Rain has a significant impact on the cleaning of the component surface, with more precipitation leading to more thorough cleaning. This effect is more pronounced when components are skewed, while non-skewed components show inconsistent behavior.
Rainwater is not always sufficient to wash away dirt.
Natural rainfall certainly helps in removing dust and dirt, but relying solely on rain is not always adequate. While the panels may look clean after a storm, rainfall can leave behind residues that are not immediately visible.
Rainwater typically contains small amounts of dirt and other particles, which can accumulate in areas where rainwater does not sufficiently reach. A thin film of such residues might seem insignificant, but if left to accumulate, it can significantly reduce the efficiency of solar panels and even cause the hot plate effect, leading to damage.
Additionally, rainwater is less effective at cleaning horizontally mounted solar panels.
Rainwater cannot effectively remove tough stains or heavy dirt.
Rainwater alone cannot clean bird droppings and stubborn stains, which require manual cleaning.
Light rain and intermittent showers may exacerbate pollution, making it easier for more dust to accumulate.
