Solar energy is becoming an increasingly popular source of renewable energy, with more and more solar arrays being installed around the world. However, the performance and efficiency of these arrays can be significantly impacted by the accumulation of dirt, dust, and other debris on the surface of the solar panels - we call this solar panel soiling loss. In this article, we will discuss the economic benefits of minimizing solar panel soiling loss and the methods that can be used to achieve this.
One of the most significant economic benefits of minimizing solar panel soiling loss is an increase in energy production. As dirt and debris accumulate on the surface of the solar panels, they can block a significant portion of the sunlight that would otherwise reach the panels, reducing the amount of energy that is generated. By keeping the solar panels clean and free of soiling, the energy production of the array can be maximized, leading to a higher return on investment for the array owner.
Another economic benefit is an extended lifespan of the solar panels. As dirt and debris accumulate on the surface of the solar panels, they can cause abrasions and scratches that can damage the surface of the panels over time.
The benefits of having clean solar panels are clear, however, tools are needed to indicate the most financially optimal wash times. That’s what Fracsun's ARES soiling station provides.
On large sites, we've seen up to a 20% annual performance improvement due to our customers using ARES. This is also at a net-zero cost because the calculation is considering that the cleaning costs pay for themselves. Schedule a demo of our soiling loss monitoring solution here.