A Case Study Evaluation of Operational and Efficiency Gains of Solar Wash Protect

Solar power generation is heavily reliant on the efficiency of solar panels, which can be significantly impacted by the accumulation of soiling, dust, and other contaminants. In this article, we delve into a case study conducted in collaboration with TNBES, our esteemed partner in Malaysia. Together, we assessed the operational and efficiency gains associated with the use of Solar Wash Protect, a cleaning and protection product developed by ChemiTek specifically for the solar industry.

Characterization of the Plant

The plant in question faces soiling challenges primarily consisting of fine soiling, dust, pollen, and occasional debris such as bees' wax and bird droppings, owing to its proximity to a forest. Regular cleaning, typically every two months during the dry season, is essential for maintaining optimal performance.

Test Parameters

A comparative test was conducted over a 20-day period on three strings of panels. One string (SCM4) was cleaned with water only as a baseline, another string (SCM5) was cleaned with Solar Wash Protect, while the third string (SCM6) remained uncleaned. The operational gains and energy outputs were closely monitored during the test period.

Application of Solar Wash Protect

Solar Wash Protect was applied manually with the use of brushes and diluted in water at the correct ratio. The panels were then thoroughly brushed and rinsed to remove the soiling and excess product.

Operational Gains

The application of Solar Wash Protect resulted in increased cleaning speed and significantly reduced water consumption compared to cleaning with water alone. The product's anti-adherent properties facilitated easier removal of soiling, further enhancing operational efficiency.

Energy Output Gains

The energy output of each string was controlled at the inverter level and compared with the average energy generated.

In this test, the temperature of the panels had no influence in the results since all panels were subject to the same solar irradiation and ambient temperature.

The results above show the importance of using the right water to clean solar panels.

The SCM4 was cleaned with water coming from a well. The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), minerals and organic matter, in the water were so high that they made the panels become even dirtier than before the cleaning. The energy production was lower by 4,9% when compared to the average production of the string.

The SCM6 was the uncleaned string and increased 1.06% due to the increased irradiation during the period of the test.

The SCM5 was cleaned with Solar Wash Protect and presented an increase of 3,84%. Even though the same water as the SCM4 was used, the softeners present in the SWP formula were able to reduce the influence of the TDS. Using the SCM6 has a reference for the increased irradiation and deducting it from the results of the SCM5, the use of Solar Wash Protect represented a total of 2,78% of increased energy output during the 20 days of test.

Conclusions

The successful outcomes of the test underscored the efficacy of Solar Wash Protect in improving operational efficiency and maximizing energy production from solar panels. As a result, the decision was made to implement Solar Wash Protect for all cleaning operations, signifying a significant step towards optimizing solar panel maintenance practices.

Future Implications

The positive results obtained from this case study not only validate the effectiveness of Solar Wash Protect but also pave the way for broader adoption within the industry. The partnership between ChemiTek and TNBES, resulting in exclusive distribution rights for Malaysia, exemplifies the growing recognition of innovative cleaning solutions in the solar sector.

Effective cleaning and maintenance are integral to ensuring the long-term performance and sustainability of solar power generation. The utilization of advanced products such as Solar Wash Protect not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to maximizing the return on investment for solar installations, ultimately advancing the transition towards clean and renewable energy sources.

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