How the sprinkler system can harm solar panels in India

Being in the solar industry for the past decade, we witnessed various good and bad practices concerning solar panel maintenance. 

When rooftop solar energy first gained traction in local markets, many early vendors falsely claimed that solar panels required no maintenance or cleaning. 

We also came across this LinkedIn post, where people commented that even rainfall is good enough to clean solar panels. This is a stark contrast to not cleaning solar panels, but something is better than nothing, right? WRONG.

Fast forward to another bad practice, The Sprinkler System “Solution”.

When customer complaints rose and the effects of accumulated dust and grime on solar panels became evident, some vendors realised that the lifespan of rooftop solar was drastically reduced. So, they tried solar panel cleaning by attaching sprinklers to modules as a cost-effective solution for professional maintenance.

Needless to say, the sprinkler system for solar panels damages your rooftop solar further than not cleaning them at all.

Here’s how.

The Real Problem with The Sprinkler System for Solar Panels

The most common forms of filth appearing on solar panels are sticky dust and bird droppings.

The nature of dust in India is different from other countries. The environmental conditions, high humidity and pollutants make it stubborn and sticky. As the dust clings to the surface of solar panels, it resists easy removal. 

Bird droppings contain acidic substances and are much tougher to clean than regular dust. When left unchecked, they can cause significant residue buildup on solar panels.

Traditional cleaning methods fail to remove them from the solar panel surface, and sprinkler systems for solar panel cleaning are even less effective.

The Sprinkler System “Solution” although marketed as a simple and cheap solution, cleans the top layer of dust on solar panels. This superficial cleaning temporarily improves panel appearance but not efficiency. Additionally, considering how most sprinkler systems are designed, the water doesn’t reach the corners and edges of the panels.  

Over time, the filth accumulates and results in uneven soil patches, creating hot spots that pose a fire risk and significantly impact the panels’ ability to absorb irradiance efficiently, ultimately reducing the energy output.

Furthermore, this form of solar panel cleaning is not recommended by manufacturers in any way!

The Consequences of The Sprinkler System for Solar Panels

The automatic sprinkler system for solar panel cleaning leads to various consequences including gradual degradation of the rooftop solar, hotspots, and overall loss of your investment.

While it may seem that a reduced energy generation output is only temporary due to inefficient panel cleaning, the consequences are much more dire. The long-term effect is accelerated degradation of the solar panels.

A study by reputed think-tank CEEW in collaboration with PV Diagnostics revealed that accumulated dust and bird droppings were responsible for 80% of underperforming solar systems. This accelerated degradation shortens the lifespan of your rooftop solar and diminishes the return on investment.

The permanent damage caused by hotspots, such as cracking or burning of the photovoltaic cells, could ignite fires. These damages reduce the panel’s efficiency and create serious safety hazards.

You may also get stuck in the loop of claiming warranties, where you’ll find yourself hopping from one vendor to another, desperately trying to get someone to take responsibility. As the damage escalates, you might find that those once-eager vendors are now pointing fingers elsewhere. 

What’s the best way to ensure thorough solar panel cleaning?

The Best Way to Clean Your Solar Panels

Manufacturers recommend using a soft nylon bristle brush. The soft bristles gently but thoroughly remove surface-level dust and tougher, stickier residues like bird droppings, commonly found on solar panels.

The result?

1. There are no uneven soil patches. Even if the dust accumulates the next time, it is more evenly spread and does not cause damage to your solar panels. 
2. The risk of hotspots and fire hazards will be low/non-existent.
3. You will witness a maximised energy production.
4. It maintains the integrity of your panels, preventing damage that could void your warranty.
5. No costly repairs and replacements are required.

This solution protects your investment and extends the lifespan of your solar system, ensuring that it continues to operate efficiently for 25+ years.

However, it’s important to note that this level of solar panel cleaning and maintenance should never be attempted on your own. The process involves specific techniques and equipment and attempting it without proper training can pose serious risks to your safety and even your life. 

To ensure both your safety and the longevity of your solar system, always reach out to trained professionals who are equipped to handle the job safely and effectively.

Switch to Sahi Solar with 360° Maintenance with SolarSquare

If you still think the sprinkler system is good enough to clean your solar panels, think again.

Don’t compromise your solar system’s performance, switch to SolarSquare’s rooftop solar with a comprehensive 360° Power Boost Maintenance plan. 

The features of the plan include the following.

With every SolarSquare rooftop installation, we package 5 years of solar maintenance. Using advanced equipment, we perform deep cleaning of your solar panels so that the system absorbs the maximum amount of sunlight and produces optimal energy.

You won’t need to stress over upkeep costs or scheduling maintenance appointments—we handle everything for you. Our 360° PowerBoost Maintenance includes a guaranteed minimum of 45 power boosts over five years. This means our team will visit at least 45 times to provide thorough inspections, cleanings, and any necessary adjustments, ensuring your solar panels consistently deliver high performance.

To book a free consultation – contact us today.

FAQs

Q1. Why can’t I use a sprinkler system to clean my solar panels?

Ans. Sprinkler-based solar panel cleaning systems are ineffective at removing sticky dust and bird droppings, which are common in India. They also cause uneven cleaning, leading to generation loss, hotspots, and potential damage.

Q2. What is the best way to clean solar panels?

Ans. Manufacturers recommend using a soft nylon bristle brush to clean solar panels. This method effectively removes dust and residues without causing damage. However, it is important to rely on a professional for proper solar panel cleaning.

Q3. How often should I clean my solar panels?

Ans. Cleaning frequency can vary depending on your location and the quantum of dust and debris in the air. Regular cleaning as part of a maintenance schedule, like SolarSquare’s PowerBoost, ensures optimal performance.

Q4. Will using a sprinkler system void my warranty?

Ans. Yes, using a sprinkler for solar panel cleaning or any non-recommended method can void your solar panel warranty due to the risk of damage and inefficiency. Always follow manufacturer guidelines.