1st May, 2022
National Energy Research Center
Question
Asked 2nd Jul, 2018
What types of materials used to clean Solar PV panel from dust and dart ?
What types of materials used to clean Solar PV panel from dust and dart ?
and is there any simple technology that clean the solar PV panel
what and how they work ?
Most recent answer
Please check the referred-to-below review article. It shall conveniently answer your inquiry:
Younis, A., and Onsa M. "A Brief Summary of Cleaning Operations and their Effect on the Photovoltaic Performance in Africa and the Middle East." Energy Reports 8 (2022) 2334-2347
All Answers (10)
It is always essential to keep the surface of solar PV panels cleaner to have high efficiency. Various materials are used according to the need and types of dust and dart accumulated. For example, to deal with oily stains, isopropyl alcohol can be used.For normal conditions, simple water and mild soapy solutions are best option.
The most effective way to clean your solar panels is with a hose and a bucket of soapy water. you shouldn’t use any type of high-pressure water sprayer .
Read instructions given in following links
Basically, manufacturers recommend cleaning with water only. However, in the literature there are solutions with surfactants:
As for the automatic cleaning, there is the Heliotex. I also highlight the Psclean, which is a project patented by I, Michelle and Danielle, more information:
1 Recommendation
Each solar panel is different, so make sure to review the instructions from the solar manufacturer first before cleaning the panels; some panels are sensitive to certain chemicals, and others may have fragile components that you need to be aware of.
Inspect the solar panels on a periodic basis. Before washing, make sure that there aren’t any cracks and ensure all connections are tight. If there are damaged wires or cracks, it might be time to call an electrical technician.
Remove any debris on the solar panel. Trim back trees or plants that may be blocking the sun’s energy to the solar panels.
Fill a bucket with warm water and with a cleaning solution. Green cleaning supplies do a great job on glass and solar panels. Here’s is a simple non-toxic recipe for glass cleaner: 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon liquid non-abrasive soap or detergent, and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. In drier areas when there is water rationing – the solar panels can be cleaned fairly well using an air-hose.
Use a non-abrasive cleaning sponge or towel to wash the glass. Get the glass clean and clear as possible – don’t scratch it.
Remove remaining water with a high quality squeegee to avoid hard water mineral build up.
Use a lint free cloth to dry the edges of the panel.
There are companies that will clean solar panels for you. If you choose to use a solar panel cleaning service be sure they are insured – in case there are
Water mixed with detergent and using a soft piece of cloth, cleans the solar modules better.
1 Recommendation
Dear Muhammad;
You should keep in mind that each panels may have specific instructions in this regards and you have to check before applying any methods. Furthermore, in some cases there are several self-cleaning products which may be apply on the surface of panels and help the cleaning procedure.
Dear Muhammad,
Dust cleaning is related to many parameters starting from the PV technology and environmental parameters (ambient temperature, wind speed, humidity, rain, etc). Also, dust type and characteristics are essential. I advise you to have a look at the following papers:
Sarver, Travis, Ali Al-Qaraghuli, and Lawrence L. Kazmerski. "A comprehensive review of the impact of dust on the use of solar energy: History, investigations, results, literature, and mitigation approaches." Elsevier-Renewable and Sustainable Energy Review (RSER, ISSN: 1364-0321) 22 (2013): 698-733.
Hussein A. Kazem, and Miqdam T. Chaichan, “The effect of dust accumulation and cleaning methods on PV panels’ outcomes based on an experimental study of six locations in Northern Oman”, Elsevier-Solar Energy SE, (ISSN: 0038092X), UK, Vol. 187, July 2019, pp. 30-38.
Zeki. Ahmed Darwish, Hussein A Kazem, K. Sopian, M.A. Al-Goul and Hussain Alawadhi, “Effect of Dust Pollutant Type on Photovoltaic Performance”, Elsevier-Renewable and Sustainable Energy Review RSER, (ISSN: 1364-0321), 2015, Vol. 53, pp. 185-193.
Mani, Monto, and Rohit Pillai. "Impact of dust on solar photovoltaic (PV) performance: Research status, challenges and recommendations." Elsevier-Renewable and Sustainable Energy Review (RSER, ISSN: 1364-0321) 14, no. 9 (2010): 3124-3131.
Hussein A Kazem and Miqdam T Chaichan, “Experimental analysis of the effect of dust’s physical properties on photovoltaic modules in Northern Oman”, Elsevier-Solar Energy SE, (ISSN: 0038092X), December 2016, Vol. 139, pp. 68-80.
Ali A. K. Alwaeli, Miqdam T Chaichan, and Hussein A Kazem, “Effect of Dust on Photovoltaic Utilization in Iraq: Review Article”, Elsevier-Renewable and Sustainable Energy Review (RSER, ISSN: 1364-0321), 2014, Vol. 37, pp. 734-749.
1 Recommendation
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