A Complete Guide to Cleaning Solar Panels for a Solar Company
Imagine standing in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” (Minnesota) and admiring the beautiful lakes there. Then, all of a sudden, you realize that solar energy could be used in such a sunny and beautiful place. As more and more people buy solar panels for their homes, it’s no surprise that the number of solar companies has grown over the past few years. But for these panels to work well, they need to be taken care of properly, which means they need to be cleaned regularly. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about cleaning solar panels and what solar companies say are the best ways to do it.
Why it's important to clean your solar panels
Solar panels turn sunlight into electricity, and because they are out in the elements, it’s easy to think that they clean themselves. But dust, pollen, bird poop, and other things can get on the surface of the panels and make them less effective. It’s like driving a McLaren on a dirt road. It will still work, but it won’t work as well as it could if you don’t take care of it.
A clean solar panel can soak up more light, making sure that the money you put into renewable energy pays off. Solar companies say that cleaning the panels regularly will keep them working well and make them last longer.
How often should your solar panels be cleaned?
How often you need to clean your solar panels depends on things like the weather, the angle of the panels, and the environment around them. Companies that sell solar panels say that people who live in dusty areas or near construction sites might need to clean their panels more often. In general, you should check on your panels every few months and clean them as needed.
How to Clean Your Own Solar Panels: What You Need to Know
Before starting a project to clean solar panels, it’s important to know the right tools and methods to use. First, check with your solar company to see if they have any specific suggestions. They may have rules that are made for your installation.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your solar panels:
Safety First
When working on your roof, always put safety first. Wear the right shoes, use a strong ladder, and think about using a safety harness to keep from falling. If you are afraid of heights or don’t know how to do it, you should hire a professional solar panel cleaning service.
Choose the Right Time
Solar companies say that you should clean your panels early in the morning or late at night, when the sun isn’t as strong. Cleaning at these times keeps water from evaporating too quickly, which can leave streaks and other marks.
You’ll need a soft brush, a squeegee with a long handle, a gentle soap or detergent, and a hose with a nozzle attachment to clean your solar panels. Don’t use rough materials or high-pressure water on the panels because they can damage them.
Make a Cleaning Solution
Follow the directions on the bottle of soap or detergent and mix it with water to make a cleaning solution. You need a solution that is gentle and won’t hurt your panels.
Clean the Panels
Use the soft brush and the cleaning solution to gently scrub the panels in small sections. Be thorough, but don’t put too much pressure on things. Use the squeegee to get rid of extra water and keep streaks from appearing.
Rinse Well
Use a nozzle on the end of the hose to spray clean water on the panels. Make sure to get rid of all soap residue, since it can leave a film that makes the panels less effective.
When to Call the Pros to Clean Your Solar Panels
DIY cleaning of solar panels isn’t always the best way to go. It’s best to hire a professional solar panel cleaning service if your panels are hard to get to, if you have a large solar array, or if you don’t like working at heights. They have the knowledge, tools, and safety gear to clean your panels in a safe and effective way. Professional solar panel cleaning services can also look for signs of damage on your panels to make sure your solar energy system stays in good shape.
How to Keep Your Solar Panels Clean: Preventive Steps
Even though you should clean your solar panels regularly, you can also take steps to keep dirt and debris from building up on them. For example, if you have trees near your solar array, you might want to trim the branches to reduce the amount of pollen or leaves that fall. You can also put up things that scare birds away if they like to sit on your panels and leave droppings.
Solar panels are a big investment, and how well they work depends on how well they are maintained and cleaned. By doing what solar companies say is best, you can make sure that your solar panels will continue to work well for years to come. Keeping your solar panels clean is important if you want to get the most out of the sun’s power. You can do this yourself or hire a professional service. So, as you take steps toward a greener, more sustainable future, don’t forget to take care of your solar panels and enjoy the benefits of renewable energy.
Authored by Ryan Douglas
NRG Clean Power's resident writer and solar enthusiast, Ryan Douglas covers all things related to the clean energy industry.
