How to keep your solar panels clean
You may think that rain is a sufficient enough cleaning method for your solar panels, however, there are numerous build ups and substances which can prevent your solar panels from working efficiently, such as dust, grime, bird faeces, debris and pollutants in the air. Contrary to previous studies, rain water alone is not sufficient in keeping your solar panels clean.
Why keeping your solar panels clean is vital.
Relying on rain water alone to clean your solar panels has been shown to reduce electricity output by up to 12% as opposed to those that are cleaned properly or professionally. Neglecting to properly clean your solar panels can result in a 12-25% lower energy output, resulting in a higher energy bill and unnecessary costs.
Tips on keeping your solar panels.
- Follow the steps in your solar panel manual on shutting off the panel system before cleaning begins.
- Check with the manufacturer of your solar panel-they may have particular methods of cleaning their special brands.
- Choose to clean your solar panels on a cooler day or in the morning or later afternoon, as the panels can become extremely hot. Additionally, early morning moisture can help to loosen dirt and grime, making cleaning easier.
- If your panels are not too dirty, a good spray with a garden hose should do the trick, however, if your panels have gathered a lot of grit and grime, a more thorough clean will be required.
Safety First:
- When cleaning your solar panels, do so from the ground. If this is not possible, it is best to hire professional cleaners, who will have the proper equipment and training.
- Before cleaning, brush off dry panels to brush off any loose materials or dirt first.
- Use a long, good quality squeegee and sponge, as well as a hose to reach the panels.
- Do not use abrasive tools or products to remove hard stuck materials-this may scratch panels and these scratches may cause shadows on your panels. Avoid any detergents which may streak the panels either.
Cleaning your solar panels is an easy task if they are of good quality. All you need is water, a tough sponge and cloth, soap and a hose. You don’t need to do this often, and keeping it clean means not losing out on energy output.