Solar Panel Cleaning: Everything You Need To Know (2023)

If you have questions regarding solar panel cleaning, you have come to the right place. All the important details, delivered in an easy to understand, short article. Lets get started!!!

Keeping your home and/or commercial solar system in peak condition is essential for getting the most out of your energy source. In this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about cleaning your solar panels. We’ll walk you through the materials you’ll need, the best cleaning options, and how often you should be cleaning your panels. Let’s get started!

Do Solar Panels Need Cleaning?

The answer is yes! Over time, dirt, dust, leaves, and other debris can accumulate on your solar panels, which can reduce their output. Cleaning your solar panels regularly is the best way to maximize their efficiency.

What Are The Benefits Of Cleaning Solar Panels?

Cleaning your solar panels can be a chore, but the benefits are worth the effort. Here are some of the benefits of cleaning solar panels:

• Improved Energy Output: Cleaning your solar panels will help them perform at their highest level, meaning you get more energy out of them. That translates to a lower energy bill and a better return on your investment
• Longer Lifespan of your solar panels: Dirt, dust, and other debris can cause permanent damage to solar panels over time. Regularly cleaning your panels will keep them working their best and extend their lifespan.
• Reduced Maintenance Costs: Keeping your solar panels clean can help reduce the need for repairs, which can save you money.
• Increased Image and Value of your home of business: Clean panels look better and can help improve the look of your home or business, which will in turn increase your property value.

Can Cleaning Solar Panels Improve Performance?

Yes, cleaning your solar panels will improve performance. Exactly how much it will improve performance isn’t 100% clear. If you research the topic, you will find numbers from 7% up to 50%.

After spending much time researching, it seems the best answer is that cleaning solar panels can increase efficiency by 8%. The sources that reference much higher numbers, are most likely getting this information from studies that showed a decrease in output from airborne pollutants.

If you want to read more about the topic, you can click this link from popular mechanics.

How Often Should I Clean My Solar Panels?

The frequency of solar panel cleaning depends on several factors, including your location, the type of solar panel, and the local environment.

Generally, if you live in an area with a lot of dust, dirt, and grime, you should clean your solar panels more often. In general, you should clean your solar panels twice a year, but if you live in a particularly dusty area, you may want to clean them every three to four months.

If you live near the ocean, or in an area with a lot of bird droppings, you may need to clean your solar panels more often.

Signs It Is Time To Clean Solar Panels

So how do you know when it’s time to clean your solar panels? Here are some signs that it’s time for a solar panel cleaning:

1. A decrease in energy output: When your solar panels start to lose power, it might be because of dirt, dust, and other debris that are blocking the sunlight from reaching your panels.
2. Discoloration: Solar panels can become discolored over time due to the accumulation of dirt and debris. If you notice your solar panels turning a yellowish color, it might be time for a good cleaning!
3. Increase in energy bills: If you notice your energy bills going up despite not using more electricity, then it’s likely that your solar panels are not working as efficiently as they should. This could be due to dirt and debris blocking the sunlight from getting to the panels, thus making them less efficient.

Should I Clean My Solar Panels Myself Or Hire A Professional?

There are pros and cons to both cleaning your solar panels yourself and hiring a professional to do it for you. Let’s take a look at each option so you can decide what’s best for you.

If you decide to clean your solar panels yourself, the cost of the cleaning materials (e.g., sponges, soap, water, etc.) will be low. You may also be familiar with the process and have the necessary skills to clean your solar panels properly. However, without the right tools and expertise, you may not be able to clean your solar panels as thoroughly as a professional would.

On the other hand, hiring a professional to clean your solar panels is worth the extra money if you don’t have the time or ability to do it yourself. Professional solar panel cleaners use specialized tools and techniques that can be more effective than the DIY route. Plus, you can rest easy knowing that your solar panels are being taken care of and cleaned with the utmost care and expertise.

At the end of the day, the decision of whether to clean your solar panels yourself or hire a professional comes down to your individual needs and circumstances. If you have the time and are comfortable cleaning your solar panels yourself, doing so is a great way to save money and ensure that your solar panels are clean and working efficiently.

On the other hand, if you don’t have the time or skill to do it yourself, it may be worth it to hire a professional solar panel cleaner to do the job for you. Whichever route you choose, be sure to follow the instructions provided by your solar panel manufacturer or contact a professional solar panel cleaning company to ensure that your solar panels are thoroughly and safely cleaned.

With the right tools, techniques and expertise, you can ensure that your solar panels are working at peak efficiency and providing you with the most clean and reliable energy possible.

How Do I Clean My Solar Panels Myself?

If you are like most, learning how to DIY is much easier through video than text. Here is a great video that will show you just how to clean your own solar panels:

What Materials Will I Need To Clean My Solar Panels?

If you are confident enough in your DIY abilities and have decided to clean your solar panels, here is what you will need:

• Soft cloths: Use a soft cloth or microfibre cloth to gently remove dirt and debris from the solar panel surface.
• Water: Use distilled water or de-ionised water to avoid mineral deposits when cleaning the solar panel.
• Mild detergent: Mix a small amount of mild detergent with the water to help remove stubborn dirt. Make sure to rinse off any detergent residue thoroughly.
• Scrubber: A soft bristled brush or scrubber may be needed to remove stubborn dirt from the solar panel.
• Protective eyewear: Always use protective eyewear when cleaning your solar panel to keep your eyes safe from any dirt or debris that may come into contact with your eyes.
• Extension pole: Use an extension pole to reach higher areas of the solar panel.

What To Avoid When Cleaning Solar Panels

Cleaning solar panels can be a tricky task, and it’s important to know what to avoid. Here are some of the common mistakes people make when cleaning solar panels that can cause damage:

• Using the wrong cleaning tools: Using a brush with stiff bristles, steel wool, or any abrasive materials may scratch the surface of your solar panels, reducing the amount of sunlight they can absorb. It’s best to use a soft cloth or sponge and mild soap to clean your solar panels.
• Cleaning too often: While it is important to keep your panels clean to maximize their efficiency, too much cleaning can lead to corrosion and damage. Try to clean your panels every few months or in the event of a heavy storm.
• Harsh chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia when cleaning your solar panels. They can corrode the metal connections, making them less efficient and potentially causing a fire hazard.
• Pressure washing: Pressure washing can strip away the protective coating on the solar panel, leading to damage and reduced efficiency.
• Standing on the panels: Standing on the panels can cause them to crack or break, so it’s best to avoid getting on them at all costs.

What Warranties Say About Cleaning Solar Panels

Many Warranties require cleaning of your solar panels every 6 months or a year to remain valid. Also, many warranties do no cover damage due to improper cleaning. Warranties vary from company to company, it is best to read your individual warranty carefully before making decisions about your solar panel cleaning.

Solar Panel Cleaning Options For Commercial systems

There are some amazing new technologies for cleaning solar panels. These technologies usually aren’t cost effective for smaller, home, solar systems. But If you have a larger, commercial system, the following technologies might be considered:

• Automated Cleaning: Automated cleaning is one of the most efficient and convenient ways to clean your solar panels. This technology uses robotic arms to access, clean and inspect the panels with laser accuracy. These arms can be programmed to clean the panels on a regular basis, ensuring that your panels are always in optimal condition.
• Ultrasonic Cleaning: This type of cleaning uses an ultrasonic wave to gently remove dirt and debris from your solar panels. This technology is also effective at removing tough dirt, dust and other particles.
• Dry Cleaning: Dry cleaning uses compressed air to safely remove dirt and debris from your solar panels without the use of water or chemicals. This is a great option for those who want a quick, efficient clean without the mess.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cleaning your solar panels is an important part of keeping your home or commercial solar system in optimal shape.

We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of the materials, cleaning options, and frequency of cleaning that is necessary. Thanks for taking the time to read. If you found this guide useful, please consider sharing. Happy cleaning!