Cleaning solar panels is recommended to maintain their efficiency and mitigate repair costs, but traditional cleaning methods come with some scary risks, including the risk of electrocution.
With the advent of drone technology, many ask if these risks can be minimized or eliminated. What happens if a cleaning drone comes into contact with a live electrical circuit? Are cleaning drones grounded?
We’ve asked the questions, and we've got the answer for you in this short blog.
Why Do Solar Panels Need to Be Cleaned?
Solar panels need to be cleaned regularly to maintain their efficiency and maximize energy output. Over time, dust accumulates on the surface which blocks the sunlight and reduces the panels' overall ability to generate maximum power.
Studies have shown that dirty panels can lose up to 25% of their energy efficiency, especially in areas prone to heavy dust, pollution, and rainfall.
“Maintaining the cleanliness of the front glass layer is essential to optimize its properties, such as spectral transparency and light transmittance, which directly affect solar panel performance.” – Journal of Thermal Engineering
Learn more about solar energy loss in the investigative study from the Journal of Thermal Engineering.
How Often Should You Clean Solar Panels?
To maintain your solar panels' performance, it's recommended to clean them every 6 to 12 months, depending on where you live and your climate. In dusty or polluted areas, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.
Are Solar Cleaning Drones Grounded?
A drone connected to a pressure washing pump that's mounted on a trailer or truck bed is generally not grounded - in the traditional electrical sense anyway. However, it may still be protected from electrocution. Here’s why:
How Grounding Works
Grounding is the process of creating a direct electrical connection to the Earth, providing a safe path for electrical currents in case of a fault. Equipment like pressure washers mounted in a truck or trailer is grounded if it is properly grounding (as it should be).
A drone flying above the ground is inherently isolated, and cannot establish a grounded connection. Unless it has something connecting it to the ground, which we'll cover in a minute.
Drones are in the air and are disconnected from the ground. This isolation electrically insulates them, reducing the risk of becoming conductors for electrical currents.
Can a Hose Conduct Electricity?
The water being moved to the drone can pose a risk if it contains a high amount of minerals, as water can and will conduct electricity.
Additionally, hoses can also conduct electricity if they contain metal, which many high-pressure hoses do.
However, many hoses used for soft washing are made of poly and or a rubber mesh, which is usually non-conductive.
Furthermore, using demineralized or purified water, as is common in drone solar panel cleaning, reduces this risk even more. Filtered water (that is free of minerals) reduces conductivity, leaving only the hose as a possible route for electricity to the ground.
Is It Safe: Drone Solar Panel Cleaning and Electrocution Risks
Yes. A drone can be insulated from electricity if certain precautions are taken. Your drone and your cleaning equipment should be tested by an electrician to ensure it is insulated prior to cleaning solar panels.
How to Protect Your Drone from Electrocution
Proper Equipment Maintenance: Ensure the pressure washer and its power source are properly grounded.
Use Non-Conductive Hoses: Opt for hoses designed to prevent electrical conductivity to further reduce risks.
Operate in Safe Conditions: Avoid cleaning near high-voltage lines or during inclement weather, which could increase electrical hazards.
Get An Inspection: Ask an electrician to test your equipment to ensure it is safe to use for use on electrical devices such as solar panels.
Following proper safety practices can minimize risks during cleaning operations.
Conclusion
Drones have revolutionized the way solar panels are cleaned, making the process safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly. Nevertheless, Drone Solar Panel cleaning and electrocution is a very real risk. Always consult a professional before attempting to clean electrical components with drones.
Contact Drone Wash for Solar Cleaning needs. Ask about franchise opportunities near you!
As the drone solar cleaning industry expands, companies like Drone Wash are leading the way in innovation and safety.
If you’re ready to take the next step in this growing field, consider owning a Drone Wash franchise. Gain access to cutting-edge technology, comprehensive training, and ongoing support to build your own successful drone cleaning business.
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