Bird droppings are often dismissed as a trivial cleanliness issue. For instance, if they land on a car windshield, one can simply take the vehicle to a car wash.
However, for Solar Power Plant (PLTS) installations, bird droppings pose a serious threat that can drastically reduce energy efficiency and even cause permanent damage to solar panels.
The Dangers of Bird Droppings on Solar Panels
Bird droppings do more than just block sunlight from reaching the glass surface; they also introduce technical risks that jeopardize the health of the solar power system.
1. Reduced Energy Efficiency (Soiling Loss)
Accumulated droppings block solar radiation from reaching the photovoltaic cells, reducing daily electricity production by 15%–30%.
2. Hotspot Effect
Cell areas covered by droppings fail to generate electricity; instead, they become a load that absorbs current from surrounding cells. This condition creates a "hotspot" that can permanently damage the solar cell layers.
3. Acidic Damage (Coating Corrosion)
Bird droppings are acidic (low pH); over time, this acidity can erode the solar panel's anti-reflective coating.
4. Lensing Effect and Micro-crack Risk
Solar plant owners might assume bird droppings merely cause ordinary shading. In reality, dried and hardened droppings form a dense material capable of triggering a "Micro-Lensing Effect."
When exposed to intense sunlight, the extreme temperature difference between the transparent areas and those covered by solid droppings creates localized thermal stress.
This stress causes micro-cracks in the silicon crystals beneath the glass, cracks invisible to the naked eye that can nonetheless shorten the solar panel's lifespan.
How to Clean Bird Droppings from Solar Power Systems (PLTS)
If bird droppings have already accumulated on your solar power system, here is how to clean them off:
1. Avoid Cold Water During the Day
Spraying hot panels with cold water during the day can cause thermal shock, potentially cracking the glass. Clean the panels in the morning or late afternoon instead.
2. Use Decontaminated or Demineralized Water
Mineral-rich tap water can leave behind white deposits (limescale) that obstruct sunlight.
3. Use Non-Abrasive Cleaning Tools
Use a soft-bristled brush or a soft squeegee designed for solar panels to prevent scratches.
4. Use Mild Soap
Harsh detergents can scratch solar panels.
5. Do Not Clean if It Feels Hot in The Day
Avoid cleaning off droppings during the hottest part of the day.
Don't Underestimate the Impact of Bird Droppings on Solar Power Systems
It turns out that something as seemingly trivial as bird droppings can have a significant impact on a solar power system. Therefore, if you spot bird droppings on your system or panels, clean them off immediately.
Naturally, solar power systems require periodic inspections to ensure cleanliness and proper functionality.
Batari Energy provides solar power system installation and maintenance services, including handling issues such as cleaning off bird droppings.
Need maintenance for your solar power system? Click this link for more information!