How To Clean Solar Panels

If you have installed solar panels on your roof, you are interested in solar panel repair; how often you need to clean it and do something special to keep it in the best possible condition. But when it comes to cleaning solar panels, how often, if at all, is up to you.

In this article we tell you everything you need to know to keep your panels clean.

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Explore the options when it comes to cleaning solar panels

There is no recommended frequency for cleaning solar panels. Some do, some don't. The only time you should really think about cleaning your solar panels is when there is a lot of bird droppings on them. Generally, the rain is enough to prevent debris such as dirt, dust and debris from accumulating on the solar panels.

Worried about reduced efficiency from dirty solar panels? Most professionals say you shouldn't. Since most solar panels are installed on slopes, debris is simply released during storms. It is estimated that if your solar panels are not clean, and this can increase as rainwater cleans them, you can see a drop in efficiency of around 5%.

Safety considerations

Since solar panels are installed on a roof, there are many safety precautions to be aware of when cleaning solar panels. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Avoid climbing high - Perhaps the best (and safest) way to clean solar panels is to use tools such as a long-handled broom or sponge. A telescopic pole allows you to reach the solar panels without climbing onto the roof. It will definitely work better for a one story house than a three story house. So if this is not possible and you feel the need to climb onto the roof, it is better to take some precautions.

Wear safety gear on the roof: Never go on a roof without a helmet and safety harness. If you don't have one or aren't comfortable using one, consider using a ladder to clean your solar panels.

Consider daytime temperatures: Remember that the job of solar panels is to extract energy from the sun. This means that they get very hot during peak sunlight hours. If you are going to come into contact with the solar panels during maintenance, consider cleaning them in the morning or evening when the sun is not too high in the sky. Or choose a cloudy or overcast day to clean the solar panels.

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You probably don't need to buy much to clean your solar panels. Strong chemicals or cleaners can damage panels, as can strong jets such as water from pressure washers. Below we have listed a comprehensive list of tools you may need to clean your solar panels.

Sponge: Choose a large, soft or medium sponge for this job. Hard abrasive sponges can damage the protective layer on solar panels.

Soap: Mild dish soap is the best choice here, and using a moderate amount of soap is recommended to avoid product build-up or streaks.

Telescopic pole: A long-handled sponge or telescopic pole with a sponge attached to the end prevents you from climbing onto the roof.

Scale: If you don't have a long-handled tool, you'll need a scale to clean your solar panels.

instructions

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean your solar panels that you can follow if you see dirt, grime and other debris building up.

1. Mix water with dish soap

Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap in a five-gallon bucket.

2. Wet solar panels

Using a hose, lightly spray water on the solar panel. Starting with a damp panel will prevent the soap from sticking to the panel and leaving streaks.

3. Panel cleaning

After the solar panels are wet, gently scrub the panels with a long-handled broom or sponge. If you don't have a long-handled broom, put on your seat belt and get on the roof. Clean the solar panels with a sponge.

4. Spray again

Continue to spray the panel again with water until all soap residue is gone.

When should you call a professional?

There are three times when you will want to call in a professional to clean and maintain your solar panels:

When it is part of the warranty. Some solar installers will offer one or two solar panel cleaning as part of the package when the panels are purchased. If so, it never hurts to take them up on their offer.

Do it yourself when you feel uncomfortable. Is he not a measured person? If you are afraid of heights, injured, weak, or unable to get on a roof to clean your solar panels, we recommend that you hire a professional to clean them for you. On average, you can expect to spend around $150 for this type of service.

When something gets your solar panels dirty. If your property has a large number of trees, you can expect your solar panels to quickly become full of bird droppings. They can be difficult to remove, especially when baked in the sun.

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How to clean solar panels