Investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings, despite the initial high costs. Regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of solar panels. This not only enhances safety but also ensures your solar system operates efficiently. Continue reading for answers to common questions about maintaining and cleaning solar panels.
Solar panels typically need minimal cleaning and maintenance, especially if you live in an area with regular rainfall. Rain naturally washes away most dirt and debris that could obstruct sunlight absorption. However, in drier climates or near construction or industrial activity, grime can accumulate. Learning how to clean your panels can save you money on maintenance.
While a solar company might install your panels, they still require regular maintenance for optimal performance. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory reports that dust, soot, and other particles can reduce your solar panels' efficiency by 7%. You can easily learn how to safely clean your rooftop or ground-mounted panels with a few simple tools. This will improve their efficiency and help you decide when it's time to call in professional cleaners.
Homeowners often wonder how often they should clean their solar panels. Typically, cleaning them once or twice a year is enough. Yet, the frequency might need to increase depending on several factors. For instance, in areas with little rainfall, solar panels may require more regular cleaning. Homes with flat roofs might also need their panels cleaned more often. Additionally, if nearby construction work covers your panels with dust, a cleaning might be necessary once the work is completed.
When you clean your panels is also important. They need to be relatively cool, so the water doesn't evaporate too quickly and to prevent cracking from the temperature change. The best times to clean them are in the morning, evening, on cloudy days, or during the milder spring and fall months.
● Water: Opt for pure, high-quality water like distilled or deionized to clean your solar panels. This prevents mineral stains or deposits from marking the panel surfaces.
● Detergent: Use mild detergents that are safe for materials like glass and protective coatings. Detergents made for PV panels are preferable. Avoid harsh chemicals such as abrasive cleaners or solvents, which can damage the materials, scratch the cells, or leave behind residue.
● Brushes, sponges, and cleaning tools: Soft bristle brushes help remove dirt without harming your solar panels. Be gentle to prevent scratches or damage. For sponges or cloths, microfiber is best as it cleans effectively without harming the panel surfaces.
● Extendable handle: Since PV installations often sit on rooftops, a telescopic pole or extendable handle helps you reach high and tricky areas safely. If you're unable to clean the panels yourself, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Follow these steps to efficiently clean your solar panels:
Before you start cleaning, make sure to turn off the power to your solar panels. This ensures your safety and protects the system.
Brush off any dried-up dirt, bird droppings, and other debris from your panels when they're dry. It’s better to remove these before washing as mixing dust and water can turn into mud and stick to the panels.
After removing the dry residue, rinse your panels with clean water to wash away any remaining dust and particles. Use gentle water flow, high-pressure nozzles can damage the panels. The water will naturally evaporate, so there's no need to dry the panels manually.
If there’s still dirt after brushing and rinsing, tackle these spots by scrubbing gently with normal soap and lukewarm water. Avoid using detergents or harsh cleaning agents, as they might damage the panels. Extremely hot or cold water should also be avoided to prevent panel damage.
After cleaning, monitor your panels' energy output to assess any improvements in their efficiency. Believe that this video will let you clean your solar panels like a professional:
During winter, it’s often unnecessary to manually remove snow from your solar panels. Due to their angled installation, snow usually slides off as it melts. However, if snow accumulates and doesn’t melt away, you might consider using a solar panel snow rake. This tool helps you safely clear the snow without needing to climb onto your roof.
Remember, never use a standard broom, shovel, or any other general tool to remove snow from the panels. These can scratch the glass and potentially reduce your solar power output.
When you invest in solar panels, manufacturers provide warranties that cover you in the rare event something goes wrong. They can save you money on repairs due to manufacturing defects throughout your system's life.
Power output warranties secure a certain level of production for the warranty period, often 25 years. For example, a manufacturer may guarantee that peak power output will stay above 85% for 25 years.
Moreover, your panels come with a product warranty that guards against faulty components. Currently, most companies offer this protection for up to 25 years. This warranty may extend to inverters and racking systems, though it's more typical for each component to have its own warranty. Expect to see changes in these practices as the industry continues to develop.
Cleaning solar panels might seem simple, but there are several reasons you might prefer hiring a professional. Safety concerns, physical limitations, or lack of time are common factors.
Many solar companies offer bundled cleaning services with their annual inspections. This combined service typically costs around $150. If you only need your panels cleaned, expect to pay approximately $25 per panel. Remember to factor these cleaning costs into your overall solar panel expenses.
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