Quick guide to cleaning solar panels explained by REC Solar Group to ensure the best performance of REC solar panels.
Clean solar panels help ensure solar installations generate optimal electricity. All REC panels have been designed for easy installation and minimal maintenance, however, dust, pollen, leaves and other contaminants often find their way onto the panel and soil the surface. To overcome this, REC panels are manufactured so that normal and regular levels of rainfall will clean them naturally if installed at a sufficient angle.
Nevertheless, factors such as the amount of dust and dirt in the air, the amount and regularity of rainfall and the optimum angle of
installation are dependent upon the location of each installation and any dirt-resistant properties of a panel will not necessarily guarantee a permanently clean and dirt-free surface. The dirt itself will not harm the panels, but allowing it to build up over time can affect system performance. Therefore, to optimize electrical output, it is recommended to clean the panels when dirt can be seen on the glass surface.
BEFORE CLEANING THE SOLAR PANELS
Damaged panels can present a lethal shock hazard due to leakage currents. The risk of shock is higher when panels are wet. Before cleaning, thoroughly inspect panels for cracks, damage, and loose connections.
Cleaning the front or rear of panels should only be carried out when the panels are cool to avoid thermal shock. During the day, ambient temperature rises and the panels heat up as they produce energy, usually to around 20°C above the surrounding conditions. Applying cool, cold or lukewarm water to hot panels can cause components (e.g., glass) to shrink rapidly, potentially causing cracks and breakages. Inversely, the application of hot or boiling water to cold panels may cause rapid expansion of components and similar breakage. Therefore, only water at ambient temperature should be used.
Panel cleaning should be carried out before reaching working temperature i.e., early morning and must only be cleaned with water at ambient temperature to avoid thermal shock.
Ideally, de-ionized water should be used to clean the panel. Deionized water is water that has had the mineral ions and salts removed. If de-ionized water is not available, rainwater, tap water or diluted alcohol may be used as a secondary solution.
Ensure the water used is free from grit and physical contaminants that could damage the panel surface.
STAYING SAFE
Solar installations come in different shapes and sizes, so the following steps are meant as a guide only and the installation should be assessed for safety and access before commencing cleaning. If in doubt at any time when cleaning the panels, stop and obtain professional advice.
Safety
When working at heights, use fall and personal protection measures throughout the cleaning process. The panel is designed to carry the certified load across its whole surface area. Standing on the panels applies force through a much reduced surface area, which can far exceed the certified design load. Equally avoid dropping or allowing any objects to fall on the panel as the impact may cause the panels to break or detach from the mounting structure, possibly resulting in damage or personal injury.
Remember: Never at any point stand on, walk on, lean on or apply pressure to the panels as this can cause both visible and non-visible damage to the panel.
CLEANING THE SOLAR PANELS
Washing the solar panels
A standard flexible garden hose with domestic water pressure may be used to apply as much water to the panel or array as necessary, allowing the water to run down the entire surface. Although REC panels are manufactured to international standards and have passed all relevant certification tests, the use of high pressure hoses for cleaning is not permitted as these may exert pressure in excess of the certified load and cause impact damage, damage to the frame bonding, the laminate or cells and force water between the glass and frame.
The use of pressure or steam cleaners and high pressure hoses, knives, blades and metallic sponges is not permitted on REC panels and will invalidate the warranty.
For further cleaning
If the panels require more cleaning effort to remove stubborn marks, use a soft sponge, microfiber cloth or a soft and nonabrasive brush and lightly wipe over the affected area. This may be mounted on an extension pole for an extended reach. Treatment in
this manner should remove any loose soiling from the panel glass.
Care must be taken not to scratch, mark or introduce any foreign elements to the glass surface If marks still remain on the panels, a mild biological and biodegradable washing-up liquid may be used on the panels. The panel must be immediately rinsed with plenty of water.
Rinsing
To rinse the panels, apply as much de-ionized water as required to the highest point of the panel or system until all the loose
soiling and/or cleaning solution is washed off. If soiling remains on the panels after rinsing, repeat the cleaning procedure or if
any soiling continues to prove stubborn, IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) with a concentration of less than 10% may be be used. Acid or
Alkali detergent must not be used.
Drying the solar panels
The best way to dry panels is to leave them to dry naturally in the air. If for some reason this is not possible, they can alternatively
be wiped dry with a chamois or by use of a rubber squeegee with a plastic frame on an extension pole. Wipe the panel surface
from the top downwards to remove any residual water from the panel glass, but pay attention that any leftover grains of dirt or
sand do not scratch the surface of the panel. Avoid putting pressure on the panel surface when drying
Snow
If required, snow can be brushed or wiped from the panels in the same way as described for cleaning (i.e., with a non-abrasive brush). Beware of snow slippage from higher areas. However, as snowfall generally occurs at times of the year when irradiation is at its lowest, clearing snow build-up from the panels is not essential for maximum performance. Congratulations, after completing this process, the panels are
now clean and working at optimum efficiency again. With the right practices, cleaning solar panels should be easy and safe.
Note: This guide is intended to help ensure a safe handling between solar panels and between other balance of system components. Neither 0Bills nor REC accepts no responsibility for any damage caused by improper or incorrect use maintenance or cleaning of the panels. The Warranty on the product is only valid if the instructions in the appropriate Installation Manual are observed at all times.
REC founded in 1996 is a company based in Norway. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2016, REC is a leading European brand of solar panels. Through integrated manufacturing from polysilicon to wafers, cells, panels and turnkey solar solutions, REC strives to help meet the world’s growing energy needs. Founded in 1996, REC is a Bluestar Elkem company with headquarters in Norway and operational headquarters in Singapore. The best solar panels from NASDAQ, Bloomberg and Fortune 500 listed solar panel manufacturers at best price; suitable for all weather conditions.
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The Norwegian REC makes high quality, reliable solar panels and has continued to improve them over the eight years they’ve been producing in Singapore and over the past three years they have been Chinese owned.
Based only on the longest solar product warranties available from solar companies, here are the best solar panel manufacturers:- LG (25 years)
- Panasonic (25 years)
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- REC Group (25 years)
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REC Group is Europe’s largest manufacturer of solar panels, and has offices in Europe, the United States, Asia, and Australia. The company was founded in Norway in 1996 and manufactures its solar panels in Singapore.
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25 – 30 yearsHow Long Do Solar Panels Last? Depending on the manufacturer, solar panels’ performance can be guaranteed for 25 – 30 years, but it’s very possible that your panels will go on to produce electricity for longer than that. Panasonic Solar panels are guaranteed for 25 years by Panasonic.Solar Panels for Sale
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