Are you considering installing solar panels on your home soon? If you are, this blog can help you make an informed decision.
Solar panels have become increasingly popular worldwide. However, simply installing them isn’t enough; proper maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
One of the biggest dangers to your panels is neglecting their cleanliness.
During the monsoon season, in particular, it’s crucial to clean them regularly to prevent mold and algae growth, which can significantly reduce their productivity.
These biological contaminants can also impact the efficiency and lifespan of your solar panels.
Therefore, regular cleaning is a necessity. Keep reading this blog to gain further insights into solar panel maintenance.
Understanding the Monsoon Season’s Impact
During the monsoon period, the conditions are ideal for mold and algae to proliferate. These microorganisms thrive due to heavy rainfall and high humidity, favoring wet and warm environments.
Over time, they can grow on the surface of solar panels, forming a layer that obstructs sunlight penetration and reduces their efficiency in generating electricity.
Moreover, their presence can lead to lasting damage, necessitating costly repairs or replacements.
The Science Behind Mold and Algae Growth
Mold and algae belong to the fungi class and reproduce through spores. Solar panels easily attract these spores because they are everywhere in your surrounding environments.
When rainwater combines with organic material, it tends to accumulate on top of these devices during the rainy season.
It avails nutrients for germinating spores and promotes their growth into molds or algae.
But, photosynthetic organisms called algae may take shape within greenish or blackish layers.
These are found around solar plates and most likely would consist of mold appearing like fuzzy or slimy cladding.
Hence, both types of growth obstruct sunlight but also create roughness that further holds onto dirt and moisture, leading to worsening effects.
Well, now, let us see and understand the consequences when proper cleaning is not done on solar panels.
The Consequences of Neglecting Cleaning
If you failed to clean solar panels during monsoon may result in several negative consequences:
- Decreased Efficiency: The main consequence of the growth of mold and algae on solar panels is reduced panel efficiency. Research has shown that a small amount of dirt over a long period of time can decrease energy output by up to 20%. This efficiency reduction leads to direct monetary losses for both commercial and residential solar power systems.
- Physical Damage: Continuous mold presence gradually corrodes the surface of solar panels, making them physically weak due to their acidic nature. Algae also leave layers that are hard to remove without causing scratches or other forms of physical damage.
- Health Hazards: People with allergies or respiratory conditions may be at risk from mold that is found in damp conditions. Inhalation of spores directly causes allergic reactions and asthma attacks when people are closer to molds during maintenance sessions.
- Aesthetic Degradation: Mold and algae make solar panels ugly, thus causing concerns, especially for home applications. Property values decrease as aesthetics worsen, while overall cleanliness perception within such premises tends to deteriorate.
Effective Cleaning Strategies
To prevent and lessen the growth of mold and algae, several strategies can be adopted because it is important to keep solar panels clean during monsoons:
- Regular Cleaning: One easier way is to keep clean solar panels regularly. This could be done by manually washing them with water and a soft brush or using cleansers. Therefore, one should ensure that the panels are not exposed to harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
- Proper Installation Angles: With proper installation, it can help to reduce moisture accumulation and organic matter. This will discourage mold and algae growth if solar panels are installed at angles that promote water runoff.
- Scheduled Inspections: Regular inspections before and after monsoons help detect problems early enough. In this way, any growth will be identified and eliminated before causing significant harm.
Which Type of Cleaning Solution Is Good for Solar Panel Cleaning?
When selecting a cleaning solution for solar panels, it’s essential to choose mild yet efficient products. Biodegradable and environmentally friendly cleaning solutions, like WattUp, are ideal.
These solutions are designed to remove dirt, grime, and bird droppings without harming the environment or damaging the panels.
WattUp contains mild surfactants that help absorb and eliminate pollutants without leaving behind detrimental residues.
Mild soap solutions, like water mixed with a small amount of dish soap, also work. However, remember to rinse off all the soap completely so that no remnants can attract more dirt.
Avoid using severe chemicals, hard detergents, or any cleaning agent that has strong acids/alkalis. Thus, it can result in surface damage to your panels, thereby lessening their effectiveness.
Clean Panels, Optimal Performance
Cleaning solar panels during monsoon seasons is an essential activity. Owners should not take cleaning steps lightly, as this will help them keep their solar panels in good condition forever. Preventing mold formation and algal blooms can improve the efficiency of your solar panel.
So, to keep solar panels in good condition, regular cleaning can help in sustainable development. Therefore, WattUp is here to solve your problem. It is the first Indian brand to create a non-acidic, bio-degradable cleaning liquid just for you.
Hurry up and get one for your home today.
