Is It Worth Getting Solar Panels Cleaned In Honolulu?

Yes, it is as their efficiency in capturing sunlight improves enormously when they’re clean. 

Generally, the dust from construction sites or agricultural fields gets carried by the wind and deposited on the panels. In areas with heavy vegetation, wind can also carry large quantities of pollen during spring. Then there are soot and chemical residues from various sources like vehicular and industrial pollution. 

The combined effect of all these accumulating on the panel is simple – the sunlight is blocked from reaching the solar cells, reducing overall efficiency. This is termed as soiling loss. 

Is the occasional rainfall good enough to remove any dust settling on the panels?

Yes, but only partially. While dirt, dust, and pollen can be removed by falling rain, some objects, bird droppings for example, are trickier to remove. 

It also depends on the type of dirt deposited. The rain may not be good enough to remove the stubborn residues from the panel surface. At times, rainwater can cause dirt to accumulate at the bottom of the panel surface.

Keep in mind that the tilt angle of the panels will determine how quickly they get dusty. Panels aligned at steeper angles will shed dust and other residues more effectively.

Geographical location is another aspect that you need to consider. Dust concentration can be higher than average in areas around factories or busy highways. In such scenarios, waiting for the next spell of rain to clean the panels – especially in the dry season – isn’t the best option. 

If your home is near a highway or an airport, smog and oil-based pollution can get deposited on the panel surface. These sticky materials will not get washed away with rainfall and attract dirt. Perhaps unsurprisingly, in heavily polluted areas, atmospheric pollution alone can reduce panel efficiency by 25 percent. 

In the dry season, dirt and pollution can get baked on the panels due to the heat. When humidity levels rise, this can cause the growth of mildew and algae. Cleaning such solar panels properly will require a good scrub. Inspecting your panels every month and checking for any signs of dust buildup is a good idea.

Benefits of Cleaning Solar Panels

Here’s a quick look at some of the benefits of solar panel cleaning.

Efficiency

Not only does dirt on the panel surface block sunlight, but even the type of dirt can also affect panel performance. A study indicated that dust accumulation can result in the loss of 6.5% of a panel’s output if no cleaning is done within 2 months. In time, the losses can accumulate, especially for larger systems.

The results of another study indicate the drastic impact of atmospheric particulate matter on panel efficiency. Such deposition can lower panel efficiency by 25% by blocking sunlight. Cleaning the deposits can lead to a steep rise in panel efficiency.

Better Return on Investment

The math is simple. Clean and efficient panels will generate power more effectively, increasing your monthly electric bill savings. This, in turn, will help you get a payback within a shorter period. 

For most homeowners in the US, the payback period is between 9 and 12 years. Keeping the panels clean will give you an added advantage for keeping this period short.

Longer Running Life

Keeping the panels free from corrosive pollutants helps in improving their longevity. Moreover, the accumulated dust or grime on the surface can cause uneven panel heating. The prolonged effects of this can cause damage to the panel surface. Real-world examples suggest that cleaner panels have longer lifespans, thereby safeguarding the return on your investment.