Why should photovoltaic panels be cleaned regularly

    Photovoltaic cleaning refers to the regular cleaning of photovoltaic modules to remove dust, dirt, bird droppings, and other obstructions, ensuring the modules receive more solar radiation and thereby improving their power generation efficiency. Photovoltaic cleaning plays a crucial role in maintaining the optimal performance of photovoltaic modules and extending their lifespan. In urban environments like Beijing's Haidian District, photovoltaic cleaning is particularly important due to severe dust and bird droppings, which significantly impact the efficiency of photovoltaic systems.

Key Benefits of Photovoltaic Cleaning

1. Significantly Improves Power Generation Efficiency

Clean photovoltaic modules can generate at least 5% more power than dusty ones. Research shows:

• A 1mm dust layer reduces power output by 8%-10%
• Areas covered by bird droppings generate almost no power
• Cleaning increases light transmittance, allowing photovoltaic materials to absorb more sunlight
• 

2. Extends Equipment Lifespan

Regular cleaning helps:

• Prevent acidic or alkaline dust from corroding the photovoltaic panel surface
• Maintain good heat dissipation by avoiding increased thermal resistance from dust accumulation
• Reduce the risk of hot spots (local overheating can damage cells)

3. Enhances System Safety and Stability

Cleaning contributes to:

• Eliminating fire hazards (some accumulated pollutants may be flammable)
• Preventing hot spots from burning out components
• Maintaining stable current and voltage output of the entire photovoltaic system

Necessity of Photovoltaic Cleaning

1. Direct Impact on Efficiency Decline

Uncleaned photovoltaic panels may experience a 20%-30% drop in photoelectric conversion efficiency, manifested by:

• Dust reflecting, scattering, and absorbing solar radiation
• Local shading causing the "barrel effect" (system efficiency is limited by the least efficient part)
• Some distributed power plants stipulate: if power generation does not recover to 90% of theoretical value after cleaning, the maintenance team's monthly bonus is deducted by 20%

2. Long-Term Economic Considerations

While cleaning incurs costs:

• The payback period for automatic cleaning equipment is about 2 years
• Annual return on investment can exceed 20% over the lifespan
• Regular maintenance avoids greater economic losses due to efficiency decline

3. Environmental Adaptation Requirements

Different environments require varying cleaning frequencies:

• General areas: every 3-6 months
• Dusty areas (e.g., Haidian District, Beijing): every 1-3 months
• Arid water-scarce regions: water-saving cleaning solutions are needed

Special Considerations for Photovoltaic Cleaning in Haidian District, Beijing

1. Urban Environmental Characteristics

As a high-tech industrial district in Beijing, Haidian's photovoltaic systems face:

• Building dust and vehicle exhaust pollution
• Frequent bird activity (bird droppings)
• Space constraints (mostly roof-mounted installations)

2. Cleaning Recommendations

For Haidian's environment, it is advised to:

• ‌Frequency‌: Soft dry brushing once a month, pure water rinsing (with neutral detergent) quarterly
• ‌Timing‌: Early morning or evening to avoid midday heat (to prevent glass cracking)
• ‌Methods‌:
  • Water pressure below 35Bar
  • Use soft brushes or nano-sponges to avoid scratching surfaces
  • Consider professional cleaning services

3. Technology Options

Advanced cleaning technologies suitable for Haidian include:

• Drone cleaning: with precise positioning and high-pressure water mist
• Smart cleaning robots: 50 times more efficient than manual labor, saving 30% water
• Spray systems: ideal for large-scale photovoltaic plants, supporting remote monitoring

      Photovoltaic cleaning is an indispensable part of photovoltaic system operation and maintenance, significantly improving power generation efficiency, extending equipment lifespan, and ensuring system safety. In urban environments like Haidian District, where pollution is severe, regular professional cleaning is particularly essential. By adopting appropriate cleaning frequencies and methods and considering advanced cleaning technologies, the power generation benefits of photovoltaic systems can be maximized, ensuring long-term stable energy output.