How Does Salt and Sea Air Affect Solar Panels?

Salt in the sea air can be a big problem for solar panels.  This is a question we are frequently asked as a professional solar panel cleaning company.  This brief article explains the two problems that solar panels face due to salt and sea air.  How exactly does salt and sea air affect solar panels?

Salt crystals in the sea air can affect solar panels through accumulation.  Over time, a thin film of salt can cover a solar panel which, left unchecked, will gradually block light out from the panel.  This has a negative effect on panel efficiency.  Secondly, salt in the sea air can affect solar panels by eroding the frame around the panel.  This in turn can lead to the panel frame allowing water to penetrate into the panel itself.  Obviously, water and electricity is not a good mix.  This will lead to the failure of that panel and possibly other panels due to them being linked.

Why is solar panel cleaning important in coastal areas where there is salt in the air?  Regular solar panel cleaning will inhibit the accumulation of salt and preserve the life of the solar panel frame.

Solar panel cleaning is particularly important in Devon & Cornwall.  Why?  The counties of Cornwall and Devon have more coastline than any other English county.  Because of this, the majority of solar panels in Cornwall & Devon are near the sea, making them more prone to salt affecting solar panels.

Feel free to contact us to find out more about solar panel cleaning in Cornwall & Devon.