Generally, solar panels are self-cleaning and can cope well with a bit of dust in between rainy periods, however, there are some things that every solar panel owner should be aware of.
If you live in a particularly dry area where you don’t get much rain, the build-up of dirt on the panels can reduce performance. If you live near the ocean, salt can have the same effect. Living near a major highway can cause an oily residue that’s created from exhaust fumes to settle on your panels creating a ‘shady’ effect, therefore reducing your panels’ ability to absorb sunlight.
The main attribute to poor performance due to dirty solar panels is bird poop! Yep bird poop, and regardless of where you live in Australia, your home will almost always find it’s way under the flight path of our wonderful feathered friends.
