How to Clean Solar Panels: Solar Panel Cleaning
Let us ask you a question. How often do you clean your roof? If it takes you some time to think, then it has most likely been a while! Whilst solar panels are generally self-cleaning, we suggest you get the most of your system and keep them in tip-top condition. In particularly dry areas or where the panels tilt is minimal, dust and other substances such as bird droppings and leaves can build up over time and impact the amount of power generated by a panel.
Whether it is dirt, dust, or debris on top of your solar panel, it can affect how much sunlight gets through to the panel to convert to energy. Of course, elements such as local weather conditions and solar design will impact how often you will need to clean your panels. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend you have them cleaned about once a year. When panels are dirty, solar panels’ performance is compromised, which may intern lead to reduced energy output.
Whilst we suggest hiring a professional for safety reasons, it is possible to clean your solar panel system personally. Always consider your safety first before undertaking solar panel cleaning. Check your weather conditions closely, work out the pitch and stability of your roof, to avoid unnecessary injury. Due to the at-risk nature of cleaning, we suggest you clean your panels from the ground or from a ladder rather than getting on the roof itself.
If you do decide to go down the road of cleaning them yourself, we believe there are two things to consider. First, when to clean, and second, how to clean.
1) When is the optimal time to clean my solar panels?
When winter is drawing to an end and the days begin to lengthen, it seems to be a more favourable time to clean your solar system as the sun returns, therefore, increasing energy output.
Cleaning your solar panels on an overcast day, either early in the morning or in the evening (before it gets dark) is suggested. Should you clean them in the heat of the day, the panels may become too hot therefore leading to water used to wash the panels evaporating quickly and dirt becoming smeared. If you are an early riser, take advantage of the dew which may have settled on the panels overnight, to help clean your panels.
2) How do I go about cleaning my solar panels?
Make sure your panels are clear of debris such as leaves or branches, simply sweeping them off or spraying them is a good method of removing debris like leaves and branches.
After clearing them, we suggest using lukewarm ‘soft’ water and a non-abrasive brush, for example, a sponge you would use to clean your car.
Using cold water to a warm panel could result in thermal shock, thereby damaging your panel. As panels are designed to convert the sunlight to energy, they can heat up quickly; hence why we suggest lukewarm water which is a similar temperature to the panel.
If you live somewhere that relies on ‘hard’ water (water that contains a high amount of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium) just remember that cleaning the panels with mineralized water may lead to deposits forming on the glass as it dries and decreases the energy output. If rainwater is available, use that as a final rinse; then sponge dry.
Due to the nature of quality solar panel glass, clean water, and a little scrubbing from a cloth or sponge should be successful at removing the most stubborn grime. Plastic scourers may also be used for tough spots such as bird dropping of grime, although we highly suggest a washcloth or sponge.
Laundry detergents and other cleaning chemicals might interact with your solar panels in a negative way leading to deterioration or streaks. Sop can leave a film-like covering on that can shade panels when washed off, thereby decreasing effectiveness. Further, it may leave a sticky residue which could actually encourage dirt to stick to the surface.
Just like a car, you might think that rain does an adequate job of cleaning your panels.
However, just like a car, rain doesn’t truly clean the panels. If your solar panels are already dirty due to natural conditions, the rain will likely make it worse by converting dust to thick layers of grime and mud. It’s a downward slope, with your system and your electricity bill feeling the real blow.
The final word of solar panel cleaning
Cleaning solar panels is not that much different than cleaning a window. Yes, it may seem like a chore, but It improves the effectiveness and longevity of an asset you have invested in. A little tender loving care could result in massive returns in terms of the performance your solar panel, which in turn leads to money saved on your electric bills. Leaving your panels dirty will reduce the energy output that your panels produce, therefore decreasing your solar payback. Prevent the deterioration of your panels and have them cleaned or clean them (safely!) annually.
So, whether you live in a dusty or wet environment, we urge you to consider annual cleaning, by a professional is highly suggested, in order to maximize the performance of your solar panel system. For more information about professional solar panel cleaning, call us today. The experts at Captain Green can walk you through the process step by step. We work on a case by case basis and aim to get the best and most affordable outcome for our customers.
