How to Clean Solar Panels: The Definitive Guide

If you are wondering how to clean solar panels installed on your home or business, it’s important to clean them regularly to maintain their efficiency. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to clean solar panels and keep them running at peak performance.

Safety Considerations for Solar Panel Cleaning

• Make sure the solar panels are switched off before cleaning, and the underside should never be touched.

• It’s safest to clean solar panels from the ground with far reaching extension tools while wearing gloves.

• However, homes with second or third stories may require climbing up to the roof. Which in itself can be a dangerous task and should be performed cautiously.

Is the effort of regular cleaning worth it?

Cleaning your solar panels regularly will ensure that they can operate at peak efficiency. Dust, dirt, and other debris can build up on the surface of the panels and block sunlight from being absorbed. This can reduce the amount of electricity that your system can generate.

The best time to clean your solar panels is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild and there is less dust in the air. However, you should check them periodically throughout the year and clean them as needed.

Why Do You Need to Clean Solar Panels?

Improve efficiency

The debate ranges on this one. While it pays to have clean solar panels. Most say that the debris which collects on solar panels can decrease their efficiency by about 5%. Of course, this can be much worse in extreme cases. So cleaning your panel can only improve your energy bills!

Warranty

If you do not clean your solar panels the warranty could be voided. Many solar companies that provide warranties for solar panels will make it explicitly clear that the warranty is only valid if you keep the solar panels clean.

Increase durability

Regular cleaning increases the durability of solar panels. It helps to remove any corrosive materials which could potentially damage the solar panels.

Aesthetic value

No one wants a dirty dirty solar panels, so this is more for commercial properties. Having clean solar panels can show that you care about your business and want to keep up appearances.

Solar panels are an expensive investment, so you want to do everything you can to protect that investment.

How often do You Need to Clean Solar Panels?

It depends on the location of the solar panel system. If the system is installed in a dusty area, it will need to be cleaned more often.

The same is true for systems that are installed near trees or other sources of debris. In general, it is recommended that you clean your solar panels at least every six months.

What equipment will you need for cleaning solar panels?

• Soft-bristled brush
• Garden hose
• Sponge, squeegee, or soft cloth/rag
• Solar panel wash
• Gloves
• Bucket

How to Clean Solar Panels

There are a few different ways that you can go about cleaning solar panels. The method that you use will depend on the type of solar panel and the amount of debris that has accumulated.

For light cleaning, you can use a soft-bristled brush and a garden hose to remove dust and dirt.

For more heavy-duty cleaning, you can use a sponge, squeegee, or soft cloth/rag with soapy water to remove grime and build-up.

If you are using any cleaning solutions, be sure to test them on a small area of the solar panel first to ensure that they will not damage the surface.

Once you have finished cleaning the solar panel, be sure to rinse them thoroughly with clean water.

Maintenance and Upkeep

The maintenance of solar panels is relatively simple. In addition to regular cleaning, you should also check the panels periodically for any damage or excessive build-up of debris. If you notice any damage, be sure to have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

You should also check the wiring and mounts periodically to ensure that they are secure and free of any damage.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your solar panels clean and operating at peak efficiency.

Another Option: Have them Serviced

You can get your solar panels serviced by professionals. This is a great option if you do not have the time to clean them yourself or if you are unsure of how to properly clean them.

Hiring a professional to service your solar panels is also a good idea if you have noticed a decrease in efficiency. They will be able to properly clean and inspect the panels to ensure that there is no damage or build-up of debris.

Conclusion

Solar panel cleaning is an important part of owning solar panels. Not only does it keep your panels looking nice, but it also helps them to operate more efficiently so that the solar panels produce more energy. Cleaning your solar panels every few months is a good way to ensure that they are performing at their best.