Could Dirty Solar Panels Be Costing You Money?
You invested in solar panels to help reduce your electricity costs, but are they producing as much energy as they could? While most homeowners pay attention to sunlight and weather conditions, there's another factor that sometimes gets overlooked: the buildup accumulating on the surface of their solar panels. Dust, pollen, bird droppings, and other debris can interfere with the amount of sunlight reaching the solar cells. Depending on how much buildup is present, that can affect electricity production and potentially reduce the financial benefits of your solar investment. How Much Difference Can Dirty Solar Panels Make? The impact varies considerably depending on location, weather, panel angle, and the type and amount of debris. Light dust accumulation may have little effect, particularly where rainfall helps wash it away. Heavier buildup, however, can be more problematic. Bird droppings, stubborn grime, and debris that remains on panel surfaces may reduce the amount of light rea...