Do solar panels lose efficiency when dirty

Do dirty solar panels make your solar system less efficient?

If you have a solar energy system installed, you might wonder if dirty solar panels make your system less efficient. True, unclean solar panels perform less efficiently than clean ones. A solar panel’s ability to function at its best is hampered by leaves, dust, and bird droppings.

Should you clean or dirty solar panels?

Cleaning your solar panels keeps them working optimally. Though 6.3% might not seem like a lot, it’s a loss that can add up over time. This makes a noticeable difference between clean vs dirty solar panels in the overall efficiency of your solar power system.

How much performance loss does a dirty solar panel have?

This data indicates a performance loss of approximately 6.3% for the dirty panel – a more reliable figure than the initial 14%. Cleaning your solar panels keeps them working optimally. Though 6.3% might not seem like a lot, it’s a loss that can add up over time.

How does pollution affect the efficiency of solar panels?

Solar panels in very dirty environments can experience a 25 percent drop in efficiency from atmospheric pollution alone. Combining this effect with dirt, a solar panel located in a heavily polluted environment that hasn't been cleaned in a month or more might see a total efficiency drop of 35 percent or more.

Are dirty solar panels dangerous?

Your solar panel system’s performance could be affected if dust and other contaminants accumulate over time on the panels. Additionally, your system may be harmed by water and moisture seepage, rodents, hail, wind, and sunlight. Although dirty solar panels don’t necessarily mean they’re dangerous, they may be less efficient.

Should you de-Grim your solar panels?

De-griming your solar panels can improve their overall efficiency. A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) outlines that the U.S. loses up to 7% of its power through “soiled” or dirty solar panels each year. Maintaining your solar panels allows them to harness more sunlight, generate more solar energy, and save you more money.