Solar panels are considered a symbol of green energy, but their effectiveness depends largely on proper maintenance. A study conducted at the University of Turku (Finland) explains how household cleaning products affect the ability of panel glass to transmit sunlight. It turns out that the choice of cleaning agent can be decisive for their performance.
Solar panels work best when their surface is free from dirt and damage. Even minor deposits can reduce the glass’s ability to transmit light, resulting in less energy production. Maximizing the efficiency of panels is not only an economic issue, but also a significant problem for the broadly understood modern ecology.
Which cleaning products should I choose?
The study showed that most standard cleaning agents: glass preparations and isopropanol, are safe for panels. However, dishwashing liquid turned out to be an exception. The surface may appear clean after use, but the glass’s ability to transmit light remains significantly reduced.
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Even dirty glass transmits more light than glass cleaned with dishwashing liquid. The problem is insufficient rinsing, which may leave detergent residues on the glass surface.
What to do to make the panels work properly?
Caring for solar panels requires attention and the use of appropriate methods to maintain their maximum efficiency. The best solution is to use specialized preparations or glass cleaning agents that effectively remove dirt without damaging the delicate anti-reflective coating. For the most part, products specifically designed for glass cleaning can be a safe choice, ensuring optimal light transmission.
Dishwashing liquids should definitely be avoided – as we mentioned, they leave residues that reduce the ability of the glass to transmit sunlight. It is equally important to avoid mechanical cleaning and pressure washers, which can damage the surface of the panels, leading to a decrease in their durability and effectiveness. Regularly removing deposits of dust and other contaminants is extremely important to prevent permanent stains that can affect the performance of your panels in the long run.
Finnish scientists emphasizethat proper care of solar panels allows them to maintain their efficiency at a high level for a long time, which translates into greater savings and a smaller carbon footprint.
If you have panels, it is better to avoid dishwashing liquids
The cleanliness of solar panels is extremely important – if you already have them, you better remember what not to clean them with. Choosing the right cleaning agent is of great importance for the efficiency of the installation. It is better to invest a few zlotys in appropriate preparations than to damage the panel or at least prevent it from absorbing light. Many people invest a lot of money in solar panels and then complain about their efficiency – sometimes these are the mistakes that lead to dissatisfaction with them. Unfortunately, many panels are mounted on the roofs of buildings, where they are more difficult to maintain. In this respect, it is much easier when they are placed next to the house – then washing them with appropriate agents is safer and less problematic.
Source: antyweb.pl
