Why is the cleanliness of photovoltaic panels crucial?

Why Is the Cleanliness of Photovoltaic Panels So Important?

Facts that may surprise you

It’s often said that photovoltaic panels are maintenance-free — and while that’s partially true, it’s not the whole story. To ensure your PV system operates at full capacity and delivers maximum savings, keeping the panels clean is essential. Dirt, dust, and air pollution have a much greater impact on efficiency than most people think.

In this article, we explain why clean panels are not a luxury, but a real necessity that directly affects your bills and your return on investment.

☀️ 1. Dirt = less energy

Solar panels work based on a simple principle: light hits the cells = electricity is produced.
The problem is that every layer of dirt — dust, leaves, pollen, bird droppings, or rain streaks — reduces the amount of light that reaches the cell surface.

Studies show that:

• light dust can reduce efficiency by 5–10%,
• more serious contamination (e.g., soot, bird droppings) by up to 20–30%!

📉 2. Neglected panels = slower return on investment

Every percentage point of lost energy production means a longer payback time for your PV system.
For an average household installation, the difference caused by dirty panels can mean dozens or even hundreds of PLN lost per year.

Clean panels = faster ROI + higher long-term savings.

🧴 3. Clean panels work more evenly and safely

Dirt can cause so-called hotspots — areas where individual cells overheat.
This not only lowers performance but also increases the risk of thermal damage, which can shorten the lifespan of the panels or even lead to costly failures.

Clean panels also reduce the risk of corrosion, microcurrents, or inverter disturbances.

🌧 4. Rain alone isn’t enough

One of the most common myths: “I don’t need to clean the panels — the rain will do it.”

Unfortunately, rain only rinses off some of the debris but leaves behind mineral deposits, streaks, and marks that also reduce light transmission.
Not to mention bird droppings, oily residues, or industrial dust — rain won’t remove those at all.

✅ 5. Regular cleaning pays off

You don’t have to clean your panels every week. It’s enough to:

• clean them once or twice a year using the right product (e.g., Simpura PP Pure Power)
• visually inspect them, especially after heavy dust fall, in spring and autumn
• consider professional cleaning if the panels are difficult to reach

Summary

Clean panels = efficient panels.
Dirt not only reduces electricity production — it also affects the safety and longevity of the entire installation.

Spending a few hours a year on maintenance can translate into real savings for decades.

After all, solar energy works best… when nothing stands in its way.