A solar panel, although designed to withstand the weather, is exposed to various factors that can reduce its efficiency: dust, pollen, leaves, snow, pollution and so on. These deposits form an opaque veil that decreases the amount of light reaching the photovoltaic cells. This directly impacts electricity production. Regular maintenance of your solar installation therefore removes this debris and maintains optimal output.
Maintaining solar panels: a guarantee of longevity
Beyond optimising output, cleaning solar panels also contributes to their longevity. By removing acidic and corrosive deposits, you protect their surface and prevent premature degradation. Regular maintenance thus becomes a profitable long-term investment. It ensures the modules run properly and optimises the lifespan of solar panels.
Cleaning solar panels: good practices
Maintaining solar panels is a relatively simple operation, but it is important to follow certain precautions to avoid damaging the installation:
Choose the right moment: favour a cloudy, windless day, or early in the morning/late in the evening. This avoids causing thermal shock from pouring cold water on a hot surface.
Use soft water: hard water can leave traces on the panels. If possible, use rainwater or demineralised water.
Avoid abrasive products: never use aggressive detergents, metal brushes or high-pressure cleaners, which could scratch the surface of the panels. A soft sponge or a microfibre cloth is more than enough.
Rinse thoroughly: make sure to remove any trace of soap or detergent.
Safety first: if your installation is difficult to access, call in a professional. Do not take any unnecessary risk by climbing onto your roof.
What are the signs of a problem on a photovoltaic installation?
Even with regular maintenance, it is important to monitor the state of your photovoltaic installation. Here are some signs of malfunction that should alert you:
Significant drop in electricity production.
Visibly damaged panels (cracks, scratches, etc.).
Persistent shade on certain panels.
Unusual noises coming from the inverter.
If you notice any of these signs, contact a qualified professional for a diagnosis and quick intervention.
How often should solar panels be serviced?
The frequency of cleaning a solar installation depends on several factors: the environment (proximity to trees, pollution, etc.), the roof inclination, rainfall, and so on. As a general rule, cleaning your panels once or twice a year is sufficient. In areas more exposed to pollution or dirt, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.
How can the loss of output due to dirt on solar panels be estimated?
Precise estimation is complex, as it depends on many factors:
Type of dirt: fine dust has less impact than leaves or bird droppings, which create larger shaded areas.
Amount of dirt: the dirtier the panels, the greater the loss of efficiency.
Panel inclination: panels that are more inclined, such as on a sloping roof, self-clean more easily with rainfall.
Environment: proximity to trees, industries or agricultural areas increases exposure to dirt.
Time of year: pollen in spring and leaves in autumn can affect profitability.
Estimation methods:
Visual observation: regular visual inspection allows you to assess the cleanliness of your panels. If you notice a significant accumulation of dirt, your output is likely to be affected.
Production comparison: compare your current electricity output with data from previous months or from the same period the previous year. A significant drop may indicate fouling of the panels. Note that other factors can also influence production, such as the weather.
Monitoring tool: if your installation is equipped with a monitoring system, you can track electricity production in real time and identify possible drops in performance.
Mobile applications: some mobile apps estimate the loss of productivity based on location, panel inclination and sunlight level. These estimates remain approximate, however.
Contact a professional: a solar panel installer can carry out an inspection and precise measurements to determine the loss of efficiency due to fouling. They can also advise you on the cleaning frequency suitable for your installation.
Orders of magnitude:
Although precise figures are difficult to give, the loss of productivity due to dirt is generally estimated to range from 5% to 20%, or even more in extreme cases.
Tips:
Clean your panels regularly to minimise performance losses.
Monitor your electricity output to quickly detect any issues.
Do not hesitate to contact a professional for a precise diagnosis and personalised advice.
The importance of optimal professional maintenance
Although you can carry out regular cleaning yourself, a professional maintenance session for the panels is still recommended every 2 to 3 years. A qualified professional will carry out a full check of the installation, verifying the condition of the panels, cables, inverter and other components. They can also detect any problems and perform the necessary repairs.
Photovoltaic panels and solar energy: EDIREX, your trusted partner
EDIREX supports you in the maintenance and servicing of your photovoltaic installation. We provide you with a network of qualified and experienced professionals specialising in solar energy. Thanks to our platform, you can easily and quickly obtain free, no-obligation quotes for maintaining your solar panels.
Professional services:
Professional cleaning of solar panels.
Inspection and maintenance of photovoltaic installations.
Repair and replacement of damaged panels.
Personalised advice to optimise your solar energy production.
Why choose EDIREX?
Simplicity: obtain several quotes in just a few clicks.
Speed: receive replies quickly.
Reliability: we work with trusted professionals.
Free: our matchmaking service is entirely free.
No commitment: compare offers and choose freely.
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