Solar Panel Cleaning and Why Cleaning Really Matters

Why Solar Panel Cleaning & Maintenance Matters

Keeping your solar panels clean (solar panel cleaning) is a vital part of solar panel maintenance, and can significantly impact performance.

Even a thin layer of dirt, pollen, bird droppings, or other grime can reduce solar efficiency by 10–25 %, costing you in unrealised energy output. Real‑world data shows annual gains of 8–13 % in energy production after cleaning in some rooftop systems

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Dirt and Dust vs. True Degradation

Degradation is the irreversible decline in panel performance over years, generally creeping along, not dropping suddenly like soiling does.

Modern warranties reflect this: most manufacturers guarantee something like 80 % output at year 25, implying about 0.5 % or less annual loss.

However soling loss is avoidable.  Layers of dust, pollen, bird droppings or grime on the glass surface can reduce output. Research shows that efficiency can drop nearly 15–25 % within just a few weeks of exposure in dusty conditions. Also, accumulated dirt also raises panel temperature, further reducing energy yield even under the same sunlight conditions

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Smart Cleaning = Smart Investment

Maintaining clean panels helps bridge the gap between theoretical and real‑world production:

• Automated detection and cleaning: Advanced systems including smart sensors or robotic cleaners can detect when soiling crosses a threshold and trigger cleaning, restoring output quickly (some studies report up to 55 % sunlight blocked by dust, with weekly cleaning recovering around 3 % efficiency) . Clearly such systems are over the top for home installations and more suitable for large solar systems
• Cost-benefit balance: Studies show that smart cleaning regimes or nano‑coating / wiper systems can limit soiling losses

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How Wright Renewables Can Help

Wright Renewables can apply a nano-coating at the point of installation to improve the on going performance of solar panels.

Often solar panels can be difficult to access and applying at the point of installation make a lot of sense when scaffolding is erected

Practical Tips for Homeowners

• In the UK context, experts typically recommend panel cleaning every six months or at least once a year, preferably in cooler morning or evening hours to avoid thermal stress on hot glass.
• Avoid pressure washers—high‑pressure water can damage cell seals or scratch glass. Instead, use soft brushes, biodegradable soap, or mild vinegar mixes.

Summary