Why does energy loss occur in solar panels ?

Energy loss in solar panels can occur due to various factors:

Reflection and Absorption: When sunlight strikes a solar panel, part of it reflects off the surface, while the rest is absorbed by the panel. This reflection and absorption can lead to energy loss. To mitigate this, anti-reflection and absorption-enhancing processes are applied during the manufacturing of solar panels.
Temperature: High temperatures can cause solar panels to lose energy. As the temperature rises, the efficiency of solar panels decreases, with efficiency dropping by about 0.5% per degree Celsius.
Shading: When a solar panel is partially shaded, it generates less power. This is because the shaded cells do not produce electricity, resulting in energy loss.
Cable Resistance: The cables used to connect solar panels may have resistance that causes energy loss. This can occur if the wires are too thin or too long, leading to a voltage drop. Therefore, careful selection of cables is important.
Dirt and Pollution: The accumulation of dirt and debris on a solar panel’s surface reduces the amount of sunlight the panel absorbs, leading to energy loss.
Inverter Losses: Solar panels produce direct current (DC) electricity, but most homes use alternating current (AC). An inverter is used to convert the DC electricity to AC. However, this conversion process is not perfect, and some energy is lost during the transformation.
Aging and Wear: Over time, wear and tear can reduce the efficiency of solar panels. Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential to maintain optimal performance.

Impact of Pollution: When it comes to pollution, the accumulation of dust, dirt, and other pollutants on solar panels’ surfaces can reduce efficiency and decrease electricity production. Pollutants block sunlight from reaching photovoltaic cells, which decreases the amount of energy that can be collected.

Research conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that a layer of dust on a solar panel could reduce efficiency by up to 25%. The study also revealed that air pollution, such as fog, could reduce solar panel efficiency by up to 17%.

In addition to reducing energy production, pollution can also cause physical damage to solar panels. For example, acid rain can corrode the surface of panels, which, over time, leads to a decrease in efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance are required to mitigate the effects of pollution on solar panels. Pollution can also lead to other factors that cause energy loss.

When the surface of a solar panel is covered with dirt, dust, or other pollutants, the amount of sunlight that reaches the photovoltaic cells is reduced.

This decreases the amount of energy that can be collected, resulting in lower energy production. Dirt and dust can also create hotspots on solar panels, areas where cells reach higher temperatures than the surrounding cells, which can damage the panel and reduce efficiency.Pollutants such as acid rain can corrode the surface of solar panels over time. This causes physical damage to the panel, reducing efficiency and shortening its lifespan.

Pollutants can also cause micro-cracks on the surface of solar panels, leading to electrical faults and lower performance. If pollutants remain on the surface for too long, they can damage the inverter, leading to decreased efficiency and energy production.

To prevent these issues, it is important to clean solar panels regularly to remove accumulated pollutants. Regular cleaning ensures that panels operate at maximum efficiency and produce the highest amount of energy possible.

Cleaning solar panels with a robot offers several advantages over manual cleaning methods:

Faster Cleaning: A robot can clean a large number of solar panels in less time, improving overall efficiency. This is especially beneficial for large solar energy installations where manual cleaning is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Safety: Cleaning solar panels, especially at height, can be dangerous. Using a robot reduces the risk of accidents and injuries, making the cleaning process safer for workers.
Consistent Cleaning: Robots ensure that all panels are cleaned evenly and efficiently. They apply a controlled pressure, cleaning the panels quickly without damaging them. This leads to improved performance and increased energy production.
Cost-Effectiveness: Using a robot eliminates the need for manual labor, reducing costs. Additionally, robots decrease the risk of damaging the panels during cleaning, further reducing repair costs.
Overall Efficiency: Using a robot to clean solar panels results in increased performance and efficiency, lower costs, and is an attractive option for solar panel owners and operators.

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Prepared by: Batuhan Mert LAÇİNKAYA
For your questions: batuhanlacinkaya@rob-sys.com
Date: 05.12.2024