Key Takeaways
- Dirty solar panels can lead to significant electricity generation losses for UK businesses, with potential output gains of up to 16.6% through regular cleaning.
- Absolar’s findings highlight the importance of routine maintenance and inspections, which help identify faults and enhance system efficiency.
- The company uses advanced cleaning techniques to maintain solar installations, emphasizing that regular upkeep ensures better energy cost savings for businesses.
Impact of Soiling on Solar Panel Efficiency
New data from Absolar indicates that unclean solar panels may cost UK businesses thousands of pounds in lost electricity generation annually. Their research reveals that cleaning panels can enhance output by as much as 16.6%.
Currently, Absolar is executing its annual maintenance program and observing significant accumulation of grime, airborne pollution, and bird droppings on commercial solar systems that haven’t been serviced. This solar soiling can lead to decreased energy generation, often before any visible changes are apparent.
For example, at the Southampton restaurant M Dim Sum, Absolar noted a 16.6% increase in electricity generation post-cleaning of a 32-panel rooftop installation. After accounting for solar radiation with independent weather data, the improvement still showed about a 10% increase.
Dr Victoria Aragon, a renewable energy specialist at Absolar, points out that many building owners mistakenly believe their solar panels function efficiently after installation. “Bird droppings, dust, pollen, and general soiling accumulate gradually,” she explains, “and most people don’t notice the drop in output until they compare numbers before and after cleaning and see a double-digit swing. That’s revenue a business is simply leaving to rot on the roof.”
Absolar reinforces that the rationale behind regular maintenance exceeds merely cleaning. Dr Aragon elaborates, “We conduct full system inspections during every maintenance visit, checking component condition, service logs, and system efficiency. This proactive approach helps us identify early signs of wear or faults before they lead to substantial costs.”
To facilitate maintenance, Absolar employs deionized water, ensuring a spot-free finish without mineral deposits on the panel surface. A cleaning robot is also utilized to safely access hard-to-reach areas on rooftops. Every installation from Absolar comes with a comprehensive four-year service and maintenance package, ensuring that engineers handle the cleaning and inspections rather than relying on customers to remember.
As Absolar’s teams progress through the current maintenance round, some of the systems have shown substantial soiling, particularly those situated near trees or bird roosting areas. One installation in Ipswich was notably marked by bird droppings, indicating significant neglect.
Dr Aragon emphasizes the financial motivations for businesses investing in solar energy. “Many could enhance their returns by ensuring their systems are properly maintained,” she notes. Whether through Absolar or another provider, she encourages business owners to engage in this crucial conversation to maximize their solar investment.
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