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Why cleaning matters...
Estimated global loss in PV energy production due to soiling is 4-7 Billion Euros per annum
Source: International Energy Agency, 2022
Cleaner panels = Higher returns
After irradiance, soiling is the single most influential factor impacting solar PV system yield.
To avoid the accumulation of soiling, solar panels should be cleaned regularly. This build-up significantly reduces panel efficiency and energy output, with losses ranging from 5% to 50%
Soiling losses depend on many variables, such as environment, location, and system factors - see Soiling section below.
Financially, the impact of soiling can be significant!
UK example - For a 1MW system in a low-soiling location, losses could be 23k-44k Euros per annum. Over 5 years, compound soiling could result in losses of 313k-535k Euros.
Why choose Lavee Solar?
Lavee Solar offers a practical and simple solution to get the job done quickly, with minimal costs and hassle...and NO WATER!
The added bonus: Our active SmartShield formulation ensures panels remain cleaner for longer, meaning more energy is produced and less cleaning is required!
Why wait? Apply Lavee Solar during installation and start benefitting from day one!
Common Questions - the dirty truths about panel maintenance
Do panels need to be cleaned if it rains often?
Do panels need to be cleaned if it rains often?
Do panels need to be cleaned if it rains often?
Yes, absolutely! It is sometimes assumed that solar panels are maintenance-free, but in reality, they need regular care to stay efficient.
Rain can clear away some debris, but over time panels still accumulate a build-up of different types of soiling depending on their location. Common examples, or often combinations of these, include:
• Dust
• Sand
• Pollution
• Pollen
• Lichen
• Moss
• Bird droppings
• Tree sap
• Cement dust
Although soiling is typically worse in dry, sandy or dusty environments, a recent case study in a region of high annual rainfall showed Lavee Solar cleaned panels generated an additional yield of 8.19%
Solution - To manage soiling losses effectively and protect the longevity of the panels, regular cleaning using a product approved by PV manufacturers is recommended.
Can I just clean my panels with water?
Do panels need to be cleaned if it rains often?
Do panels need to be cleaned if it rains often?
This depends... if water is available on-site or can be sourced affordably, it can be used for cleaning. However, water is not the ideal solution. Whilst it can temporarily improve panel efficiency, its effects are short-lived and does not provide longer-term protection.
Costs & risks of using water (see section below for more details)
• Water content - Calcium, Chlorine, and unknown impurities, can damage panels and surrounds over time
• Microcracks - Applying 6L of water to a panel (compared to 50ml of Lavee Solar) creates a temperature variation that can cause thermal shocks, resulting in microcracks
• Environmental impact - estimated that 45 Billion Litres of water is used per year (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2022).
Missed revenue
Cleaning with water temporarily removes some soiling from the panels. But for how long? Localised soiling quickly adheres to the panels, forming a base layer that attracts additional dirt over time. This compounding effect leads to increasingly reduced efficiency if not addressed. Our Cost Benefit Analysis tool shows it's more economical to use Lavee Solar than water (see below).
Solution - Lavee Solar is Ready To Use, eliminates the water related costs & risks, & is great for the environment! In addition, Lavee Solar keeps panels cleaner for longer, boosting output and financial returns.
Challenges with traditional water-based cleaning methods
Accessibility of water
Accessibility of water
Accessibility of water
Investment and maintenance of water-related infrastructure can be costly, in both time and money!
Many solar sites face challenges with the supply of water, whether there is simply no water at all, or there are logistical difficulties getting water to, or around, the job site.
Solar sites are often located in previously unused places or remote locations, and cleaning is sometimes an afterthought (or has been overlooked entirely), leading to issues later on.
Challenges often occur:
• In areas of inaccessibility: Remote sites or farmland without any, or easy, access to a water source
• In hard to reach locations (e.g. rooftop sites): Significant volumes of water being transported to the cleaning location, either in containers or using pipes, pumps, etc.
Costs & risks
Accessibility of water
Accessibility of water
• Environmental impact - Typically 6 Litres of water is required per panel, compared to 50ml of Lavee Solar. It is estimated that 45 Billion Litres of water is used per year (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2022)
• Infrastructure: Pipes, pumps, hoses, drains, etc. all involve time and money to install and maintain
• Time consuming: Preparation, cleaning and tidy-up takes longer per clean than with Lavee Solar (30-45 seconds/panel). Considerably more time (and money) is required if infrastructure needs to be designed and installed to get water to site
• Utility supplied water: Contains Calcium (abrasive) & Chlorine (damages seals & surrounds) - both degrade panels over time
• Boreholes & Wells: Can contain a multitude of unknown impurities
• Demineralised water: Can be costly & more difficult to source
• Thermal shocks & microcracks: Temperature variations between water & panels can cause rapid changes & damage
Soiling
Soiling losses in different environments
Every installation is different and has to contend with localised soiling issues. However, typically accepted (industry wide) figures for soiling losses in common environments are shown above.
Thoroughly considering the local environment before developing an ongoing maintenance strategy is essential for solar panel owners to reduce the impact of soiling, and maximise energy yield and panel lifespan.
Factors affecting soiling
As well as the general dirt and debris that accumulate on solar panels, there are additional factors that affect levels of soiling.
Maintaining clean solar panels is crucial for maximising efficiency and cost savings. Regular cleaning can help reduce the effects of soiling, ensuring that your solar system delivers reliable performance year-round.
Cost Benefit Analysis
Our Cost Benefit Analysis tool shows that Lavee Solar is the most economical way of cleaning!
The Cost-Benefit of each cleaning method below was assessed over a 5-year period, with all associated costs considered:
(1) No cleaning, (2) Manual cleaning with water, (3) Manual cleaning with Lavee Solar, (4) Robot cleaning with water, (5) Robot cleaning with Lavee Solar
The chart shows the Cost Benefit Analysis results for a 1MW installation in a Commercial environment in the UK, with cleaning once per year. Lavee Solar, applied manually or using a robot, is the most economical option due to the increased energy yield and lower operating costs.
If you would like more information about our Cost Benefit Analysis tool, please get in touch with our team using the button below.
