SOLAR CLEANING FOR

INCREASING YIELDS

Why clean the PV system? Since the solar system is constantly exposed to the weather, it becomes dirty after a certain period of time - depending on the inclination, location and environment. If parts of the solar modules are dirty, they produce less electricity - although a very dirty solar cell can "paralyze" an entire strip of the module (series connection). Another danger with a dirty solar system: hot spots. Shaded areas no longer provide electricity, but surrounding solar cells do. The current resistance within the non-producing cells increases, which can cause the entire module to heat up dangerously. This reduces the electricity yield and, in the worst case, can lead to serious damage to the entire module or a fire in the system. A good reason for professional photovoltaic cleaning.

SELF-CLEANING THROUGH RAIN OR SNOW?



Many installers and companies in the solar industry repeatedly explain that a PV system does not need to be cleaned; snow and rain do this all by themselves through a “rinsing off” effect. This is even partially true, but only under certain conditions. Inclination, location, amount of dirt, air quality and frequency of precipitation play a major role here. Lighter dirt (dust, pollen) is washed away when it rains or snow slides down - if the slope is at least over 12° - but of course it never gets 100% clean. Neither rain nor snow helps against dried dirt or stubborn bird droppings. Dirt and dirt collects and solidifies on all edges, edges and guide rails and spreads further inwards. The fact is: If the modules have not been cleaned for a long time with normal levels of dirt, the so-called “module self-cleaning” will not work even at a 12° inclination. With smaller angles of inclination, or even solar modules installed parallel to the ground, self-cleaning - even minimally - may not work at all.