Cleaning of
Solar Panels: Use of basic principles of Science and Engineering
A solar panel or solar module is a device that captures the
energy of solar radiation to transform it into heat or electrical energy. There
are two basic types: Thermal or solar collectors (used to produce hot water for
domestic use) and photovoltaic panels (to generate electricity). Photovoltaic
panels are formed by numerous cells or photovoltaic cells that convert light
into electricity.
The panels are located in free areas, where the action of
natural phenomena (winds, rain, climatic events, movement of birds, etc.)
creates the conditions for the existence of dust and other elements that are
deposited on the surface of the solar panels creating a complex and continuous
problem, which varies according to the climate and place. The dirt that is
deposited and accumulated on the solar equipment has a mixture of organic and
inorganic elements, some arrive with the wind, others with the rain.
There are two types of environments that generate more dirt in
solar panels. In very dry environments and arid soils, the panels are fouled by
inorganic particles that are transported by the wind (dust and other impurities
that adhere to the panel due to electrostatic attraction). Dust can abrade the
panel materials, such as silicon, and scratch the glass surface of the modules.
In a cool environment, the soil is constantly wet, bird
droppings, dust, urban pollution and other organic elements accumulate on the
surface of the panel and corrode the panel components. In coastal areas
corrosive salts and impurities are transported by the wind.
The surfaces of the panels exposed to the weather are designed
to withstand this type of dirt; Some believe that the rain is enough to clean
the solar panels. With or without rain, periodic cleaning is necessary, as it
is a considerable investment and due to the decrease in efficiency when the
tolerable limits of dirt are exceeded.
The panels can be damaged by abrasive particles that scratch
the surface and the rest of the equipment. Organic deposits (bird droppings and
other animal feces trapped by the wind), urban pollution debris (fine particles
of combustion), decomposing organic matter and pollen can get wet and cause
corrosion. The accumulation of dirt can cause excessive heating of the solar
panels and generate so-called hot spots; in external cases the equipment may be
damaged definitively.
What to do now? Engineering comes into action by proposing
practical solutions that are friendly to the environment, versatile (more than
one form of action), without damage to the plans and zero or minimum risk for
people. How is it achieved? With the application of the principles of science
and engineering. The engineer does not have to reinvent the wheel or lever;
they are already there and their effectiveness has been proven. Gravity always
acts, just like other natural laws; for that reason it is enough to combine
them and discover applications or processes to solve problems or improve
certain states. This process does not have to be complicated, it is enough to solve
the problem well. Innovation or creativity are not revealed only in spectacular
or expensive solutions, it is also present in small and simple proposals.
Some nonconformists will say that it is nothing extraordinary.
Of course, any solution is simple when someone has already presented it,
already thought about it, made calculations and tests, applied theories,
knowledge and experience and as a result are the tools.
Video link that shows how panels are cleaned
