BIRD DROPPINGS ON SOLAR SYSTEMS
DANGER TO THE SYSTEM’S FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITY
A module can become so severely damaged by bird droppings that it can no longer generate electricity. It is, therefore, necessary to regularly free your solar system of bird droppings, in order to maintain its value in the long-term and ensure an optimal yield.
Bird droppings on solar systems –
Danger to the system’s functional capability
Bird droppings on solar installations are considered the most stubborn and aggressive form of soiling to affect photovoltaic modules. Under intense sunlight, the acidic droppings can burn into the glass and cause so-called hot spots.
Environmental and climatic influences
Photovoltaic modules enjoy zero protection against environmental and weather-related influences, 24 hours a day. Dust, drifting sand, car and industrial exhaust fumes, blossom and leaves, as well as the aforementioned bird droppings on solar panels, greatly reduce the absorption of solar radiation. Mechanical cleaning is absolutely necessary, especially in the event of encrusted contamination.
Regular cleaning protects against yield loss
If you simply leave your solar system to its own devices after installation, you run the risk of your energy yields decreasing over time, by as much as 30 per cent. Depending on the size of the installation, considerable losses can then occur, which in the case of detached houses can quickly add up to triple-digit euro sums, and in the case of large outdoor plants, even considerably more. SunBrush® mobil was developed to make the removal of bird droppings, dust, moss etc. as simple, gentle and thorough as possible. The brush can be mounted on most tractors, telescopic loaders or excavators and can be operated hydraulically, making it suitable for rooftop and open field installations, and it can essentially be used anywhere.
The variable swivel brush roller is conveniently controlled via a joystick. The patented “WashTronic” system ensures constant surface level equalisation in the event of uneven surfaces and thus uniform contact pressure with the brush on the modules. In dry weather, the connected water tank with pump guarantees a sufficient water supply. Optionally, the device can be equipped with a diagnostic function and hot water cleaning. The former is particularly suitable for cleaning service providers, the latter, in particular, for heavily soiled modules.
Bird droppings on the solar module
A system soiled with bird droppings poses a great challenge when cleaning. This is because bird droppings are among the most stubborn types of soiling and are extremely aggressive. This leads, on the one hand, to an increased cleaning effort and, on the other hand, potentially even to an etching effect on the solar system itself. If bird droppings remain on the module for too long, this has numerous consequences for photovoltaic operators – with a risk of significant yield losses. Therefore, you should clean your solar system regularly with SunBrush systems and accessories.
Which factors influence the degree of soiling?
Dirt has a negative influence on the solar system – but which factors play a role and how can the risk be minimised? Which type of soiling attacks the solar system and to what extent depends on the design and environment in question. The following factors are decisive:
- Roof pitch
- Frame
- Installation type
- Weather region
- Environment
Clean solar systems with SunBrush
The solution for soiled solar systems: SunBrush® mobil. The specially developed cleaning device guarantees the gentle and thorough removal of bird droppings on solar systems. The brush can be mounted on almost all tractors, telescopic loaders or excavators and is operated hydraulically. The variable swivel brush roller is conveniently controlled using a joystick. The patented “WashTronic” system ensures constant surface level equalisation in the event of uneven surfaces and thus uniform contact pressure with the brush on the modules. In addition, the connected water tank with pump ensures a sufficient water supply during the cleaning process. Furthermore, the cleaning device can be equipped with a diagnostic function and hot water cleaning option, thereby increasing efficiency. While the diagnostic function is particularly useful for cleaning service providers, the latter is especially suitable for heavily soiled modules.