With the popularity of renewable energy, more and more homes and businesses are installing photovoltaic solar panels as their primary or secondary energy supply. However, photovoltaic solar panels need to be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure that they continue to work efficiently. The use of a PV scrubber is a common and effective cleaning method, so how much does it cost to clean a PV solar panel with a PV scrubber? How to achieve cleaning at home?This article will discuss this in detail.
How much it costs to clean solar panels？
The composition of cleaning costs：
Before exploring the cost of cleaning, we need to understand the composition of cleaning costs. The cost of cleaning solar panels with a PV cleaning brush mainly includes the following aspects:
- Cleaning brush cost: PV cleaning brush price varies depending on the size, material and function.
- Other costs: This includes the cost of water (if rinsing with fresh water), the cost of detergent (if used)
Estimation of cleaning costs:
As the composition of the cleaning cost is complex and affected by a variety of factors, it is difficult to give a uniform cleaning cost. However, we can estimate based on some common situations:
If the family provides its own PV cleaning brush and cleaning tools, the main cost is the cost of cleaning brush and cleaner. In general, the total cost of an average PV cleaning brush and cleaner may range from a few tens to a few hundred dollars.
The factors affecting the cost of cleaning:
- Cleaning area: the larger the cleaning area, the higher the required cleaning time and manpower costs, so the cleaning costs will increase accordingly.
- Cleaning Difficulty: If the solar panels are installed on the roof and other high places, or the surrounding environment is complex, the difficulty of cleaning will increase, so the cleaning costs will also increase accordingly.
- Regional differences: the price level of different regions and other factors will affect the cost of cleaning.
how to clean solar panels at home？
Cleaning steps in detail
- Preparation tools:
- PV cleaning brush
- Cleaning agent (optional)
- Safety equipment (e.g. gloves, non-slip shoes)
2. Safety Check:
- Ensure that the solar system is disconnected to avoid the risk of electric shock.
- Check the safety of the roof to ensure there are adequate support points, wear non-slip shoes and a safety harness (if climbing is required).
3. Initial rinsing:
- Gently rinse the surface of the solar panel from top to bottom.
4. Apply cleaner (if used):
- Dilute the appropriate amount of cleaner in water and gently apply it to the solar panel surface with a soft brush or sponge. Be careful not to use too much force to avoid damaging the surface coating.
5.Cleaning with a PV cleaning brush
- Cleaning with a photovoltaic cleaning brush: Gently brush the surface of the solar panel, taking care to maintain a certain strength and speed to ensure the cleaning effect.
- For stubborn stains, you can use cleaners to help clean.
6.Natural Drying
- Allow the solar panel to dry naturally. Avoid wiping with a towel as this may leave fibres or water marks.
7.Inspection & Maintenance
- After cleaning is complete, check the solar panel’s connecting wires and brackets for looseness or damage.
- Regularly check the power generation efficiency of the solar panel and perform maintenance as needed.
Precautions
- During the cleaning process, be sure to maintain safety. If you need to work at height, make sure you wear safety equipment such as a safety belt.
- Avoid cleaning in extremely hot or cold weather to avoid damage to the solar panels.
- Use mild cleaning agents and avoid using cleaning agents containing acid, alkali or phosphorus, which may cause corrosion to the solar panels.
- After the cleaning is completed, clean the cleaning tools in time and store them properly.
How to reduce the cleaning cost?
- Choose a suitable cleaning brush: According to the material of solar panels and the installation environment, choose a suitable cleaning brush, which can improve the cleaning efficiency and reduce the cleaning cost.
- Regular cleaning: Regular cleaning can prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt and reduce the difficulty and cost of cleaning.
- Self-service cleaning: If conditions permit, families can provide their own cleaning brushes and tools for self-service cleaning to reduce cleaning costs.
common problems
Can I use dishwashing detergent or soapy water to clean my solar panels?
Yes, as long as it is a safe method of cleaning your solar panels that is gentle, effective, and biodegradable. Then just mix it with water and gently scrub the solar panel, then rinse thoroughly to remove the soap residue.
What is the best brush for cleaning solar panels?
A cleaning brush with a long shaft and soft bristles is usually used to clean solar panels without scratching or damaging the panels. Shorter brushes make it difficult to reach distant places.
How many solar panels can be cleaned in a day?
A motorized roller brush can clean a PV plant around 1-1.2 MW in a day.
The motorized rotating single head can clean a PV plant of about 0.5 MW per day.
How often do I clean my solar panels?
This depends on where your solar panels are located and the season, for example is less frequent cleaning in winter than in summer.
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Conclusion
Cleaning photovoltaic solar panels with a PV cleaning brush is an efficient and environmentally friendly way of cleaning. However, the cost of cleaning varies depending on a number of factors and it is difficult to give a uniform figure. Therefore, when choosing a cleaning method, we need to weigh and choose according to our actual situation and needs. By understanding the composition and influencing factors of cleaning cost, we can better grasp the estimation method of cleaning cost, so as to reduce the cleaning cost and improve the power generation efficiency and service life of solar panels.
