Polymer ball bearings in cleaning systems for photovoltaic installations

Patrick Czaja | 5. March 2021

The weather is getting nicer and the sun is shining longer and more intensively. It is not only us humans who replenish energy, photovoltaic systems literally do so. These are exposed to enormous weathering effects all year round, and the surfaces reflect this especially when the sun shines. Wind and weather, as well as dust from pollen, agriculture and road traffic, for example, take their toll on solar panels over the course of the year. The problem is that normal rainwater cannot remove the film of dirt created by the effects. This is where special friction robots have to be used, which work with environmentally friendly cleaning agent and carefully remove the film of dirt.

The advantages for system operators are not only in clean solar modules, but are also reflected in their wallets. This is because cleaning means that the system operator benefits from a significantly higher level of performance maintenance and thus prevents yield losses. But let’s take a closer look at the technology.

Why polymers in cleaning robots is impressive

The brushes of the photovoltaic system cleaning robots are the very core of the system. The importance of brush bearings should not be overlooked. Ball bearings are a good choice here, as they can be used successfully even in the tightest installation spaces. But what makes the application so special? The use of cleaning agents means that the ball bearings are always exposed to water and dirt, so that ball bearings made of metal are quickly discarded. These require greases to function properly. Due to the permanent water contact, the grease washes out in the long run, the bearing goes dry and eventually fails. Therefore, xiros ball bearings made of polymer are the perfect choice. They function entirely without a drop of lubricating oil, can be used in the tightest installation spaces, and impress with their good operation and resistance to dust and dirt.

Consequently, if the cleaning does not work as required, the operator of the photovoltaic systems also has to reckon with yield losses. Reconsider the bearings of the brushes and ask our experts to what extent we can bring your Cost down and Tech up at the same time. We would be glad to assist you!