What Top Solar Module Producers Don't Include in their manual About PV Cleaning: The Missing Details

Introduction

Solar module manufacturers don′t provide in their guidelines the correct information on cleaning photovoltaic (PV) panels to ensure optimal performance and longevity. However, these manuals often omit crucial details necessary for effective and safe cleaning. This article explores what leading solar module producers neglect or might not know in their PV cleaning manuals.

Key Missing Details in PV Manuals

1. Cleaning Frequency and Environmental Impact

Manufacturers generally emphasize the importance of keeping PV panels clean but often lack specificity on cleaning frequency. The accumulation of soiling such as dust, bird droppings, and other debris can significantly diminish the energy output by reducing light intensity on the panels. Regular cleaning is essential, especially in areas prone to high dust or pollution levels, to prevent performance degradation and the development of hotspots.

2. Detailed Inspection Protocols

Before cleaning, it is critical to inspect PV modules for any signs of damage such as loose, disconnected, or burnt connectors, surface damage, or loose bolts. These inspections ensure that any existing issues are addressed before cleaning, which is essential for safety and to avoid further damage during the cleaning process.

3. Specific Cleaning Materials and Products

While some manuals suggest not using harsh chemicals, they often fail to specify which materials and products are safe and effective for solar panels. Using solar-specific brushes or robots and products certified for solar panels. It is crucial to avoid abrasive tools, scrapers, or harsh chemicals that can damage the panels.

4. Proper Water Quality and Temperature Guidelines

The quality of water used for cleaning is another overlooked aspect. Manuals should specify the use of filtered water free from organic matter and suspended solids, with a pH between 5.5 and 8.5 and hardness (calcium carbonate concentration) of ≤50 mg/L. Additionally, it is important to ensure the temperature difference between the water and the panel surface is less than 20°C to avoid thermal stress.

5. Specialized Cleaning Chemicals

For areas with heavy contaminants such as oil, pollen, cement, lichen, metal oxides, or paint, specialized biodegradable cleaning agents like offered by ChemiTek Solar (e.g., SWP, CRA, LRA, PRA, MRA) should be used. These products are designed to effectively remove contaminants without damaging the panels or the environment.

Recommendations for Comprehensive Cleaning Manuals

Safe Cleaning Practices

• Professional Cleaning Services: Engage professionals with specific PV cleaning training to ensure safe and effective cleaning.
• Avoid High-Pressure Systems: High-pressure washing systems should be avoided as they can damage the panels.
• Timing of Cleaning: Clean panels during early morning, late afternoon, or periods of low light to minimize the risk of electrocution and reduce panel temperature.
• Manual Cleaning Tools: Use insulating material for cleaning tools to reduce electric shock risk.

Mechanical and Dry Cleaning

• Robot/Rotating Brush Cleaning: Ensure brushes are made of soft plastic to avoid damaging the panels. Adhere to specified pressure limits to prevent damage to the anti-reflective coating and the aluminium alloy frame.
• Avoid Dry Cleaning: Dry cleaning is generally not recommended due to the risk of scratching the glass and degrading the anti-reflective coating.

Clarifying Warranty Conditions for Contaminants

Manufacturers should provide clearer explanations regarding warranty coverage when panels are contaminated with substances like cement, paint, metal oxides, lichen, and other similar contaminants. Many customers mistakenly assume that issues caused by these contaminants are covered under warranty, leading to potential misunderstandings and dissatisfaction.

It is crucial for manufacturers to specify the conditions under which the warranty remains valid in the presence of these contaminants. Clear guidelines should include:

• List of Contaminants: Provide a comprehensive list of contaminants that affect warranty coverage, such as cement, paint, metal oxides, and lichen.
• Conditions for Warranty Validity: Specify the conditions under which the warranty remains valid if panels are affected by these contaminants. This might include regular cleaning and maintenance using recommended products and techniques.
• Approved Cleaning Products: Highlight the importance of using certified cleaning products that are safe for solar panels, such ChemiTek Solar certified by independent laboratories like TüV SüD.
• Professional Cleaning Services: Recommend the use of professional cleaning services with specific training in PV cleaning to ensure contaminants are properly addressed without voiding the warranty.
• Preventive Measures: Advise customers on preventive measures to minimize the accumulation of harmful contaminants on their panels.

By clarifying these aspects, manufacturers can enhance customer satisfaction and ensure the longevity and efficiency of solar panel systems.

Additional Care Instructions

• Avoid Walking on Panels: Walking on panels can cause significant damage.
• Use of Protective Gear: Always wear appropriate safety gear to protect against electric shock, cuts, and abrasions.
• Weather Conditions: Avoid cleaning during adverse weather conditions to ensure personal safety.
• Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections to identify and address potential issues promptly.
• Training and Certification: Ensure personnel are adequately trained and certified in handling solar panel systems and equipment.

Conclusion

Solar module manufacturers need to provide more comprehensive and detailed cleaning guidelines in their manuals. By including specific recommendations on cleaning frequency, inspection protocols, appropriate materials and products, water quality, and safe cleaning practices, manufacturers can ensure that their customers maintain their PV panels effectively, thereby prolonging the lifespan and efficiency of their solar systems. Utilizing specialized cleaning products and methods, as suggested by ChemiTek Solar , can further enhance performance and protect warranties, ultimately leading to greater customer satisfaction and sustainable energy production.

I'd like to hear some comments from: Kim Verduyckt John Johnston Romain Gourmet Edward Halse Manuel A. Mateo Justin Mc Cormack Conor Mc Cormack Michalis Papageorgiou Bruno Queiroz Solar Cleaners Network