Dust/sand on PV panels

[sunspot]

Dust/sand storms such as the current one will leave a film on PV panels. Does anyone know how much difference this will make to energy production? Should they be cleaned after a storm?

As a separate question: Should PV panels be cleaned regularly anyway? How often?

[cyprusmax47]

Normally heavy winter rains are cleaning the modules good enough. However it depends also on the tilt they are mounted on your roof. The energy production is only lower if they are really coated with dust and p.e. birds mess or larger objects. (mainly mid-summer)
You can do more damage cleaning them with hard water (rain water is the best) in the sunshine or with any additives to the water. Also one should use only a soft brush on a long extension to avoid scratches and be careful when doing it at the roof.

Max

[trevnhil]

During the Summer months when I am out with the hosepipe watering plants, I will from time to time stand on steps and direct the water onto the panels and swill them off.

[jeba]

During the Summer months when I am out with the hosepipe watering plants, I will from time to time stand on steps and direct the water onto the panels and swill them off.

Same here. And if check my electricity generation (immediately before and thereafter) I can see that it does have an effect. Not as much though as one might think (maybe 5%).

[cyprusmax47]

During the Summer months when I am out with the hosepipe watering plants, I will from time to time stand on steps and direct the water onto the panels and swill them off.

Same here. And if check my electricity generation (immediately before and thereafter) I can see that it does have an effect. Not as much though as one might think (maybe 5%).

Because you lowered the module temperature which leads in summer to higher production, together with less dust on them.

Max

[sunspot]

Thanks for the info.