How to Keep Your Solar Panels Performing at Their Best
Solar panels are designed to generate clean energy for many years. However, like any other part of an energy system, they benefit from regular inspection and maintenance to continue performing at their best..
Over time, dust, pollen, leaves, bird droppings, air pollution and Saharan dust can accumulate on solar panels. Depending on the location and weather conditions, this dirt can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the solar cells and potentially affect energy generation.
That is why solar panel cleaning and maintenance can help keep your installation in good condition, identify potential problems at an early stage and support the long-term performance of your system.
At NOVECTRA, we help homeowners and businesses with professional solar panel cleaning and maintenance. This means you do not have to worry about safely accessing your roof or choosing the right cleaning method.
Why is solar panel cleaning important?
Solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity. Although a small amount of dust will usually have only a limited impact on performance, more persistent contamination can build up over time.
Rain will naturally wash away some dirt, but it does not always remove everything. Bird droppings, leaves, pollen and Saharan dust, for example, can remain on the surface of a panel after rainfall.
When dirt covers part of a solar panel, it can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the solar cells. Depending on the amount and type of contamination, this may contribute to lower solar energy generation.
This is why cleaning solar panels can be an important part of maintaining a solar PV system, particularly when the panels are visibly dirty or when energy generation appears to be lower than expected.
NOVECTRA can professionally clean your installation and help keep your panels in good condition.
What causes solar panels to become dirty?
Solar panels are exposed to the elements throughout the year. The type and amount of contamination depend largely on the location of the installation.
Common sources of dirt include:
- Saharan dust left behind after rainfall;
- air pollution from traffic and industrial activity;
- pollen and other airborne particles during spring;
- leaves and organic material during autumn;
- bird droppings;
- dust and general dirt accumulating throughout the year.
Solar panels installed in urban areas, near industrial sites or underneath trees may require more frequent inspection and cleaning than panels in cleaner, more open locations.
At NOVECTRA, we can assess the condition of your solar panel installation and advise whether cleaning or maintenance is appropriate.
What should be checked during solar panel maintenance?
Solar panel maintenance involves more than cleaning the glass surface.
A solar PV installation consists of multiple components, including the panels, mounting system, cabling and electrical equipment.
During a professional inspection, attention can be given to the overall condition of the installation. Depending on the scope of the maintenance service, this may include checking for:
- visible damage to solar panels;
- signs of wear;
- the condition of cables and connections;
- mounting materials and fixings;
- contamination and debris;
- other visible issues that could affect the installation.
Regular inspections can help identify potential problems before they develop into more significant issues.
Professional solar panel cleaning and maintenance by NOVECTRA
Keep your solar panels in good condition with NOVECTRA. At NOVECTRA, we provide professional maintenance and cleaning services for solar panel installations.
Our approach goes beyond simply removing dirt. During maintenance, we can also look at the general condition of the installation and identify visible signs of wear, damage or other potential areas requiring attention.
Regular solar panel cleaning and maintenance can help keep your installation in good condition and allow you to make the most of your solar investment.
Whether your panels have accumulated dust, pollen, leaves, bird droppings or Saharan dust, professional cleaning can help keep the surface of your panels clear and your installation well maintained.
Looking for a professional solar panel cleaning and maintenance service?
Contact NOVECTRA on 0115-553000 or email info@novectra.nl to discuss your solar panel installation and maintenance requirements.
Want to reduce your energy costs as well? Request a quote and discover what NOVECTRA can do for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no single answer to how often solar panels should be cleaned. It depends on the location, the surrounding environment and how quickly dirt accumulates.
For many installations, a periodic inspection is a sensible approach. If the panels are visibly dirty, professional cleaning may be appropriate.
NOVECTRA can take care of the cleaning for you, including installations where accessing the panels yourself would be difficult or unsafe.
The best time to clean solar panels depends on the circumstances.
In many cases, cleaning before spring can be useful because the panels are then ready for the period when solar generation typically increases.
However, weather conditions and local circumstances are also important. For example, after a period of heavy Saharan dust or when bird droppings have accumulated, cleaning may be beneficial regardless of the time of year.
It is therefore better to focus on the condition of the solar panels rather than following a rigid annual cleaning schedule.
Professional cleaning can be worthwhile when solar panels are heavily contaminated or difficult to access safely. A professional can also inspect the installation while carrying out the cleaning.
Rain can remove some dust and loose dirt from solar panels, but it may not remove more persistent contamination such as bird droppings, leaves or Saharan dust.
Solar panels should be cleaned using appropriate, non-abrasive methods. Avoid pressure washers, abrasive materials and aggressive cleaning products. For panels on high or steep roofs, professional cleaning is recommended.
Yes. Heavy contamination can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the solar cells and may therefore contribute to lower energy generation. However, reduced output can have other causes, so an inspection may be appropriate if performance drops unexpectedly.
Cleaning before the higher-generation months can be useful, particularly if the panels have accumulated dirt during autumn and winter. However, the condition of the panels is more important than the time of year.
Technically, solar panels can be cleaned by yourself. However, there are several important considerations.
Solar panels are often installed on sloping or high roofs. Accessing them can therefore create significant safety risks, particularly without suitable fall protection and professional equipment.
There is also a risk of damaging the panels if unsuitable cleaning methods or materials are used. Scratches, aggressive cleaning products or excessive water pressure can potentially affect the surface or components of the installation.
For these reasons, professional solar panel cleaning is often the safest and most practical option. NOVECTRA has the equipment and expertise to clean solar panel installations carefully and safely.
- Never access a roof without the appropriate safety measures.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions before carrying out any work.
- Never stand or sit on solar panels.
- Do not use a pressure washer, as high water pressure can damage components.
- Use a soft sponge or suitable cloth rather than hard brushes or abrasive materials.
- Preferably use purified or demineralised water to reduce the risk of limescale and mineral deposits.
- Avoid aggressive cleaning products that could damage the panel surface or coating.
- Wear suitable protective gloves.
- Do not attempt to clean panels that are difficult to access or located on a steep roof.
- If you are unsure whether the work can be carried out safely, use a qualified professional.
Cleaning solar panels is not worth putting yourself at risk. If access is difficult or specialist equipment is required, professional cleaning by Novectra is the safer choice.
Solar panel maintenance can include cleaning and visual inspection of the panels, cabling, mounting materials and other accessible components of the installation. The exact scope depends on the maintenance service and installation.
NOVECTRA provides professional solar panel cleaning and maintenance services. Our approach focuses not only on removing contamination but also on helping identify visible issues that could affect the condition and performance of the installation.