{"id":1425,"date":"2022-10-27T10:16:46","date_gmt":"2022-10-27T09:16:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theisca.org\/?p=1425"},"modified":"2022-10-27T10:20:21","modified_gmt":"2022-10-27T09:20:21","slug":"solar-panel-cleaning-what-do-warranties-say","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theisca.org\/index.php\/2022\/10\/27\/solar-panel-cleaning-what-do-warranties-say\/","title":{"rendered":"Solar Panel Cleaning -What Do Warranties Say?"},"content":{"rendered":"

What do the warranties of solar panel manufacturers say about solar panel cleaning? Below, we quote directly from a number of the world\u2019s best-selling solar panel manufacturers manuals. Please note that they are all slightly different in their warranty requirements.<\/strong>\u00a0 They vary in regards to their advice about solar panel cleaning, the frequency of solar panel cleaning, how to clean solar panels and how it may affect your warranty.\u00a0 Most highlight the electrocution risk associated with solar panel cleaning.\u00a0 By clicking the links, you can read warranty information in full.<\/p>\n

\"axter<\/p>\n

Examine the roof for damaged modules or persistent staining.
\n\u00bb Remove all waste matter lying on the modules.
\n\u00bb Wet the area avoiding the electrical cables.
\n\u00bb Using a soft brush remove excess dirt.
\n\u00bb Pressurised power washers should NOT be used directly on the laminates.
\n\u00bb When spraying a module, do NOT spray water directly on the electrical connections or at the leading edge of the PV laminate.
\n\u00bb Use caution when cleaning PV modules, as the combination of water and electricity may present a shock hazard<\/strong>.
\n\u00bb Use a soft brush to scrub stubborn stains, be careful not to scratch the surface.
\n\u00bb Rinse with water to remove all traces of detergent.
\n\u00bb Dry any puddles left on the roof post cleaning.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/axter.co.uk\/axter\/downloads\/Axter-Solar-PV-Maintenance-Guide_0819.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Canadian<\/p>\n

7.0<\/strong>
\nMAINTENANCE<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Regular maintenance is required to keep modules clear of snow, bird droppings, seeds, pollen, leaves, branches, dirt spots, and dust.
\n\u00b7 Modules with sufficient tilt (at least 15\u00b0), generally may not require cleaning (rain will have a self-cleaning effect). If the module has become soiled, wash with water and a non-abrasive cleaning implement (sponge) during the cool part of the day. Do not scrape or rub dry dirt away, as this may cause micro scratches.
\n\u00b7 Snow should be removed using a soft brush.
\n\u00b7 To protect against electric shock or injury<\/strong>, electrical or mechanical inspections and maintenance should be performed by qualified personnel only.<\/p>\n

Failure to follow these instructions may result in death, injury or property damage<\/strong> to the photovoltaic module. Damages induced by inappropriate cleaning procedures will void Canadian Solar Inc. warranty.<\/p>\n

SAFETY WARNING<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Cleaning activities create risk of damaging the modules and array components, as well as increasing the potential electric shock hazard.<\/strong>
\n\u00b7 Cracked or broken modules represent an electric shock hazard due to leakage currents, and the risk of shock is increased when modules are wet. <\/strong>Before cleaning, thoroughly inspect modules for cracks, damage, and loose connections.
\n\u00b7 The voltage and current present in an array during daylight hours are sufficient to cause a lethal electrical shock.
\n\u00b7 Do not immerse the module, partially or totally, in water or any other cleaning solution.
\n\u00b7 Ensure that the circuit is disconnected before starting the cleaning procedure as contact with leakage of electrically active parts can result in injury.
\n\u00b7 Ensure that the array has been disconnected from other active components (such as inverter or combiner boxes) before starting with the cleaning.
\n\u00b7 Wear suitable protection<\/p>\n

HANDLING NOTICE<\/strong>
\n\u00b7 Use a proper cleaning solution and suitable cleaning equipment.
\n\u00b7 Do not use abrasive or electric cleaners on the module.
\n\u00b7 Particular attention should be taken to avoid the module backsheet or frame to come in contact with sharp objects, as scratches may directly affect product safety.
\n\u00b7 Do not use abrasive cleaners, de-greasers or any unauthorized chemical substance (e.g. oil, lubricant, pesticide, etc.) on the module.
\n\u00b7 Do not use cleaning corrosive solutions containing hydrofluoric acid, alkali, acetone, or industrial alcohol. Only substances explicitly approved by Canadian Solar are allowed to be used for cleaning modules.
\n\u00b7 Canadian Solar Inc. recommends to avoid rotating brush cleaning methods, as they could create micro-cracks in the PV modules.
\n\u00b7 Dirt must never be scraped or rubbed away when dry, as this will cause micro-scratches on the glass surface.<\/p>\n

OPERATION PREPARATION<\/strong>
\n\u00b7 Noticeable dirt must be rubbed away by gentle cleaning-implement (soft cloth, sponge or brush with soft bristles).
\n\u00b7 Ensure that brushes or agitating tools are not abrasive to glass, EPDM, silicone, aluminum, or steel.
\n\u00b7 Conduct the cleaning activities avoiding the hottest hours of the day, in order to avoid thermal stress on the module.<\/p>\n

We recommend the following to be used:<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Water with low mineral content
\n\u00b7 Near neutral pH water
\n\u00b7 The maximum water pressure recommended is 4 MPa (40 bar)<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.canadiansolar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Installation_Manual_of_Standard_Solar_Modules_en.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Jinko<\/p>\n

CLEANING PROCEDURE<\/strong><\/p>\n