staff

Periodic cleaning of solar panels is crucial, if you want to derive maximum output from your panels.  Studies show that a panel that hasn’t been cleaned for about six months can show a 20 – 35 % drop in panel efficiency.  This is where solar panel cleaning systems come in handy. These systems range from manual gears to automatic systems. Furthermore, solar panel cleaning robots (both wet & dry methods) are some of the latest commercially available products in the solar panel cleaning market at present.

Solar panels look all new and shiny when freshly installed.  Leave them to their own devices for some months – and they can quickly turn into dull and dusty entities (or a mottled one, if you have winged visitors around). Dust, soot, pollen, lichen – all go into affecting the cleanliness of  your panels.  And one of the most undesirable addition on the surface of your panels is – you guessed it right – Bird Poop. According to Case Studies in Thermal Engineering  bird droppings have the greatest impact on solar panel efficiency.  Solar Panels Cleaning systems are the answer to all these problems that beset the hapless solar homeowner and businesses. 

 Read on to know more about these panel cleaning systems, their types and which panel cleaning systems are the most suitable for you in this comprehensive article. At the end of the article, we’ve included a list of the Top 5 Solar Panel Cleaning Systems for our readers. 

Table of Contents

Solar Panel Cleaning System

 

 

 

What is A Solar Panel Cleaning System?

Here, a better question would be – what are solar panel cleaning systems?  This is because there are different types of cleaning systems. Simply put, solar panel cleaning system are maintenance equipment designed to keep your solar panels in their best possible shape, usually with little to no physical effort. These systems come in a range of options – from cleaning brushes and hand-held squeegees to automated panel cleaning setup – with successive options generally showing a progressive decline in the manual effort required to operate and a concomitant increase in prices. You need to put in from some to minimal physical effort operating these.

At the higher end (end in terms of technology and price point) are the solar panel cleaning robots, while using which, all you have to do is press the button or use a controller.  Here’s a closer look at the different solar panel cleaning systems:

 

 

 Types of – Solar Panel Cleaning Systems 

 

1.  Manual Cleaning Systems

 
 Think of these as cleaning tools/devices rather than cleaning systems. These include interceptors, cleaning brushes, telescopic lances and cleaning chemicals that require touch and hands-on maintenance. Some such tools include:
 
  • Cleaning Squeegees: Cleaning squeegees, with their non-abrasive rubber help you prevent residue, without causing scratches or physical damage on the panels.
 
  • Deionized Water System: Deionized water referes to water devoid of any mineral, so that when it evaporates, no residue streak is left on the panels. Deionized water systems reduce corrosion risks and increase efficiency, thus extending panel lifespan.
  • Telescopic Lance: These are what they sound like. Standing on   ground, you can practically clean your solar roof using these.  Reaching a length of up to 20 metres, a telescopic lance effectively eliminates the need for ladders. These can cost anywhere between US$ 150 to US$ 400 apiece (Rs. 12500 to Rs. 35,00) Here’s a video on AVA Telescopic Lance by The Green Reaper:

 

  • Roller Brushes: Roller brushes can boost energy output by 20 % in home installations and can also help lower physical strain during the cleaning process

 

 

 2.  Automatic Solar Panel Cleaning Systems

 

  Generally, when we talk about “solar power cleaning systems”, it usually refers to automatic cleaning systems. These generally employ  water-brush interface and do not need a human to operate them physically. 

 Some may use high-speed water jets along with micro-fibre cloth for drying. Automatic solar panel cleaning systems are further divided in dry and wet systems, depending on their use of water in the cleaning process.

These systems can cost upwards of US$ 1500 (Rs. 1.25 lakh), excluding taxes. 

Here’s a video of an automatic panel cleaning system by SUNPURE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.  Solar Panel Cleaning robots

These cleaning robots are at the top of the panel cleaning hierarchy owing to their effectiveness, efficiency and flexibility. Today, a range of solar panel cleaning robots are available for professionally cleaning of solar panels and are often used by commercial cleaning service providers. Cleaning robots are generally better suited for large panel installations. Both wet and dry method of cleaning are supported by companies manufacturing these robots. Good quality solar panel cleaning robots cost anywhere between   US$ 10,000 to US$ 35,000 ( Rs. 3 to 5 lakh in India) depending on the brand, technology, country of origin, and capabilities. Here’s an example of a solar cleaning robot by hyCLEANER :

 Regardless of the type of cleaning system, the goal is to keep the panel surface clean to maximize the absorption of sunlight from the panel surface and improve energy efficiency.

 

 

Why Do We Need Solar Panel Cleaning Systems?

Like any other electrical equipment, solar panels also require periodic maintenance and would benefit from regular care, checking for damages, and cleaning of the panels.

Your panels’ surfaces become tricky to clean because they can get covered in dust, grime, bird droppings, or other contaminants. This buildup acts like an opaque film over your panels which severely limits the amount of sunlight the panels can capture and turn into electricity . Solar Panel Cleaning Systems help you overcome these problems and increase both the efficiency and lifespan of your solar panels. 

 

Benefits of cleaning solar panels:
 
  • Enhanced Efficiency:  Since solar panels rely on sunlight to generate electricity, any dust, debris, or dirt accumulated on the surface can hamper the efficiency, reducing the output by up to 30% Regular cleaning of the panels therefore, ensures that they receive the maximum sunlight possible.
  • Extended lifespan: Regular checks and cleaning of the solar panels can help eliminate the buildup of harmful substances that may affect its performance in the long run and also make sure that it works to the best of its capacity for a prolonged period.
  • Minimal Maintenance Cost: A routine for maintenance will prevent any issues from exacerbating larger, more cost-consuming problems, thus also keeping maintenance costs under check.
  • Maximum Return On Investment:  Naturally, regularly maintained panels working at peak efficiency will ensure that you reap the maximum return on your investment in solar power.
  • Warranty benefits:  Solar Panels usually come with 20-25 years of product warranty, however, many companies lay down T&C in such a manner that you have to maintain your solar panels up to a certain standard to reap the benefits of warranty in case of greater damage or replacement.

 

 

Which Solar Panel Cleaning System Should You Pick?

 

1. Compatibility

Make sure the cleaning system is well suited for the kind of solar panels that you have and the design of the installation. Some systems are type-specific and come with provisions for mounting in a certain manner on the panels of specific types (though you will find many adaptable ones in the store too).

Dusty locations with scarce water, with a low avian population may make use of dry solar panel cleaning systems like this robot :

 

2. Cost vs. Benefit

Keep an eye on the cost and benefit ratio while selecting the specific type of solar panel cleaning system. Homes with low roof surface are and relative smaller installed area may make use of manual cleaning systems. A large solar farm with high labour cost will be better off investing in solar panel cleaning robots.

As most high tech cleaning systems do not come cheap, cost of the system against the possible gain of an increase in efficiency of the panels and decreased time needed for maintenance is often the most important factor while purchasing a cleaning system. 

 

3. Ease of Use

  The automatic machines could be a little pricey but they can be more efficient and less time-consuming than washing by hand. Think of the simplicity factor in the usage of the system. Also, see if you are comfortable using one type of cleaning system over another.

 

4. Environmental Impact

Select cleaning methods that are environmentally friendly using optimum quantities of water and clean with no toxic components.

 

 

Top 5 Solar Panel Cleaning Systems

Here is a list of the top 5 Solar Panel Cleaning systems in the market that you could choose from:

 

1. Solar Panel Cleaning Robot – Heliotex

Solar Panel Cleaning systems from Heliotex offer state-of-the-art automated cleaning technology that configures in accordance with the specific conditions of your system, and the environment around it. They are available for both residential as well as commercial usage.

Features:

  • Fully automatic.
  • can be utilized for many kinds of panels.
  • requires very low amounts of water.
  • Works for rooftop, ground mount, and carport installations.

Pros: Reduction in physical work, can clean with the help of high-tech sensors, and comes with an independently programmed rinse and wash cycle.

Cons: High initial investment.

Website link: https://www.solarpanelcleaningsystems.com/

 

 

2. Window Cleaning Kit – Eversprout

Eversprout presents a hassle-free and risk-free solution, primarily meant to clean windows but can also do an excellent job at cleaning solar panels at an extremely economical price. Their manual cleaning kit comes with a 2-in-1 squeegee and scrubber combo to make the process easy.

Features:

  • A microfiber brush,
  • Extendable pole and squeegee.
  • Rotatable to 7 different positions

Pros:   Low-cost. Can serve the purpose if used by individuals for their residential solar panel and shingles.

Cons: Needs manual effort and may not be able to clean all spots of your solar panel.

Website: Eversprout window cleaner kit

 

 

3.  Solar Panel Cleaning Kit – Green Clean

US-based Green Clean is committed to empowering a sustainable future and is pioneering environmentally responsible waste management and recycling options in the solar industry, which comprises state-of-the-art cleaning systems that ensure maximum performance and longevity of the solar system.

Features:

  • Comprises a brush that is water-fed.
  • A Biodegradable cleaning solution.

Pros: Good durability, good for cleaning frequently, eco-friendly.

Cons: Manual operators are still required and the bristle may get worn out.

Website: https://www.greenclean-solar.com/ 

 

 

 4. Automated Solar Panel Cleaner – CleanSolar

Specializing in Solar tech from panels to batteries and cleaning solutions, clean solar is your way forward for energy independence and ensuring a hassle-free and risk-free transition to solar and its maintenance.

Features:

  • Programmed schedules for cleaning at regular intervals.
  • A system for recycling water.
  • Custom-made solar cleaning solutions in tune with the needs of the surroundings.

Pros: Minimal manual intervention is required, and top-notch equipment.

Cons: Expensive and installation required.

Website: https://cleansolar.com/

 

 

5. Equipmaxx 24 Foot Solar Panel Cleaning Brush& Pole

Equipmaxx has long been offering solutions for cleaning windows and hard-to-reach surfaces, their water-fed pole cleaning kit can prove to be an excellent solution for cleaning solar panels, from ground mount to roof installations.

Features:

●        An extendable arm.

●        Adjustable position of the wand and water flow regulation.

  • Reachable up to the 2nd storey

Pros: Versatile uses, and easy to store, lightweight. versatile as well as easier to store.

Cons: Depends on the availability of the water source, has to be done manually.

Website: Equipmaxx website

 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts 

  When it comes to solar panel cleaning systems, there is considerable variation of ways depending on the specialized type of the needed tools, which may range from manual ones to highly automated ones (for a higher price). Cleaning can, therefore, be regarded as a way of maintaining the solar power investment in order to continue delivering results. Picking the right panel cleaning system as per your need is therefore very important. 

Frequently Asked Questions

 Normally, solar panels should need cleaning within a period of six to twelve months. However, if you are living in an environment with much dust or fowl, it could maybe be wise to clean it much more frequently.

You can clean the solar panels by yourself by making sure you follow necessary measures as well as procedures. If you have some of the panels located in parts that are difficult to reach, or if the thought of climbing makes you dizzy, find an expert to clean it for you or invest in an automatic cleaning system.

 

The ideal cleaning solution is a gentle compound or even water because they have no harsh impact on the solar panel’s surface. Polymers are sensitive to chemicals and can get eroded and compromised if exposed to chemical regimens.

Dusty solar panels cause energy losses which means high electricity tariffs and even deterioration of the panels.

Pressure washers should not be used as they can harm the panels or the seals that keep them in place (you can utilize the adaptable ones that are good to go with precautions). This cleaning is recommended to be done using either a soft-bristled brush or a system designed specifically for cleaning solar panels

 

 

 

 

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