Maintenance
Our solar panels need very little looking after, which is one of the reasons they suit homes and businesses alike. A well-installed system can run for years with only occasional checks.
There are still a few things worth knowing. Dirt, leaves and bird droppings can build up over time and reduce output, and wildlife can sometimes damage wiring and cables. Bifacial panels, which collect light on both sides, have some specific points to consider because their rear side needs a clear view too.
Below we explain when to clean your panels, how to protect your system from wildlife and what bifacial panels need to keep performing well.
Should I clean my solar panels?
Your system was designed with typical soil accumulation in mind, and seasonal rains are usually enough to adequately clear any soil or dust that might accumulate. We strongly recommend that you do not go onto your roof for panel cleaning or inspection. If severe soiling occurs and you feel it is absolutely necessary to clean the panels, you can clean them by spraying them from the ground with a standard garden hose. We recommend that homeowners only clean panels early in the morning or late evening rather than when the sun is at its peak or when the panels are warm.To clean a module, wash with potable, non-heated water. Normal water pressure is more than adequate, but pressurized water up to 100 bar may be used. Fingerprints, stains, or accumulations of dirt on the front surface may be removed as follows: first rinse off area and let soak for a short period of time (about 5 minutes). Re-wet and use a soft sponge or seamless cloth to wipe glass surface in a circular motion. Fingerprints typically can be removed with a soft cloth or sponge and water after wetting. Important things to keep in mind: As a rule, stay on the ground. Never get up on your roof without a secure ladder and proper fall-protection equipment. Turn off your system before you start cleaning. Consult your local Installer if you need help turning off your system. As a rule, avoid using hard, or mineral rich, water. It can damage panels over time. If your area only has hard tap water, you can buy an inexpensive water-softening hose attachment to filter out minerals. Otherwise, you can use distilled or de-ionized water. Use soft brushes and squeegees. Do not use harsh cleaning materials such as scouring powder, steel wool, scrapers, blades or other sharp instruments to clean the glass surface of the module. Use of such materials of cleaning without consultation will invalidate the product warranty. Clean early in the morning or in the evening when the panels are cool. During the heat of the day, water and soap can evaporate quickly, which risks smearing the soap and dirt. When using a high-pressure water nozzle, don’t get close to the panels. While they’re extremely durable, you don’t want to damage them. Do a monthly visual inspection to look for any dust buildup. Also, you can watch your bill for any noticeable drop in efficiency. Only then should you worry about cleaning. Even then, in most cases, nature is going to clean them for you. Don’t expose yourself to any risk. If you have any doubts about your ability to safely clean your panels, hire a professional.
What if a squirrel, a bird, or any other wildlife chews or in any way interferes with my solar system’s wiring and cables?
Animal guards and other preventive measures exist that may help deter wildlife from coming into contact with your solar system. Please contact your Installer for options and pricing.
Are there unique maintenance requirements for bifacial panels?
No. The general maintenance requirements in the TCL Solar safety and installation manual apply to both monofacial and bifacial panels. We recommend visual inspection on a regular basis of all panels for safe electrical connections, sound mechanical connections, as well as to ensure panels are free from corrosion. This inspection should be performed by trained personnel on an annual basis. Periodic cleaning of panels is recommended, but not required. Periodic cleaning has resulted in improved performance levels, especially in regions with low levels of annual precipitation (less than 46,3 cm). Customers should consult their installer or supplier about recommended cleaning schedules for their area.