Solar panels have become a great alternative to generate energy in recent years and at the same time try not to contribute to climate change. Solar panels have become a great alternative to generate energy in recent years and at the same time try not to contribute to climate change. The key to their maintenance is to use specific antifreeze for solar panels that improve their technical characteristics.
Photovoltaic energy has a lower environmental impact compared to other traditional energy sources such as coal, oil or natural gas.
Antifreeze and coolant
Whether you already have an installation or are thinking of carrying one out, you must bear in mind that the correct maintenance of this type of construction is essential for its preservation over time.
- Maintenance of solar panels: When we talk about maintenance on solar panels, we must distinguish between two types, and it is necessary that you carry out both periodically for the correct operation of the panels.
- Corrective maintenance: This is what we carry out when the installation unexpectedly breaks down. We must repair any defects it may have and always rely, as far as possible, on professionals who are experts in the field.
- Preventive Maintenance: It is based primarily on cleaning the solar panels. The accumulation of dirt can cause a loss of up to 20% of the installation's performance.
Within this last type of maintenance, changing the antifreeze liquid is essential, since it will help maintain a correct temperature in the installation and prevent the pipes from becoming clogged or broken due to the freezing of the fluids inside them.
In this article we show you which are the best antifreezes for solar panels. Not all antifreeze is created equalJust as you don't clean a wooden piece of furniture and a window pane with the same product, the same thing happens with antifreeze.
Benefits of antifreeze
It is important to choose a good heat transfer fluid for your solar panels to avoid possible damage to the surface of the panels.
It is not advisable to use car antifreeze (ethylene glycol) as it can be harmful to your health if ingested.
There are other types of refrigerants designed for use, for example, in sanitary water installation circuits.
Commercial Peach Chemical SL has in its extensive catalogue of articles, in the section of antifreeze and glycols, the SKU: 1297, Antifreeze – Coolant – NON-TOXIC GLYCOL, a liquid product that makes the freezing point lower, an aspect to take into account especially in winter when photovoltaic installations suffer the consequences of climatic changes typical of each season.
This antifreeze has properties antifoams, anticorrosive and antifouling, which make it possible to eliminate erosion and prevent possible cavitation problems, thus eliminating erosion and also reducing the corrosion of materials such as aluminum.
It is a water-soluble compound, completely dilutable in water and can be mixed without any problem with most organic solvents.
Furthermore, due to its low vapor pressure, low toxicity and low flammability, SKU:1297 is ideal for installations that require greater safety in their application, reducing the risks of contamination of sanitary waters that may arise from spills, leaks, gases, etc.
It can also be used in the same installations and services as conventional antifreeze/coolants.
How often should I change the antifreeze?
As in other areas, renewing the antifreeze in our photovoltaic installation is essential for its proper functioning, in order to avoid future problems with the panels.
After approximately three years, the antifreeze begins to lose its properties and abilities, so we recommend that you renew it to avoid a scare, since this type of installation is exposed to multiple changes in environmental and weather conditions.
Solar panels: Care
El nontoxic glycol It is available in different formats: in bulk (from 1 to 1000 liters) and in aerosols (250ml, 400ml and 550ml).
It is very important that you do not apply the product pure, as a minimum dilution of 30% with water is recommended depending on the result you want to achieve.
You must dilute the product knowing the flow of water circulating in the system and introducing the calculated amount of antifreeze into it.
You have to try to do it too, Complete recirculation of the circuit water so that the concentration of antifreeze is homogeneous and thus ensures comprehensive protection of the installation.
We also recommend you: use a refractometer, an optical instrument which will help you accurately determine the amount of product you supply.
All of this will also depend on the level of protection you want to achieve. Below we detail the recommended measurement range based on temperature:
● -3ºC: 90% water 10% antifreeze.
● -8ºC: 80% water 20% antifreeze.
● -14ºC: 70% water 30% antifreeze.
● -22ºC: 60% water 40% antifreeze.
● -34ºC: 50% water 50% antifreeze.
● -51ºC: 40% water 60% antifreeze.
● -59ºC: 100% antifreeze.