How do you prevent dust, bird droppings, and snow from affecting your solar PV performance?

PV modules are highly sensitive to partial shading. PV cells are current generators connected mainly in series. shading one cell, limits the current of the all cells connected in series. In an extreme scenario, only 5% shading of the module area can lead to 100% power loss. Dirt (in all forms) prevents light passage and acts as a shading medium reducing the PV power significantly. Being shaded for a long time, increases the temperature of the solar cell (as the cells works as a load rather than a generator) and in the presence of micro-defects, it can lead to hot-spots and failure of the module.

Floating solar panels generally require less cleaning than ground-mounted systems. * Floating solar arrays are often installed on bodies of water that are not easily accessible to birds, reducing the frequency of bird droppings. * The water also provides a natural cooling effect, which can improve the efficiency and lifespan of the panels. While rain can help with cleaning, it’s still necessary to have a regular cleaning schedule to remove stubborn dirt and debris, which can lead to a loss of up to 25% of solar output.

Please let me know if I can answer any questions or concerns about Solar’s increasing positive energy changes with Tesla battery storage technology

This depends on where it located and climate there.If it is in desert with our self-cleaning coating we recommend once a year.If it is in steel factory or cement factory we recommend once per month.

Cleaning frequency is highly dependent on the location and particle concentration in the air. For example, in Europe, it is recommended that it be done every 5 years, while in Saudi Arabia, it is recommended that it be done every 3 to 4 weeks (or, depending on the cleaning system, even every day). Humidity plays a big role in the soiling and cementation process. The main soling procedure happens when the module's temperature falls below ambient temperature (radiation in the night toward the sky), leading to Dew formation. Dew is mixed with dust particles and baked on the module in the morning after the sunshine. Extreme soiling after sand storms is the next frequent soiling procedure.

Cleaning schedules for floating solar panels should primarily be based on monitoring system performance and regular visual inspections. Bird droppings are a major concern for floating solar installations, leading to reduced energy output and requiring frequent cleaning. A tilt angle of at least 10 degrees is recommended to allow for better self-cleaning by rain. However, for floating solar systems, tilt angles are typically no greater than 15 degrees to minimize wind load.

The accumulated dirt on photovoltaic modules can significantly reduce the energy efficiency of a power plant, directly impacting energy generation and the financial return on investment. To mitigate these effects, the implementation of dirt measurement sensors proves to be an effective and strategic solution. By providing accurate and real-time information on the cleanliness status of the modules, these sensors allow for optimized maintenance management, avoiding excessive or insufficient cleaning. Consequently, it is possible to guarantee maximum plant efficiency, minimizing energy losses and maximizing equipment life.

Any anti-soiling coatings in the area with high dust concentration will be washed away after some cleaning cycles. The best practices to clean and reduce abrasion on the modules are: 1. manual cleaning: for places with labor costs. requires the education of the cleaning staff. This happens mainly with manual brushes. 2. Cleaning robots: they drive over the modules. They are good for rooftops (C&I or large roofs). The dimensions and weight of the robots are highly important. 3. Truck mounted: very popular and economical with large brushes mounted on trucks. 4. String cleaners: high CAPEX and very good for places with high dust concentration. The solution agent and brushes should be confirmed by the module manufacturer.

We have different coating technology solution can be used on the PV panel.It include self-cleaning and easy- cleaning.Prevent dust,corrosion proof,prevent cement or other mineral adhere on the surface,restore the scratched panel.Cleaning after coating just with water.

Floating solar panels should use water from the water body for cleaning, reducing O&M costs. Rinse water is usually environmentally safe and can be drained back. Cleaning water from alternative sources is necessary for corrosive water. Workers use soft sponges, brushes, or cloth to wipe panels, avoiding chemicals, pressure washers, and steam cleaners due to module and water body damage concerns. Floating solar panels are harder to clean, inspect, repair, and replace than ground-mounted systems due to module and worker transportation by boat. Module cleaning technicians must be trained to avoid falls from floating platforms.

While dust accumulation is less of a concern for floating solar, bird droppings are a significant challenge. To reduce this issue, you can install bird deterrents like spikes or nets, as well as choose construction materials that are less appealing to birds. Additionally, regular cleaning, especially after dry periods or increased bird activity, is crucial for maintaining optimal performance. While a higher tilt angle can enhance self-cleaning through rainfall, most floating solar systems utilize lower angles, typically no more than 15 degrees, to minimize wind load.

Bird drop is tricky. Using kites similar to Falcons, lasers and annoying frequencies might drive the birds back but experience has shown that mostly they find a solution to return. Making the panels more uncomfortable to sit on, can reduce the bird dropings as well. For the soiling, story is different. there are anti-soiling coatings for PV but they might not be that practical, as they will be washed away after several cleaning cycles. Especially in places with high amount of dust concentration, more abrasion is being induced on the glass surface after using brushes. Using trackers and changing the module tilt during the night can reduce soiling, as the module might radiate less toward the sky and remain below the dew point.

Hydrophobic and Anti-Static can solve this problem.Hydrophobic make the bird dropping dry and shrink. Low surface energy make it easily to be removed by water.

Snow on PV is a common problem in highlands like Switzerland. The best practice is to use flat frame PV modules and install the modules with high tilt angle. This is helpful not only for the shading matter but also the mechanical reliability of the panel under high static loads such as snow. This tilt angle in Alpine areas is mainly near 60 degrees.

The most critical shading is bird drop as it sticks and requires professional cleaning. Since the shading is not homogeneous, it increases the risk of hot-spots, and fire. For Floating project, higher OPEX costs for cleaning should be considered and the business plans should involve such costs, besides other shading agents such as fungus, algae, and other biological living organisms.

Floating solar offers several environmental advantages, including reducing water evaporation, improving water quality, and providing a more favorable habitat for aquatic organisms. It also synergizes with hydropower, complementing generation and smoothing out fluctuations in power output. The floating solar market is poised for significant growth, with Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States all seeing potential. Technological advancements, such as tracking systems, bifacial modules, and smart control systems, are maximizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. These factors demonstrate the growing importance of floating solar as a sustainable and promising solution for meeting the world’s energy demands.