For many house and business owners, solar panels are a great investment.
According to research, 66.5% of those without residential solar panels are considering installing them in the future. However, if you want them to operate at their best, regular upkeep and cleaning are advised.
Make sure you understand the proper methods for cleaning solar panels if you want to maximize your investment. Here is our detailed instruction on how to clean solar panels on a roof and maintain them.
Why Clean Your Solar Panels Regularly
A crucial aspect of solar panel maintenance is routine cleaning. Even though it can be a hassle, maintaining the cleanliness of your solar panels has numerous long-term advantages.
Regular cleaning keeps dirt and debris from accumulating and keeps solar panels in top shape so they may operate as efficiently as possible. Additionally, heaps of dirt could scrape your panels, potentially permanently harming them.
It also lowers the possibility that they may need to be replaced. Overall, keeping your solar panels clean enables them to produce more electricity, which in turn reduces your energy costs and saves you money.
When Should You Clean Your Solar Panels
It’s crucial to understand when and how frequently to clean your solar panels.
The timing varies depending on the particular system you own, where it is located, and whether expert maintenance is necessary.
Rain, for instance, aids in the removal of dirt and debris. Therefore, if you live in a dry area, you will need to physically wash your panels more frequently due to the lack of rain.
But it’s not necessary to clean your solar panels as frequently as you would believe. Expect to clean your panels once or twice a year on average.
Cost of Cleaning Solar Panels
Solar panels are a great way to save money on your energy bill, but they do require some occasional maintenance. One important task is keeping the panels clean, which can be done by hiring a professional cleaner or purchasing a cleaning kit.
The cost of professional solar panel cleaning varies depending on the size of your system and the number of panels, but it typically ranges from $75 to $250 per visit. If you opt to clean the panels yourself, you can expect to pay around $50 for a cleaning kit.
Though it requires an initial investment, maintaining clean solar panels will ultimately help you save money by ensuring that your system is operating at peak efficiency.
What You Need To Clean Solar Panels
You should research the kinds of cleaning supplies needed in addition to understanding how to clean solar panels. You can wash them more completely and ensure that they remain clean for longer by using the right equipment and supplies.
Grab some water first (a regular water hose or buckets of water are fine). Then, gather a squeegee, a soft sponge, a soft brush, or a leaf blower.
It makes sense to utilize basic safety gear when cleaning solar panels that are located on roofs. A strong ladder, a pair of safety glasses, and a helmet are advised. Use a safety harness if you can.
However, there are a few crucial points to remember. Hiring a cleaning-focused solar professional is always safer. Going on your roof can be dangerous because there is a possibility that an accident could occur, especially if it is high and sloping.
Additionally, water that you hose onto solar panels in chilly locations that experience below-freezing temperatures may freeze. To lessen the possibility of ice developing on your panels, either use very warm water or wait until it becomes warmer.
Of course, a fall safety system should always be used.
Step-By-Step Procedure On How To Clean Solar Panels
If you want your solar panel system to perform at its peak, you must learn how to clean them properly. Additionally, routine cleaning keeps your panels in top shape for years and helps you avoid needless harm to them.
The most crucial actions to follow when cleaning your panels are outlined below.
1. Follow the manufacturer’s instruction
Check the manufacturer’s instructions first. They provide detailed instructions for cleaning your brand of solar panel. Following those guidelines can also assist you in preventing needless harm to the panels.
Additionally, when cleaning your solar panel system, be sure to switch it off. Your system’s instructions from the manufacturer should explain how to turn it off.
2. Remove dirt and debris
Next, clean the panels of any loose dirt and debris. Your panels’ ability to produce energy might be negatively impacted by the accumulation of dirt and debris. Before cleaning the panels, remove the majority of the accumulation with a leaf blower or soft cloth.
You might need to learn how to remove snow from solar panels throughout the winter. You can properly clean your solar panels more easily and increase the amount of sunshine that reaches them by learning how to remove snow from them.
Additionally, always remember to keep yourself safe when climbing onto your roof. This calls for the use of a fall safety system, appropriate work attire, and slip-resistant footwear.
3. Use water to spray
Spray water on the panels next to get rid of any remaining dirt, dust, and debris.
Use low-pressure water sprayers or jets instead for this phase. The panels could be harmed by the intense water spray. Use buckets of water or a hose with low pressure.
Getting on the roof may help you clean the solar panels on your roof more completely as you learn how to do so. However, take caution because water might make the roof slick. Wear safety equipment when cleaning panels on a roof.
4. Use a squeegee
Use a squeegee to remove any extra water after you’ve used water to clean the panels. This step is crucial because it avoids mineral buildup if your water is hard (i.e., mineral-rich).
Use a squeegee with an extension handle, if you have one. By doing this, whether your panels are positioned on a roof, wall, or the ground, you may drain water from difficult-to-reach regions.
5. Don’t use abrasive products
Stay away from using abrasive products. Scratchy sponges or harsh chemicals can harm your panels and reduce their effectiveness. Your panels can even be damaged by some detergents.
Solar panels should only be cleaned with water, soft sponges, and soft cloths to maintain their effectiveness.
