Major ports in UK cities often install solar panels, which means they need regular solar panel cleaning maintenance, this blog explains why a suitable solar panel cleaning schedule is important at the UK's ports.
Major ports in UK cities play a crucial role in the nation’s economy, handling vast amounts of freight, raw materials, and industrial goods. In recent years, many ports have embraced renewable energy by installing solar panels to reduce carbon footprint and lower energy costs.
The UK boasts over 120 commercial ports, including major international terminals, regional centres and smaller ports. The Port of Hull currently has the largest commercial solar array of 21,000 solar panels, producing 6.5MW of energy. This is more than double the renewable energy generated at ABP Humber Ports. However, the Port of Liverpool is set to exceed this with a whopping 63,000 solar panels to be installed over 26 buildings by 2026, which would make it the UK’s largest roof-mounted solar energy system. The panels could generate an impressive 31MW of renewable electricity, which is equivalent to that used by more than 10,000 average UK homes for a year.
Maintaining these solar PV systems at UK ports is particularly challenging due to multiple environmental factors. In this blog post, we dig into the unique issues posed by UK port environments and the critical importance of regular, professional solar panel cleaning.
The Impact of Port Environments on Rooftop Solar Panels
Port environments, such as those at the Port of Felixstowe, Port of Southampton and Port of Liverpool, are exposed to various pollutants and environmental challenges that can drastically reduce the performance of rooftop solar PV systems. Without a regular and professional cleaning service, the efficiency of these solar panels can drop drastically, resulting in significant financial losses.
Here are some of the key challenges specific to UK ports:
1. Seagull Guano: A Major Soiling Issue
Seagulls are a common sight around UK ports, but their presence poses a serious threat to solar panel systems. Seagull droppings, often referred to as guano, are highly acidic and can cause permanent staining and damage to the solar modules if not promptly and regularly cleaned by professional solar panel cleaners. Guano tends to accumulate quickly, covering large sections of the panels and blocking sunlight, reducing the ability to generate energy efficiently. This leads to decreased performance and may cause hotspots to occur.
Additionally, the seagull nesting season can be long, meaning no rooftop works can be undertaken to protect the gulls whilst active nests are present. Seagulls also have a habit of pulling at the solar PV cabling – sometimes even disconnecting the connectors – or dropping stones on the panels, breaking the modules and potentially causing costly physical damage.
2. Salt Spray: An Unavoidable Side Effect
UK ports are constantly exposed to salty sea spray. This salt spray builds up on the solar panels over time, creating a layer of grime that can attract more dirt, block sunlight and degrade the panels’ surfaces. Saltwater is corrosive, and without regular cleaning, it can cause long-term damage to the glass and metal components of the solar PV system. Ports like the Port of Hull and the Port of Dover are directly adjacent to the sea, making them particularly susceptible to this issue.
3. Pollution and Dust from Freight and Industrial Activity
Ports typically bustle with activity, with large volumes of freight, ships, and industrial processes daily. This constant movement stirs up dust, pollution and particulate matter which has to settle somewhere – and often that’s on rooftop solar panels. The proximity of solar panels to these industrial activities, especially in ports like Tilbury and London Gateway, means they are exposed to high levels of pollutant accumulation, leading to rapid soiling on the solar modules. Over time, the build-up of this debris reduces the solar panels’ ability to absorb sunlight, further decreasing their energy output.
4. Grain and Fertiliser Dust
Many UK ports, including the Port of Bristol and the Port of Tyne, house large quantities of loose grain and agricultural fertiliser in their storage sheds. Handling these materials produces a considerable amount of dust, which settles quickly on the rooftop solar panels – particularly problematic because it is difficult to remove when left to accumulate for long periods of time. If left untreated, this dust can encourage the growth of lichen and other organic matter very quickly, further obstructing the sunlight reaching the panels and potentially causing permanent damage and hotspots.
5. Aggregates and Loose Materials
In addition to grain and fertiliser, UK ports such as Aberdeen and Immingham also handle large volumes of loose materials like sand, gravel and aggregates. These materials generate significant dust and airborne particles that land and accumulate rapidly on rooftop solar panels despite the UK’s rainy climate. This type of soiling is highly abrasive and when combined with the salty sea air, it can form a stubborn crust on the surface of the panels.
The buildup of these particles on the solar modules can lead to severe accumulations of soiling, reducing the panels efficiency and lifespan. Therefore, a regular cleaning schedule, carried out by trained and experienced solar panel cleaning companies can help protect the investment and lifetime of these solar PV arrays.
The Importance of Regular, Professional Solar Panel Cleaning
Given the challenging conditions at ports, regular solar panel cleaning is essential. Cleaning rooftop solar panels at ports must be completed with the correct equipment and the use of purified water, for a thorough and safe clean. When done properly and regularly, solar module cleaning should remove salt, dust and organic matter without damaging the panels.
Maintaining health and safety standards in these often-hazardous environments can’t be understated. Working on rooftops at ports requires specific training and expertise, with teams fully insured and trained to adhere to the strictest safety protocols. This includes comprehensive risk assessments to ensure the works are carried out safely.
The Long-Term Benefits of Solar Panel Cleaning at Ports
Accumulated dirt, lichen and hard soiling may cause hotspots, this occurs when a solar panel is shaded and the current cannot flow around the cells. Eventually the current concentrates in cells, causing them to overheat. Frequent cleaning schedules help to mitigates this, safeguarding the panels' integrity and extending their lifespan.
Certain manufacturers' warranties require routine maintenance which includes solar panel cleaning, and not doing so could invalidate the warranty. Many insurance providers also require solar panels to be cleaned frequently. This ensures their optimal performance and safety, furthermore reducing the risk of hotspots.
Keeping solar panels operating at their maximum efficiency helps to cut your carbon footprint and optimise the environmental benefits of this renewable energy source. By ensuring that solar panels operate at their maximum efficiency, they can produce more clean energy, reduce the dependency on fossil fuels, and contribute to maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment.
Clean panels have longer lifespans, reducing the need for unnecessary costly repairs and replacements further down the line. Thereby, investing in regular, professional solar panel cleaning services at UK ports offers numerous long-term benefits.
By keeping panels clean and free from debris, businesses can have complete peace of mind they are actively maximising the energy output of their solar PV arrays and ensuring they continue to get the very most from their investment in clean, renewable energy.
Choose Solar Panel Cleaning Services Ltd for Your Port Cleaning Needs
At Solar Panel Cleaning Services Ltd, we are committed to helping UK ports maintain their rooftop solar PV systems, to keep them in optimal condition. Our professional solar panel cleaning services are designed to tackle the unique challenges posed by UK port environments, from managing safe rooftop access, the safe movement of clean, purified water for module cleaning, to removing seagull guano and salt spray, to industrial dust, dirt and aggregate particles.
Trusted experts in safe and efficient commercial module cleaning services:
We understand the importance of delivering quality, professional solar panel cleaning services. Discover the diverse range of clients who trust us for their solar panel cleaning needs.
With over a decade of experience, we guarantee an in-house, effective, safe and high-standard module cleaning service across the UK. With the benefit of our extensive expertise and with such a wide variety of different cleaning equipment options available, we have the perfect solution for cleaning every rooftop solar PV array.
For more information, visit our blog today.