We wrote a post on dust wrecking havoc on solar panel systems. We wrote this with residential customers in mind. However, in the solar industry, the more common term is solar panel soiling. Soiling occurs when dust, dirt, sand, or snow accumulates on solar panels. This buildup blocks sunlight and reduces the energy the panels can generate. Even though it’s common, many people in the solar industry don’t pay much attention to solar panel soiling. That’s a mistake.
The International Energy Agency’s PVPS program reports that soiling already causes billions of dollars in lost revenue every year. As more solar panels are installed, especially in dusty or harsh climates, this problem is likely to grow. New England is no exception. With our combination of weather conditions, ocean and atmospheric particles and industrial pollution, New England has its fair share of soiling challenges.
What Soiling Does To Energy Output
Globally, soiling has cut solar energy output by about 3% to 4% in the past. Experts believe this could increase to 4% to 5% or higher as the industry expands. The amount of soiling can vary significantly depending on where the panels are, even within the same solar farm. Weather, particle type, and local conditions all play a role in how much buildup occurs. That’s why it’s important to carefully track soiling to understand and manage it.
There are a few ways to handle soiling, such as using special coatings to keep dirt away, changing how panels are arranged, or simply washing them. However, no single solution works for every location. The best approach depends on local conditions, and it’s important to weigh the cost of cleaning against the extra energy you gain.
Researchers also say we need better ways to predict and monitor soiling, especially since climate change could make it worse by causing more dry weather and dust. Solving the soiling problem will be key to keeping solar panels running efficiently as the industry grows.
In the meantime, a scheduling regular solar panel cleaning and ground maintenance is a must for all New England solar panel installations. This is where Peak Solar Pro can help. Schedule your solar panel cleaning with Peak Solar Pro today. Call us at (617) 522-4046 or get started online here.