Solar energy is key in giving hope for renewable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. We need it to fight against the climatic conditions and let them make sure that the energy is pure, and at the same time, we save for the upcoming generations. As technology is enhanced daily, solar energy is way more accessible to people. Solar energy represents a pivotal solution in shaping a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Post-installation, it is vital to maintain and clean the panels regularly to produce better electricity. When damaged or unclean, they tend to give us less energy than expected. Cleaning and maintaining them often helps the panel absorb better sunlight, which gives electricity.
Understanding Solar Panel Efficiency:
Solar panels use unique materials called photovoltaic cells, which help convert sunlight into electricity directly. These cells are generally made of silicon, a semiconductor material. When sunlight hits the solar panels, the electrons in the silicon atoms move around. This movement of electrons creates an electric current, which is used as electricity. The more sunlight hits the solar panels, the more electricity the panels can produce.
Several factors, like less to no maintenance, shade, temperature, angle, etc, should be noted to maximize solar panels’ benefits. Also, while installing the panel, cross-check so that no issues like wiring, over-eating, etc., pop up.
Importance of Cleaning Solar Panels:
When a layer of impurities, dust, or other contaminants covers the solar panels, their efficiency is reduced. Therefore, continuous cleaning and maintenance are crucial to prevent the solar panels from operating at a sub-optimum level and ensure that solar power remains trustworthy and sustainable throughout the required time.
For example, A commercial solar installation in a rural area noticed decreased energy production during the summer when dust levels were high. Even though they have a large array of solar panels, dust accumulation on the panels resulted in lesser efficiency, giving lower energy yields than anticipated.
Another example is that researchers at the University of California, San Diego, studied solar output pre- and post-cleaning. The results were shocking! They found that dirty solar panels experience a reduction in energy production by up to 7.4% compared to clean panels.
Solar Panel Cleaning Tractors
There are a lot of cleaning services available in our fast-moving technology. However, choosing the time-consuming one, which is water-consuming and does its job better, must be noted. In this method, the cleaning device is embedded with the tractors, which is why they are called solar panel cleaning tractors. The tractor contains three components:-
- The cleaning brush cleans the dust and dirt accumulated in the solar panels. Its soft bristles efficiently clean the panels without causing damage. There are different length brushes, and you can choose accordingly.
- The water storage unit tends to store the water needed to clean even large-scale solar systems. The sprinkler near the brush will spray the water stored in the storage unit.
The hydraulic control unit in solar panel cleaning tractors is a key component that helps control and regulate the hydraulic systems, especially in the context of the cleaning mechanisms. Because of their user-friendly mechanism, different inclinations have been well controlled, which leads to cleaner and better panels.
When compared with the normal cleaning mechanism with persons, they have huge advantages like:
- One person is required to drive the tractor.
- One table contains 50 to 60 panels. Cleaning one table takes around 2 to 3 minutes.
- Price is very low in this system compared to hiring a workforce.
- It works better for both small and large-scale solar farms.
- Water usage is around 400 to 500 ml, doubling or tripling during the normal cleaning.
- This mechanism is more efficient than other cleaning options because it can be used for dry and wet solar panels.
- Cleaning efficiency while using solar panel cleaning tractors is 90% and above.
The rise of cleaning tractors is significant in maintaining the solar energy panel cleaning industry. The vehicles offer sustainable solutions by maximizing solar panel efficiency. The cleaning tractors improve the performance and longevity of solar panels and contribute to the broader goal of transitioning towards a renewable energy future. They represent an innovative solution to the maintenance challenges faced by large-scale solar panels, offering efficiency and safety for overall solar energy system performance.