In this article you will learn how to clean solar panels the right way.
Why should i clean my solar panels.
In other parts of the world where rainfall levels are lower build up of dust and dirt can present more of an issue and panels may need to be cleaned more often to prevent a significant drop in output.
For starters cleaning your panels and ensuring they are kept in good working condition protects your warranty.
Panels don t need a whole lot of cleaning and maintenance unless you live in a dusty and dry environment with little rain.
Solar panel cleaningis like washing your car or window minus the soap.
However cleaning is one aspect of solar panel maintenance that should not be taken lightly.
New research to keep solar panels clean and efficient.
As panels get dirtier their output declines.
Rooftop solar panels get dirty primarily from wind blown dust and pollen.
After all anything that accumulates dirt on them for example dust or pollen will get washed off the next time it rains.
In the uk the vast majority of domestic solar panel arrays don t need regular heavy duty cleaning thanks to the high levels of rainfall.
The task of solar panels cleaning is not worth your life.
A small amount of soiling say a light dusty film may only cause a 5 percent output decline.
How to clean solar panels.
Solar panels does not have any moving parts which is why there s not a whole lot of maintenance to take care of.
When cleaning your solar panels the most important consideration to keep in mind is that scratching or damaging the glass in any way will reduce a panel s energy production.
While there are still diy services and professional solutions to eliminate any soiling on your array industry innovations are also paving the way for easier upkeep.
When and why should you clean your panels.
There are several reasons you ll want clean solar panels.
There are some times it might make sense to clean your solar panels though.
A good quality soft brush and a squeegee with a plastic blade on one side and a cloth covered sponge on the other coupled with a long extension can make for the perfect tools allowing you to stay on the ground.
It s best to approach panel cleaning the same way you might clean your car.
In most cases you won t need to clean your solar panels often if at all.
If cleaning solar panels requires you to climb up on your roof consider hiring a professional solar panel cleaning service.
Clean solar panels from the ground for safety reasons it s also wise to clean your panels from the ground if possible.
Special coatings for glass to repel dust and reduce soiling.
Cleaning your dirty panels could boost your solar energy system s performance by upwards of 20.