Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular as a renewable energy source. By absorbing sunlight, they create a current that is converted into useful electricity. Solar energy has many benefits, including lower energy costs, reduced carbon emissions, and increased value of your home. Solar energy is also becoming more affordable, especially with one of the best solar panel loans. However, solar panels are only useful if they produce enough energy to reduce the demand for electricity from the grid. The output depends on the absorption of sunlight, so if solar panels are dirty, they will not be as efficient as they could be, especially since the cost of installing solar panels can be very high.
In general, the best solar panels do not require much maintenance or cleaning in areas with regular rainfall. Rain can wash away dirt and debris that can prevent your home's solar panels from absorbing maximum sunlight. However, over time, dirt can still accumulate. Especially in dry climates or near construction or industrial structures, relying on rain to keep panels clean may not be enough. Learning how to clean solar panels can help homeowners save on solar panel maintenance costs.
Even if solar panels are installed by a large solar company (such as SunPower or ADT Solar), they require regular maintenance to maintain peak performance. With a few simple tools, homeowners can learn how to safely clean roof-mounted or ground-mounted solar panels to maximize their efficiency, as well as determine the best time to hire professional solar panel cleaning help.
Why clean solar panels?
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Many homeowners understand that solar panel systems require direct sunlight to operate. Since solar panels are located on the roof of a home, they inevitably collect dust, dirt, leaves, bird droppings and other debris. Over time, the buildup of these materials can begin to limit the amount of sunlight the solar panels are exposed to, resulting in a significant reduction in solar panel efficiency. On completely horizontal panels, this process occurs even faster, since they do not allow rainwater to wash away dirt. Cleaning your solar panels helps maintain peak efficiency and extend the life of your solar panels. Failure to clean panels regularly can even cause homeowners to void their solar panel warranty.
How often should solar panels be cleaned?
Homeowners may not know how often to clean their solar panels. In most cases, once or twice a year is enough. However, the exact frequency required depends on several factors. For example, in areas with relatively little rainfall, you may need to clean your panels more often. Even homes without pitched roofs may need more frequent cleaning. If neighbors are doing work on their home, cleaning may be required after the project is completed to remove any dust stuck to the panels. Weather is also an important factor when cleaning solar panels. The panels should be kept relatively cool to prevent water from evaporating during the cleaning process. Applying cold water to hot panels can also cause them to crack. Therefore, the best time to clean solar panels is morning or evening when the weather is cloudy, or spring and autumn when the weather is cool.
Time required: 1-2 hours
Trouble. Newbie
Estimated cost: $50 to $100 (if accessories required)
Before it starts...
Not all solar panels have the same care recommendations, so it's important for homeowners to review the manufacturer's instructions before attempting to clean them themselves. It's also worth noting that while a sunroof has an initial price tag, this type of sunroof may not require any cleaning. If a homeowner doesn't clean their best portable solar panels, the system could end up on the roof. In this case, homeowners will also want to evaluate their ability to operate safely by learning how to clean solar panels in multi-story buildings. Suppose the solar panels are too high for equipment to reach, or they are installed on a steep or slippery surface. In this case, it is recommended to hire professional help to avoid serious injury.
Tips for Cleaning Solar Panels
Solar panel cleaning projects are best on cold days as they reduce the risk of glass breaking when water dries.
We do not recommend using abrasives or harsh cleaners to clean solar panels. A small amount of mild, non-abrasive soap mixed with one part vinegar and eight parts water is a good home solution for cleaning solar panel glass.
Security Considerations
Before cleaning, be sure to remove the solar panels and avoid touching their undersides.
The safest method is to clean solar panels off the ground using an extension cord while wearing gloves. However, two- or three-story homes may require a flying roof.
Homeowners unsure of their ability to safely clean their solar panels may want to consider calling a local solar professional to get the job done.
STEP 1: Gather tools, materials and safety equipment.
You can usually purchase the equipment needed to clean solar panels at your local hardware store. Solar panels can be treated in the same way as windows or other glass surfaces. Homeowners can mix water and mild soap to create a cleaning solution. For cleaning, a soft sponge or brush that does not scratch the surface of the panel is sufficient. You can use a lint-free cloth or sieve to remove excess water. Although standard consumables can be used for solar panel cleaning programs, safety considerations remain important. Hard hats, leather braces and seat belts are recommended for any homeowner who plans to work on the roof rather than on the ground.
STEP 2: Disconnect the solar panel system according to the manufacturer's instructions.
If you can clean the solar panels yourself, the first step is to remove them. Solar panels are electrical equipment and should not be cleaned during operation as there is a risk of electric shock. The solar panel manufacturer's specifications explain how to ensure that the electrical current generated in the panels and home is stopped.
Photo: istockphoto.com
STEP 3: Remove dust, dirt and leaves with a soft brush.
Solar panels collect leaves, bird droppings and dust. Although rain can wash away some of the water, it cannot absorb all of it and can leave behind a dirty residue as standing water evaporates. You can remove dirt from the soft brush with a soft brush to begin the cleaning process.
This can be done from the ground by attaching a soft brush to a telescopic pole using a rope or hook. Some poles can reach 24 feet. Without a long enough extension cord, you will need a retractable ladder to clean the solar panels. If a homeowner needs to go onto the roof, it is best to take safety precautions such as wearing a hard hat and harness.
The best way to clean solar panels is to start with a soft brush, because if there is a lot of material on the solar panel, dirt can mix directly with the water, which can cause load loss and stains. The brush breaks and removes some of the material, making the next step of the cleaning process more efficient. It is recommended to wear work gloves to keep your hands clean and safe.
Homeowners are also advised to check whether the panels have drainage holes and, if so, make sure they are clean. These holes will be located on the sides of the panel and can be cleaned by inserting a toothpick into them.
STEP 4: Clean the panels using a garden hose.
Water plays an important role in cleaning solar panels. After removing the dried dirt, a garden hose can remove any dirt left on the solar panels.
Homeowners may be tempted to throw as much water as possible onto solar panels to get the job done faster, but high-pressure cleaning can cause small cracks in the surface. This will damage the efficiency of the solar system and cause problems later. It may also void existing warranties due to failure to adhere to the solar panel manufacturer's maintenance specifications. If the hose has a high pressure connection, it must be disconnected before cleaning the solar panel.
The key to this step is to spray carefully and purposefully along each solar panel. If your garden hose doesn't spray enough water, a telescopic hose can help. This tube will have a more comfortable grip than the tube itself.
STEP 5: Clean the problem area with a soft brush and water.
Once most of the dirt has been removed, you can pay special attention to problem areas using a sponge, scraper, or soft cloth filled with a bucket of clean water. It's best to rub gently and concentratedly in a repetitive motion and be a little patient, as aggressive scrubbing may scratch the panel.
Even cleaners that are considered “safe” for cleaning solar panels can be abrasive. Water is the best way to clean solar panels, especially if it is deionized or distilled. This water attracts other chemicals, making it more effective at cleaning. If deionized or distilled water is not available, treating your tap water with a water softener can help improve its cleaning ability.
Photo: istockphoto.com
STEP 6: Apply the cleaning solution to heavily soiled areas, scrubbing and rinsing the solution thoroughly.
If there are stubborn stains that water won't remove, you can use mild dish soap mixed with one part vinegar and eight parts water to improve cleaning performance. The use of harsh chemicals is not recommended as they may damage the surface of the panel. Any soap should be used sparingly and carefully. Rinsing off the soap can leave a residue that will then stick to the dirt, causing the solar panels to peel off. This is not only less aesthetically pleasing, but may also interfere with some of the panel's functions. You can also use glass cleaner instead of soap, as it usually doesn't leave unsightly streaks.
STEP 7: Use a squeegee or soft cloth to thoroughly dry the panel after cleaning.
Each panel must be dried thoroughly to avoid harsh watermarks and streaks. If the homeowner is using a putty knife, it is best to start at the top of the panel and work down until the entire panel is dry. Any additional drips can be removed with a rag. It is important for homeowners to be selective about the fabric used to dry the panels, as even soft-looking towels can leave scratches on the surface of the panels.
STEP 8: Restart the system and monitor the home's solar energy to measure the cleaning effect.
Since solar cells use useful energy by capturing sunlight, exposure to more sunlight will increase their solar output, or the energy they produce. This is why solar panels are often placed in sunnier locations. Depending on the characteristics of the solar system, its location, and environmental factors, solar panels are designed to produce a specific amount of solar energy.
Normal operating conditions cause deviations in the forecast range. However, if the solar panels are dirty, the energy produced will be low. With less solar energy available, homeowners rely on electricity from additional energy suppliers, increasing energy bills and the time it takes to pay off solar energy.
To determine the impact of solar panel cleaning, homeowners can review their energy bills before and after cleaning. Clean solar cells will have lower energy costs because they provide maximum exposure and more solar energy.
STEP 9: Contact a solar panel specialist for complex cleaning and maintenance needs.
Depending on how many solar panels are needed to power your home and how easily they are accessible from underground, cleaning solar panels can be a difficult and time-consuming process. If cleaning solar panels is doing more harm than good, homeowners can turn to one of the best solar panel cleaning services as a practical solution to improve solar energy. Although solar panels do not require constant cleaning, removing deposits is part of their maintenance. Finding a solar panel cleaning professional is your best bet for conditions that are too difficult to handle with a garden hose and sponge. In some cases, this service may be offered by the solar company that originally installed the system, but there are also companies that clean solar panels exclusively.
Solar panels must not be used during cleaning. If a homeowner hires a professional service, they can shut down and disconnect the power, giving the homeowner peace of mind that their system will not be disrupted by a power outage.
To get the most out of professional solar panel cleaning services, homeowners can run a simulated version of the cleaning process. They can remove leaves or large debris to get an idea of the specific cleaning problems that need to be addressed.
Because solar panels are often installed on rooftops or at elevated locations, cleaning solar panels requires special attention to safety. Only solar panels that are easily accessible and safe should be cleaned without professional intervention.
