How Much Electricity Do Dirty Solar Panels Lose?
The amount of electricity being generated by your solar panels is adversely affected by dirt and grime build up on the panels.
Solar panels are comprised of many small units called photovoltaic cells. These cells covert sunlight into electricity. If sunlight is shielded or blocked from penetrating the panel and hitting the cells, then the shielded cells do not produce electricity.
Experts agree that the loss in electricity production reaches as high as 25% in some areas, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. This figure is backed up by SEPA (Solar Electric Power Association) which is a non-profit organization which offers information and advice about solar power.
Some areas are more prone to grime build up than others. The pitch of the roof is another contributing factor along with salt spray in coastal areas, bird droppings, mould, moss, dust and grime fallout. Dirt does not need to cover an entire solar panel to have a negative impact on performance.
DIY solar panel cleaning is definitely not recommended. The panel cleaning process uses water which in turn flows onto the roof and can make it slippery and very unsafe to walk on without the correct equipment.
Our advice is to leave it to the professionals.
We also provide pressure cleaning for rooftops, gutters and driveways.