So now I have a solar PV system how do I make the most of it???

Hungerdunger

I've got a 9.5kWh ground-mounted set-up in two rows of 19 panels. Because of this it is relatively easy to wash them, so a couple of days ago I washed and brushed just the front row as an experiment.. Unfortunately I don't think it has made any difference in performance, although they had been noticeably dusty with other "deposits" including bird poo.

GaryMo_2

I'd be wary of scratching the glass and its coatings with a brush.
I'm pretty sure the manufacturers would condemn cleaning the panels though I can see the logic. You would just have to exercise caution.
Maybe a wipe down with a microfibre towel after a good hose down would be enough?

Martyn1981

jimjames wrote: »

We've not had any rain since early March (or much over the winter either hence the hosepipe ban) and the panels have now got a coating of dust/pollen on them. Performance has been good up to now but will it jump again once they get washed? Not that I'm intending going up with a bucket but just curious if rain will help them.

Similar discussion here, but with some tech advice and 'pretty' graphs.

http://www.navitron.org.uk/forum/index.php/topic,17001.0.html

Mart.

The_Green_Hornet

According to the SolarGIS pvspot web site losses due to dirt are "typically between 2% and 4% in temperate regions with some frequent rain".

I have had my panels for eighteen months now and I have never cleaned them once. Generation has been above predicted output but then I believe the predications usually include these potential losses.

I suppose if you want to clean them for a few extra kWh per year you can but personally I won't bother as I see it is too much effort for very little reward.

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

seagull09 wrote: »

It's odd though that dirt makes no apparent difference when light shade from just a thin aerial, for example, makes a world of difference.

I have a SolarEdge inverter and monitor the output from individual panels. It's fascinating to watch one panel's output plummet when my neighbour's chimney casts its evil shading over the array. I'm almost tempted to spring-clean alternate panels to see if that produces a stripey pattern on the output diagram.

jackieblack

The_Green_Hornet wrote: »

I have had my panels for eighteen months now and I have never cleaned them once. Generation has been above predicted output but then I believe the predications usually include these potential losses.

I suppose if you want to clean them for a few extra kWh per year you can but personally I won't bother as I see it is too much effort for very little reward.

Exactly my experience as well.

My biggest problem with the panels getting dirty is 'birdy splats' , but a good downpour is usually sufficient to sort them out.

edwink

Evening

Just wondered if any others with solar panels are having a long wait to get registered with their suppliers for their generation tariff payments.

We had our panels installed on 14th Feb 2012. We sent the application form and MCS certificate to Eon on 17th Feb by registered post. I telephoned them the following week they said they had received it and were going to deal with it in due course.

Just wondered if others that have registered with Eon about the same time as us are also waiting to hear from them.

Maybe they have a huge backlog.

Thanks

Ed

John_Pierpoint

Thread about FiT payment providers here.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3512647

Doc_N

edwink wrote: »

Evening

Just wondered if any others with solar panels are having a long wait to get registered with their suppliers for their generation tariff payments.

We had our panels installed on 14th Feb 2012. We sent the application form and MCS certificate to Eon on 17th Feb by registered post. I telephoned them the following week they said they had received it and were going to deal with it in due course.

Just wondered if others that have registered with Eon about the same time as us are also waiting to hear from them.

Maybe they have a huge backlog.

Thanks

Ed

John_Pierpoint wrote: »

Thread about FiT payment providers here.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3512647

And you'll find that e.on are one of the worst culprits.

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

Doc_N wrote: »

And you'll find that e.on are one of the worst culprits.

:staradmin awarded for knowing how to correctly multi-quote.