In this piece, we are going to discuss cleaning solar panels, which is a topic that is far too frequently ignored in relation to solar panels. It is possible to boost the efficiency of your solar panels over time by keeping them clean after they are installed.
However, you need to be sure that you regularly clean them in the correct manner for maximum efficiency. We will take you through each stage of the process in sequential order of the solar array to show how a professional cleaner will clean the solar panel systems.
Why Is It Necessary to Keep Solar Panels Cleaned?
There is a lot of tension among those who possess solar panels on the subject of cleaning them. Some people will tell you that it is very required, while others will say that rain will just wash away any problems that may occur with the panels and that it is not necessary.
The correct response is probably somewhere in the middle. Solar panels are not required to be cleaned, but if you choose not to clean them, you will experience a reduction in their overall efficiency. Even if rain may be able to remove some of the contaminants that build up on the panels, the effectiveness of this method will not be comparable to that of a physical clean to improve the panels’ performance.
The accumulation of dust, dirt, pollen, and other material on solar panels has the potential to reduce the effectiveness of the panels by somewhere in the neighbourhood of 5%, according to a general rule of thumb.
This is not a huge difference, but depending on the size of your solar power installation, it can add up to a significant amount. This effect can be amplified if you live in a location where precipitation is scarce or if there is a high concentration of dust and pollution in the air affects the solar panels energy production.
The Proper Way to Wash Solar Panels
The process of cleaning solar panels often does not present too much of a challenge. It’s possible that acquiring the tools necessary to reach every region of the panel’s surface will prove to be the most challenging aspect of the job; nevertheless, this will be determined by the dimensions of your panels and the cleaning method you choose.
It is possible that you will not need to do much to clean your panels, depending on the amount of mess that is already on them. Because of this, we strongly suggest that you begin by assessing the panels. Examine them and determine the level of buildup that has occurred on the panels in terms of trash, filth, and substances for example, are there any sticky substances such as bird droppings
Use a Hose to Keep Dust Accumulation to a Minimum.
If the disorder of your panel is primarily just the accumulation of dust and grime, then you probably won’t need anything more than a simple hosing down to make them clean and use a soft brush.
If your panels are within its reach, a garden hose should be sufficient to complete the task. Simply give them a thorough spray with the cleaner, and you should be good to go. You can put them in the open air to dry in the sun.
Make sure not to use high-pressure jets or a pressure washer when cleaning the panels, as this could cause damage. This may cause the panels themselves to get scratched or damaged, which can result in a reduction in both performance and efficiency.
Scrub them down in order to get rid of more extensive messes
If the mess on your panels is more than just dust and grime, and includes sticky stuff like bird droppings or sticky plant materials, then you might need to give the panels a good scrubbing. Dust and dirt aren’t the only things that can accumulate on solar panels.
Once more, you don’t want to be very rough with the panels. Choose a gentle brush, scrubber, or squeegee that won’t scratch or otherwise mar the panels in any way. You should also use a soapy water that is extremely gentle and does not include any harsh ingredients that can damage or degrade the panels.
The panels should be let to dry in the sun
A scrubber that is able to reach across your panels is the only other thing that is required outside that, as the process is pretty simple and quick.
But keep in mind that on sunny summer days, solar panels can reach quite high temperatures. You might consider scheduling your cleaning for the wee hours of the morning or the wee hours of the evening.
Alternately, you might have them maintained
If you don’t feel like performing the work yourself, you also have the option of hiring a professional to service the solar panels for you. If you acquired your solar panels directly from a solar panel firm, you should visit the manufacturer’s website to determine whether or not there are local service providers who can maintain and repair your panels.
When purchasing the solar panel itself, many firms provide service plans as an additional option. It is possible that these plans will include routine maintenance and servicing, although this will vary from provider to provider. In addition to that, they might entail routine inspections to verify that the solar panels are operating as effectively as they should be.
On the other hand, if we had the choice, we wouldn’t go for this alternative. You could wind up spending a significant amount of money on these services. You are, in essence, investing money so that you might reduce the amount you spend on your monthly electricity bill in the future.
You are making it impossible for yourself to save money! In most cases, we would advise against employing someone else to do the job of cleaning solar panels because it isn’t a process that presents a particularly high degree of difficulty to begin with.
It is important to keep in mind that you are effectively contrasting the expense of maintaining the panels with the amount you’d save if you generated more energy with cleaner panels. These costs will rarely cancel each other out.
Why Getting a Professional to Clean Your Solar Panels Is Your Best Option
As of November 2022, more than 3 million rooftop solar power systems had been built across Australia. According to a research by the Clean Energy Council, the small-scale solar industry added 3.3 GW of new capacity in the year 2021.
DIY solar panel maintenance is preferred by the majority of households. If you want to clean your solar panels and gutters without putting yourself in danger, make sure to follow all of the safety precautions that come with this method.
By using our FREE quotation tool, you can get a free estimate on the cost of having your solar panels cleaned. Because we work with a network of local solar experts, we can guarantee that your panels will be spotless and will operate at their maximum capacity.
By taking this short questionnaire today, you might receive up to three free price quotations. After indicating whether you own a home or a company, you will be prompted to select the “Repairs and Maintenance” option.
Conclusion
We not only wanted to assist you in cleaning your solar panels, but we also wanted to assist you in determining whether or not it is truly important for you to clean your panels.
Solar panels are hardy and durable, and contrary to popular belief, they do not require as much maintenance as you might believe they do.
