1. How do solar panels work?
Solar panels absorb light energy using photovoltaic cells. These cells are sandwiched between layers of semiconducting material, usually silicon.
When light hits a solar cell it sets the electrons in motion causing an electric current called the photovoltaic effect. This effect creates a flow of electricity that can be used to power your home.
2. Do solar panels work all year?
In short, yes. With 16,680 Google searches for the question “Do solar panels work in winter?” in the last year alone, one of the biggest concerns about solar panels is whether they work throughout the year.
Solar panels capture their energy from light, not heat, meaning they will still function in winter months. A cold bright day actually means solar cells will produce more electricity than on warmer bright days due to the contrast in energy between the photons from sunlight and the solar cells’ electrons.
The higher the difference in energy between the two particles, the more power is produced, and during colder weather the difference between the two particles is greater, resulting in increased power generation within the solar cell when the light hits it.
In addition, solar cells absorb diffused light, including light that has been dispersed by particles such as rain clouds. This means panels do not need direct sunlight to function and can generate electricity even on cloudier days.
3. Do solar panels need to be cleaned?
Between July 2022 - July 2023, consumers asked Google the question ‘Do solar panels need cleaning?’ 15,360 times, and the answer is yes.
Solar panels convert light into power, so it is important to have a clear panel that will allow as much as light as possible to pass through. Whilst solar panels require minimal maintenance once installed as they have no moving parts, keeping them clean will optimise their efficiency and ensure long-term benefits.
4. How often should I clean solar panels?
With a 33 per cent increase in Google searches in the last three months alone, the frequency of solar panel cleaning is a question on consumers’ minds.
On average, solar panels should be cleaned every six months but this depends on their positioning and location. For instance, if you live in a more built-up area where more dust, exhaust fumes and dirt can build up, wooded areas where droppings can accumulate, or your solar panels are located on a shed where leaves will need to be cleared more frequently it may be better to clean them every three to four months.
5. What is the best way to clean solar panels?
The question “What is the best way to clean solar panels?” has seen a 21 per cent increase in Google searches in the past year. Luckily, cleaning solar panels at home is not a difficult task and can be completed whilst on the ground.
First, you need to switch off the entire solar system to ensure your safety when cleaning the panels. Next, remove any loose dirt and leaves with a soft brush with a long handle. Use a soft brush or wet a soft rag with biodegradable soap and attach this to a long-handled wiper, wiping away any residue that may have built up. Never use an abrasive soap or sponge as you risk scratching the glass. Rinse a hose over the panels for a final clean, but keep on a low setting to avoid damaging the glass.
Most window cleaners have extendable cleaning poles which they will use to clean Velux windows and an easy way to clean your solar panels would be asking your regular window cleaner to clean your panel along with your window visit.
Before starting the process, remember the best time to clean any panels is in the early morning, late afternoon or on overcast days. When the sun is shining, any water or cleaning products used will evaporate quickly, leaving behind residue which can decrease your panels' efficiency as much as dirt and dust.
Here are six tips for landlords who are maintaining existing solar panels:
1. Minimise potential shading
Even small amounts of shade can significantly reduce the efficiency of solar panels. Trim any nearby vegetation, remove any overhanging trees or branches and check there are no potential shading objects to ensure the biggest possible surface area of the panel is exposed to light.
2. Clean throughout the year
The more light a solar panel can absorb, the greater the electric current. Rinse down with a hose every few months, or wipe them down with a damp rag to reduce any contamination which could reduce the electricity yield. Another option is to install an automatic cleaning system which comes equipped with sprinklers to keep the surface of the panel clear.
3. Regularly inspect your panels
While rainwater is great at washing away dust from your panels, it may not be sufficient enough to remove heavier, more stubborn dirt and can cause grime to accumulate at the bottom of the panel. Check for any major blockages or debris that may have gathered on your panels at regular intervals throughout the year to make sure they are in optimal condition to generate electricity.
4. Carry out inspections after more extreme weather conditions
Solar panels are built with durability in mind and are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. However, recording the state of your solar panels before a more significant weather event will allow you to identify any damage that may occur. This will mean you will be able to get suitable repairs to ensure your system can get back to its best.
5. Monitor performance
Solar panel systems often have monitoring software that allows you to track your system’s energy production to ensure your solar panels are functioning optimally. Monitor the data regularly so you can quickly identify any declines in performance that may suggest your panels need maintenance or cleaning.
6. Schedule a service
Small signs of wear and tear can be hard to spot for the untrained eye, but will eventually slow down your panels. Schedule a professional to inspect your solar panel system every year or two to guarantee your system is in optimum condition.
* Andy Kerr if the founder of BOXT *
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I'm a huge fan of solar panels.
This advice about cleaning is maybe theoretically OK but in practice is nonsense. Having long enough poles or a good enough control over them is unlikely for the average homeowner. Even on a 2 storey house it would be tricky, on a 3 storey pretty much a waste of time trying.
Some window cleaners will do them, some have very good kit. Actually getting them to turn up is a different matter. Cleaning is necessary but can be hard to arrange.
Getting past that point and on to other matters. There are some very clever things that go with solar panels. Hot water diverters are an option for a very basic fit and forget addition. Surplus solar energy gets fed into the immersion tank and heats the hot water. Whether it's financially worthwhile will vary from house to house and largely depends on what export tariff you're receiving. It used to be a no brainer, now it needs a bit of calculation. If your export tariff is lower than the kWh price of gas a hot water diverter is probably a good idea. If the export tariff is higher than gas it's better to export the electric and use gas.
Next is EV chargers that work with solar. Not many do. I have a Zappi which is brilliant. The car receives loads of surplus solar energy in the day and Zappi can be programmed to also charge the car using a cheap nighttime import tariff.
Battery storage can be very worthwhile. Either with a big array or a tariff such as Octopus Flux. The only potential issue is access to the inverter for changing the time settings for the Flux tariff or pairing with the internet if you change broadband provider. Installers have a nasty habit of putting inverters and batteries in inaccessible places in the loft. If you want to engage with clever tariffs make sure the inverter is accessible, preferably comfortably at eye level.
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