Fig. 2: Dust fall on solar panels.
Fig. 1: An example of dust build-up on solar panels over time.
Quick guide to cleaning
Ensuring 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
oen 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
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 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. De-
ionized 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.
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