As the owner of a commercial property with solar panels, you naturally want to get the maximum return on your investment. Regular maintenance, such as solar panel cleaning, plays a crucial role in this. In this article, we explain why solar panel cleaning on a commercial property is important, what factors play a role and how to ensure that your solar panels continue to perform optimally. Specifically, we address the challenges and solutions for cleaning larger installations, from 2,000 panels upwards.
Why clean solar panels on your premises?
Solar panels on commercial buildings are exposed to various types of pollution:
- Dust and sand: In industrial areas and along busy roads, more dust particles float in the air, which settle on solar panels.
- Bird poop: This forms a persistent contamination that can block light and negatively affect energy production.
- Pollen and leaves: Especially in spring and autumn, these can accumulate and reduce the efficiency of your solar panels.
- Industrial pollution: Depending on the location, there may be chemical deposits or soot particles from factories or traffic.
Research shows that contaminated solar panels can cause up to 20% can generate less energy, leading to an immediate financial loss.
The impact on your returns
A dirty solar panel system means less yield. Suppose your solar panels on your business premises annually Generate €10,000 of energy. A contamination that boosts efficiency by 20% cuts cost you €2,000 a year in lost revenue.
In addition to lower efficiency, dirt accumulation can also lead to faster wear and tear on solar panels. By having your solar panels structurally cleaned, you not only prevent energy loss, but also extend the life of your installation.
Factors determining cleaning frequency
How often solar panels on a commercial property should be cleaned depends on several factors:
- Location: Premises in industrial areas, near highways or in agricultural environments are more likely to experience contamination and require more frequent cleaning.
- Slope angle of panels: Flat panels hold more dirt than steeper panels, which are partially cleaned when it rains.
- Weather conditions: Drought and wind accelerate the accumulation of dust and sand on your solar panels.
It is generally recommended to install solar panels on a commercial property at least once a year to be professionally cleaned to avoid loss of efficiency.
Professional cleaning vs. self-cleaning (from 2,000 panels)
Although it may be tempting to clean solar panels yourself, professional cleaning for larger installations, from 2,000 panels, the most efficient and safe option.
Scale: What is common on commercial properties?
On most business premises, solar parks, warehouses, agricultural premises and industrial premises, there are often hundreds, if not thousands, of solar panels installed. On average, we see, for example:
- Business premises: Between the 200 and 1000 solar panels.
- Solar parks: Thousands to tens of thousands of solar panels.
- Warehouses and industrial premises: Often more than 500 solar panels.
- Agricultural properties: On average between the 200 and 800 solar panels.
Cleaning such large numbers of solar panels is time-consuming and specialised work.
Why choose professional solar panel cleaning?
- Efficiency: Cleaning hundreds of solar panels manually is a time-consuming job, requiring specialised equipment.
- Thorough cleaning: Different types of dirt require specific methods. A professional knows exactly how to remove each type of dirt without damaging the panels.
- Security: Working at height involves risks. Specialised cleaning services use the right safety measures.
- Longer panel lifetime: Regular, professional cleaning prevents accumulation of stubborn dirt, extending the life of solar modules.
For smaller installations, cleaning yourself is an option, but for large-scale solar panel installations, a professional approach is the most cost-effective choice.
Partner for professional solar panel cleaning from 2,000 panels upwards
We specialise in cleaning large numbers of solar panels on business premises, solar parks, agricultural businesses, industrial roofs and warehouses. We offer a professional service that keeps your solar panels performing optimally and extends their lifespan.
Our working method
Thorough inspection: We analyse the contamination and determine the best cleaning method.
Advanced equipment: Special brushes and osmosis water technology ensure streak-free cleaning without chemical residues.
Sustainable approach: We work with eco-friendly cleaning methods that are safe for your solar panels and the environment.
Flexible scheduling: We adapt our schedule to your operations to minimise inconvenience.
Calculate your benefit!
Wondering what the investment is to have your solar panels on your premises professionally cleaned? Use our calculator to calculate your potential costs and savings.
Free quote
Prevent energy loss and increase the efficiency of your solar panels through timely cleaning. Request a no-obligation quote and find out how we keep your installation in top condition.