What are the best practices for cleaning and maintaining solar panels?

Nothing substitutes for a regular, thoughtful inspection of the panels on a regular basis. Clean as described when needed but know that it’s OK to skip a cleaning if, for example, the panels were cleaned by a gentle rain the day prior.

Dans la pratique, les gains sur la production annuelle d'énergie liés au nettoyage sont de l'ordre de 10%. Ainsi, même pour des installations relativement modestes, le co?t de nettoyage est inférieur aux gains de production d'énergie. Il faut bien penser à effectuer le nettoyer en fin d'hiver, pour maximiser la production en haute saison.

Even layers of dust and debris on solar modules will likely be removed after rain passes through. Of greater concern is localised/uneven shading of modules, which can lead to shortened plant lifespan and equivalent or greater immediate losses to plant efficiency. A string is only as powerful as its weakest module and a module, its weakest cell. In the case of single cell shading, energy from fully producing cells flows to an underproducing cell, generating heat. This heat can cause permanent damage to the cell and to bypass diodes, which are built to protect the string and portions of a module from being affected by a single cell. Clean bird droppings and trim trees to avoid partial shading and perform thermal drone inspections regularly!

J'ai pu constater que des professionnels du nettoyage de panneaux sont bien meilleurs que de simples couvreurs. Les produits choisis, la technique de nettoyage ne sont pas les mêmes et donc les gains sur la production s'en ressentent.

Yes, avoid the hottest part of the day. Also, exercise extreme caution when cleaning roof mounted panels. Keep the tools simple, I.e., don’t bring a pressure washer up there with you of a simple hose or bucket of clean water will do. Simple is good.

Conduct your usual inspection monthly and clean then panels as needed based on what you see. Keep your risk down. The benefits of clean panels won’t outweigh an injury.

Tout va bien entendu dépendre du site (poussiéreux ou non). Mais généralement, je considère qu'un nettoyage annuel est suffisant.

Know your stuff here or don’t do it. There’s a lot of electricity in these panels and mistakes are not without consequence. If you’re handy, check the hardware and electrical connections. If not, maybe do a visual inspection only and bring in a pro for the repairs.

Dans tous les cas, le nettoyage des panneaux doit toujours être accompagné d'un suivi de production précis. Cela permet de s'assurer que les choses ont été bien faites. Quasiment tous les producteurs d'onduleurs proposent des services de suivi en ligne de qualité (SMA, Enphase, etc.).

Out of sight, out of mind, and likely out of harms way, when it comes to vandalism. Keeping installations simple, close and hidden is always the best way to avoid damage.

Also, Using tempered glass for durability and resistance to impacts goes a long want in extending the service life of solar panels.

In engineering management, best practices for solar panel maintenance involve regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance. Techniques include using soft brushes or squeegees with water and mild detergent. Scheduled inspections detect defects or damage for timely repairs. In energy projects, such practices are crucial for maximizing efficiency and longevity, exemplified by large-scale solar farms where systematic maintenance routines ensure sustained output amidst varying environmental conditions.