Solar panels should not be cleaned with dishwashing detergent, study shows

A examine performed on the College of Turku, Finland, investigated how family cleansing merchandise have an effect on the flexibility of photo voltaic panel glass to transmit gentle. The results of the study have been introduced on the 41st European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition and within the convention proceedings.

For photo voltaic panels to work optimally, it’s important that they will take up as a lot of the incoming photo voltaic radiation as attainable. Soiling and, alternatively, harm to the photo voltaic panel glass will cut back the panel’s capacity to soak up radiation.

A analysis group on the College of Turku in Finland investigated the easiest way to wash photo voltaic panels in order that photo voltaic radiation would penetrate the panels in addition to attainable.

Most cleaning agentsequivalent to glass cleaner and isopropanol, proved appropriate for cleansing the studied photo voltaic panel glass.

The exception was dishwashing detergent and the outcomes counsel that it shouldn’t be used when cleansing solar panels. Even soiled glass transmitted extra gentle than glass cleaned with dishwashing detergent.

“Solar cell surfaces are usually made of glass, but typically have an anti-reflection coating and it is important to avoid damaging it. In this study, we did not test mechanical cleaning or pressure washers, for example, but I would not use them on panels,” cautions Professor of Supplies Engineering Kati Miettunen.

The examine discovered that the optical properties of the studied anti-reflective coating on photo voltaic panel glass didn’t deteriorate on account of chemical cleansing—besides when dishwashing detergent was used.

It’s unlikely that dishwashing detergent damages the glass. Nevertheless, rinsing doesn’t appear to be enough, because the transmittance of the photo voltaic panel glass cleaned with detergent didn’t return to the pre-cleaning stage after the rinsing.

“Even though the glass looks clean when cleaned with detergentits ability to transmit light is significantly impaired. Therefore, a clean-looking end result does not guarantee optimal performance,” says Analysis Assistant Julianna Varjopuro.

The examine performed by the Photo voltaic Power Supplies and Methods (SEMS) analysis group on the College of Turku gives data on photo voltaic panel upkeep for customers of solar power. Specifically, the RealSolar undertaking focuses on how one can incorporate solar energy into the Finnish vitality system. Accessible data on photo voltaic vitality options is essential for an equitable inexperienced transition.