Best Tips for Industrial Solar Panel Cleaning
Have you installed a solar panel system for your industry and want to maintain its power output? Then you need to keep up with the cleaning. Solar panels are laid out in the open, and there are many things that can make them dirty and prevent them from running to their full potential. In this article, we will help you learn the best tips to clean your industrial solar panels.
How Do Industrial Solar Panels Work?
Industrial solar panels use the energy from the sun that falls on photovoltaic panels that release free electrons in order to generate electricity. These solar panels are made of silicon, and since they are semiconductors, they create an electrical field with the help of positive and negative layers. These layers are made of boron and phosphorus. The plates generate AC, and an inverter is used to convert it into DC for industries to use.
There are many benefits of using industrial solar panels that can push you to finally install a system. For instance, you will be self-sufficient when it comes to electricity and you will not have to worry about any changes in the grid electricity.
Furthermore, industries contribute greatly when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, and if you want to run a large operation, it is better for you to switch to sunlight. This will help you keep your production as high as you can and ensure that you don’t impact the environment negatively.
Therefore, as an industry, you must think about making the switch to solar so you can not only protect the environment but also ensure that your business excels. However, things do not end there after you have installed the solar panels. You need to ensure that these panels work to their maximum potential, and to do that; you must keep up with the cleaning and maintenance.
Best Tips For Industrial Solar Panel Cleaning
There are several ways you can keep your solar panels clean but you need to ensure that the cleaning methods you use are in accordance with your solar system and will give the best cleaning possible.
Solar panels are not high to maintain but they do require regular cleaning so they keep running to their maximum potential. There are several things that can accumulate on solar panels, for instance, solar panels can gather a lot of dirt, bird droppings, and even fallen leaves. It is very important for you to clean them off properly so the panels can perform at their maximum potential. Here are some of the best tips you can use to clean your industrial solar panels.
Brushes Sponges (Soap-less)
There are many solar companies who have discovered that with the help of deionized water and a brush, they can easily clean the panels without using soap at all. Soap should not be used when cleaning solar panels because soap usually leaves a residue on the panel. Not only will that affect the efficiency of electricity production, but the soap also causes the panels to gather dirt. Therefore, it is best not to use any cleaning agents.
Other companies also use a mixture of sorts such as diluted vinegar and hydrogen peroxide using a brush to remove all the dirt.
Manual
One of the best and most effective ways to clean your solar panels is to hire a cleaning company or ask your solar provider to do it for you. These experts will manually clean your solar panels. These companies have the best tools and experts that help them do the job perfectly.
These companies might even use the latest technologies; you can rely on them to clean the solar panels as expertly as they can. You can trust them to do a good job. They will also ensure that the system remains unharmed and is cleaned thoroughly.
Nanoparticle Coating
This is one of the latest technologies for solar panels. The solar system accumulates a lot of dirt. This is because the material is as such. Dust can easily settle here, and if your industry is in a dusty place, then you can expect a lot of dust on the panels that you must clean regularly.
However, with nanoparticle coating, you will add a film to your solar panels that prevent any dirt or grime from accumulating on them. No matter what temperatures you live in or how dusty the area is, your solar panels will remain safe from dirt accumulation. You can easily clean the panels off with water, and the panels remain as good as new. Furthermore, the coating is transparent. This means that it will not affect the production of electricity.
Robotics
Companies that operate on a large scale can use robotics for their solar panel cleaning. These robots are both automatic and semi-automatic that are designed exclusively to clean solar panels. Robotics is a very convenient option because they can easily clean the solar panels that are in hard-to-reach places. For instance, solar panels on roofs and greenhouses are hard to clean.
You can also get fixed roof robots if you have a bigger installation for your industry and are located in a very dusty area such as the desert. These robots use airflow to clean off the dirt and grime, this is because if they were to use high-pressure water, it would damage the panels and ruin the efficiency. These robots also run on solar power and can easily recharge themselves between each cleaning cycle.
Vibrations
Vibrating solar panels can also be an effective way to clean the surface. Some companies use a DC motor on the panel to vertically vibrate it and get rid of all the dust. With this technique, you can minimize the chances of damaging your solar panels.
How To Know When It Is Time To Clean Your Commercial Solar Panels
It can be difficult to tell if your solar panels need cleaning and maintenance if you are new to the concept of solar panel systems and have only recently installed them.
You Can See The Dirt
One of the most obvious telltale signs of a dirty solar panel is that you can easily see the dust on it. You can climb onto the roof or wherever you have kept your solar panels and inspect them for dirt, bird droppings, and grime.
Once you are convinced that the solar panels are dirty, you must contact an expert immediately and ensure that you clean them as soon as possible so it does not affect the efficiency of your solar panels.
Poor Efficiency
If you have been noticing a drop in the efficiency of your solar panels and there is no reason for that to happen then it is mostly because of dirty solar panels. If dirt is accumulated on solar panels, they will not receive the amount of sunlight they should, and that can affect the production of electricity.
Suppose you feel that the solar panel system is fairly new and the depreciation in electricity generated is higher than normal. In that case, you must consider getting your solar panels professionally cleaned.
Once the surface is completely clean, more sunlight will fall on the panels causing them to generate more electricity.
It Has Been A Long Time
If you want to maximize your solar panel usage and ensure that it produces good amounts of electricity, then you must maintain it properly. Solar panels should be maintained regularly to prevent any dust or dirt from accumulating. It is best to clean your solar panels every year to ensure that they are operating as efficiently as they possibly can. However, you can decrease the duration between every clean cycle if you feel that your solar panel system needs cleaning.
Cleaning Solar Panels with Simple Green
Today I’m going to show you how to do a thorough cleaning of solar panels with Simple Green.
The truth is, the procedure I’m about to show you is way much safer than scrubbing the panels on the roof. It can be applied to all types of solar system mounting: solar panels installed on the ground and those on the roof as well.
If you are unsure will simple green cleaner hurt solar panels, this post is for you.
Spoiler alert: Simple Green does not hurt solar panels.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, howtogosolar.org will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
How to Clean Dirty Solar Panels
Cleaning solar panels with Simple Green can easily remove ash, dust, and whatnot, even if it’s settled on the roof and panels for quite some time.
Sometimes it’s tough to get all this stuff off only by flushing it with a hose. In the best-case scenario, you’ll just create streaks and water spots.
How to Clean Solar Panels From the Ground
So I found an easy way to clean solar panels without having to get up on the roof, and we’re going to see how to do it from the ground.
For those asking. how to clean solar panels on a roof? the answer is simple. All you need is a Simple Green all-purpose cleaner and a car wash sprayer with a soap container that attaches to your garden hose.
Any kind of sprayer with the soap bottle will do the job; there are plenty of them offered on amazon for under 20, like the one shown here:
You simply fill the soap bottle with Simple Green, hook the sprayer to your hose, and there’s a valve up at the top that either allows you to spray-rinse with water or clean with soapy water.
The stuff is suitable for outdoor use because it won’t harm your plants, so if you don’t have gutters and it’s just going to be running down onto your lawn, it’s not a problem.
Here is a video of cleaning solar panels on the roof with simple green and garden hose sprayer:
In the video, you can see the top of the hose. You hook the hose in on the left side, and right here on the top, you have off, rinse, and clean.
So when you start, you’re going to have it in the rinse setting, and you’re going to spray your panels down in the rinse setting just to get them wet.
Then you’re going to flip it over to clean, which pulls the Simple Green solution up out of the bottle and sprays it out the end, and you’re going to spray your panels.
Once you’ve sprayed them, you want to let them sit for 15-20 seconds and then flip it back over to rinse, to thoroughly rinse your panels off.
You should start from the top of your roof and work your way down, so your hosing watered down the roof and not trying to shoot stuff up the roof.
Best Time of Day to Clean Solar Panels
It would be the best time of day to start cleaning your solar panels in the late afternoon when the sun’s not beating on the panels, so they don’t dry out too quickly and create water spots.
Cleaning Ash off Solar Panels
Any buildup of ash and smoke can be easily removed by carefully following the steps for cleaning solar panels with ‘simple green’ explained in the next section.
How to Properly Clean Solar Panels. Step by Step
So here’s the process one more time:
- Start spraying the roof down with just plain water getting everything nice and damp before we switch over to the soap setting (Simple Green in our case).
- Now we’re switching over to the soap setting. Start from the top, work your way down and get everything nice and evenly coated with that soap solution before shutting the water down.
- Let it soak for 20-30 seconds; you just don’t want to let things dry on the roof because that will result in spotting when you come back to rinse it off.
- Start rinsing again from the top and work your way down. Make sure you get everything thoroughly cleaned off the roof before you’re done.
There are many specialized products for cleaning solar panels, but the truth is you do not need anything expensive. The Simple Green is an excellent enough product for cleaning solar panels.
I haven’t had any issues with water spots or anything like that, so it really has done a great job with the solar panels.
I hope this method will help you answer the question of how to properly clean your solar panels safely.
The bottom line is you don’t have to get up on the roof to scrub and clean them or get pool poles out or anything like that. Just spray it, rinse it, walk away, and you’re done.
Cleaning Your Solar Panels
If you have a residential solar energy system installed, your solar panels are generally flat, tilted, and on your rooftop. How often do you clean your roof? Probably not very often, most likely never. Why’s that? I hear you saying “Isn’t that what rain is for?” That’s kind of the same logic for solar panels too.
In most cases, you won’t need to clean your solar panels often, if at all. After all, anything that accumulates dirt on them (for example, dust or pollen), will get washed off the next time it rains. There are some times it might make sense to clean your solar panels though. If you’ve got a lot of bird droppings on your panels, rain might not wash these off very readily, so it’s a good idea to clean them off. Also, if you live in a state that’s prone to droughts – or, if it rains, it’s only a very light, misty rain, you might need to clean them every now and then.
Do dirt and debris have an impact on the effectiveness of your solar panels? And if so, how much? Well, yes and no. And, not much. Yes, dirt and debris can affect how much sunlight gets through to convert the light to energy. But, the amount the efficiency is lowered is minute – maybe 5% or less. And, with a typical 5kW solar system, this might equate to about 20 of loss in your energy bill. Not monthly – overall. And generally, even if we are talking about areas with drought, eventually when it does rain, a couple months down the line, everything will be washed away and it might not even be worth it to deal with the hassle of cleaning it in the first place.
How to Clean Solar Panels
If you do decide your solar panels need to be cleaned, there are two main ways of doing it: hire a professional or do it yourself. A lot of solar companies will offer this type of service to you, for a fee of course. They might offer it as part of an annual maintenance service, or suggest you get it done every so often when they come to install the product. The truth is, what you get back cost-wise in your energy bill does not exceed the amount you need to shell out to these companies to perform the work. Solar companies often charge a steep amount to do this cleaning, for not much return on your energy bill.
On the other hand, if you were interested in doing it yourself, you’ll generally have all you need to do it at home. In most instances, it will involve nothing more than a hose, maybe some soap, and you’re good to go. This might be helpful in drought-prone areas as well, because essentially what you’re doing with the hose is the same thing the rain would do if you got more of it in your area.
There are ways to determine if your solar panels need cleaning to begin with. One is physical inspection of the panels for debris, dirt, bird droppings, etc. The other way is the use of a monitoring system that alerts you to how well your solar panels are functioning and performing. This can alert you to any maintenance needs for your system, whether that’s mechanical, electrical, or cleanliness.
What Do You Use to Clean Solar Panels?
If you are interested in cleaning your residential solar panels on your own, there are a variety of products you can use to clean them. But first things first. Check with your solar installers and providers to determine if there is any information about solar panel cleaning, recommendations, and dos or don’ts when it comes to cleaning your system.
The most effective way to clean your solar panels is with a hose and a bucket of soapy water. Essentially, in the same manner you would wash your car at home. Because you don’t want to scratch the panels in any way, it’s best to use just water and a non-abrasive sponge to apply soapy water. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t use any type of high-pressure water sprayer when washing off your solar panels. A high-pressure attachment can damage the solar panels themselves.
If you do use something other than just water – especially to get rid of pesky bird droppings, just make sure what you’re using is soft and hard bristle-free. Sponges are great products to clean solar panels with because they won’t scratch. If deciding to use a little bit of soap on your sponge, use something that you might clean your dishes with. Laundry detergents and other stronger chemicals might interact with your solar panels in a negative way. Remember that plain water works the best in 99% of cases.
Keep in mind that solar panels can be extremely hot when the sun is beating down on them. It’s best to pick a cool, overcast day to clean the panels. Not only to protect yourself from burns, but if you’re attempting to clean the solar panels when it’s extremely hot out, the soapy water you are putting on the panels will evaporate quickly and may leave a residue or smear to the panels which can affect their effectiveness.
Is It Worth It To Clean Your Solar Panels?
Based on the research, experts are leaning toward “no.” And especially if you want to hire a professional company to clean them over the DIY method. The return on investment is just not there to justify the trouble. Let’s take a look at some numbers. On average, when your solar panels get dirty, expect a 5% or less change in output. And that’s just when they’re dirty. In most climates, if there is dust or debris on the panels and their energy output is registered 5% less than other times, the next rain will wash away the debris and the solar panels will return to their optimal efficiency. Even if you live in a drought-prone area – it will rain again.
In addition, most solar panels are tilted to a high enough degree that most buildup will run right off the panel instead of sticking to the top of it. Even with tilted panels, you might have some slight buildup on the lowest panel (because the runoff collects at the bottom) – but the decrease in output based on this alone is so minuscule, it’s not something worth worrying about.
Lastly, it’s a pretty small tradeoff, energy-wise and cost-wise, to climb up on a ladder, get on your roof, and clean your solar panels yourselves. When you think about getting out there and dragging a hose up to the roof to clean them, this point might really start to hit home.
Maintenance and Upkeep
So, in general, let the rain take care of your solar panel cleaning. Monitor your system’s functionality by paying attention to your energy bills and usage month-to-month. If you start to notice changes in your electric bill, maybe it’s time to think about cleaning or some other type of maintenance. If you think fluctuations in your energy bill could be because you need solar panel cleaning, see if the efficiency returns to normal after a good rain. If so, that’s probably the end of it. If you find the functionality is still acting wonky, it might be something electrical that needs fixing instead of just cleaning.
When it comes down to solar panel cleaning though, a visual inspection, a rainwater bath, and you staying on the ground (instead of climbing up a ladder), may be all the solar doctor needs to order.
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CLEANTITE Solar Panel Cleaner Solar Sheen. Super Concentrated Glass Solar Panel Cleaning, Remove Oils, Fingerprints Water Spots. 1 Gallon Makes 512 Gallons of RTU Product (1 Gallon)
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Top positive review
I got this product in search of a good and cheap glass cleaner. We don’t have solar panels, but this is a great glass cleaner and I can certainly see how it would work great for solar applications. The dilution rate of this makes it a great product at an even better price. The water just beads right off of the Windows like a freshly waxed car. It is great and I would highly recommend it to anyone!
Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 stars Not worth the price. Previously used dish soap, also tried vinegar, both worked better.
From the United States
I got this product in search of a good and cheap glass cleaner. We don’t have solar panels, but this is a great glass cleaner and I can certainly see how it would work great for solar applications. The dilution rate of this makes it a great product at an even better price. The water just beads right off of the Windows like a freshly waxed car. It is great and I would highly recommend it to anyone!
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I’ve had my solar panels for about 5 years now and never thought about having to clean them. So you can imagine what they looked like when I got on my roof to clean them. Years of pollen and dust just caked on there. Luckily, Solar Sheen worked to perfection and made the job easy. They are so clean now that I’d be willing to eat off of them! I even decided to clean my reading glasses with it and now I feel like I am reading in high definition! 10/10. I recommend to anyone with solar panels or if you have any glass or plastic with some pesky dirt that you need to remove.
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Solar Sheen made my solar panels look like new!Super easy to use and works quickly with one wipe! I also like that it is safe to use. I used it to shine up my kitchen chrome and glass! It is going to last a long time. Love that it’s diluted. Great product at a great price!!
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This gallon of concentrate makes a LOT.I rinsed out an old car windshield washer container and used that to mix up 1 gallon.Because my solar panels are at my cabin, I wanted to test this before bring it there. I tested it on my car.I haven’t washed my car in 2 years, so the outside Windows have some dirt and pollen on them. This worked really well to wash off the dirt and pollen.I noticed when I rinsed the Windows, that they sort of repelled/shed the water pretty fast, maybe because they were so clean.I then used it to wipe off an old wasp nest mark on my plastic bumper that has been there for years and wasn’t removed by soap and water. I’m happy it took it off as I thought I was stuck with it forever.Price-wise this seems steep at first, but it makes a LOT, and I think I have a lifetime or at least many years worth.
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Solar lights are great in South Florida so I have about 20 of them around the house and yard. The sun and rain does give the little solar panels quite a beating and depending on quality, some last a year or less others have managed to hang on 4 years without giving out.
I tried 4 different lights and took pictures before cleaning them and after. It’s been raining a lot so they were fairly clean (watered anyway). They did feel grimy to the touch prior to cleaning. I applied the product (wear gloves please) with a scrub cloth. No more time than I would wash a dish in the sink.
I followed the instructions, hosed the panels down and dried them. They definitely looked cleaner and they were smoother to the touch. What I don’t know is whether regular detergent wouldn’t have given the same result.
Homework for me. I have to take down two light that I know have the same amount of time outside, clean one with detergent, the other with this solution and compare and then I can it a comparative rating. For now. It cleans, so 4 stars.
4.0 out of 5 stars It does clean but how much is hard to tell Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2023
Solar lights are great in South Florida so I have about 20 of them around the house and yard. The sun and rain does give the little solar panels quite a beating and depending on quality, some last a year or less others have managed to hang on 4 years without giving out.
I tried 4 different lights and took pictures before cleaning them and after. It’s been raining a lot so they were fairly clean (watered anyway). They did feel grimy to the touch prior to cleaning. I applied the product (wear gloves please) with a scrub cloth. No more time than I would wash a dish in the sink.
I followed the instructions, hosed the panels down and dried them. They definitely looked cleaner and they were smoother to the touch. What I don’t know is whether regular detergent wouldn’t have given the same result.
Homework for me. I have to take down two light that I know have the same amount of time outside, clean one with detergent, the other with this solution and compare and then I can it a comparative rating. For now. It cleans, so 4 stars.
Learning how to clean solar panels can improve the efficiency of solar energy systems and reduce home energy costs. Here are some easy steps for cleaning solar panels.
By Jacqueline Medina | Updated Apr 7, 2022 12:55 PM
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Solar panels have become increasingly popular for meeting home energy needs. By absorbing sunlight, they create a current that’s converted to usable electricity. The amount generated depends on the absorption of sunlight, so if solar panels are dirty, they’re not as efficient—or cost-effective—as they can be.
In general, solar panels require little cleaning and maintenance in areas that receive regular precipitation. Rain can wash away much of the dirt and debris that might block a home’s solar panels from absorbing the maximum amount of sunlight. However, grime can still build up over time. Especially in dry climates or near construction or industrial sites, relying on rain to keep panels clean may not be enough.
Maybe it’s time to call in a solar energy pro. Get free, no-commitment estimates from experts near you.
With a few easy-to-find tools, homeowners can learn how to clean solar panels safely to boost their efficiency, as well as determine when it might be best to hire professional help for solar panel cleaning.
Time required: 20 minutes to 1 hour Difficulty: Beginner Estimated cost: 40–75 (when supplies are first needed)
- Soft bristle brush
- Telescopic extension pole with threaded tip or hook
- Extension ladder (optional)
- Hard hat (if using extension ladder)
- Harness (if working on a roof)
- Work gloves
- See full list «
- Garden hose
- Telescopic hose wand (optional)
- Sponge, squeegee, or soft cloth
- Bucket
- Vinegar (optional)
- Gentle dish soap (optional)
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Before You Begin…
Not all solar panels have the same maintenance suggestions, so it’s important to check manufacturer instructions before doing any DIY cleaning work. Homeowners should also judge their ability to work safely. Suppose the solar panels are too high to reach comfortably with tools or are set in a steep or slippery location. In that case, homeowners should hire professional assistance to avoid potentially serious injuries.
If DIY solar panel cleaning is feasible, the first step is shutting them off. Solar panels are electrical equipment and should not be cleaned while active. Manufacturer specifications will explain how to make sure electrical currents—both produced by the panel and going into the home—are turned off.
Standard hardware supplies can be used for a solar panel cleaning project, but safety considerations are critical. A hard hat, ladder support, and harness are recommended for any homeowner who plans to work on a roof instead of from the ground.
Maybe it’s time to call in a solar energy pro. Get free, no-commitment estimates from experts near you.
Tips for Cleaning Solar Panels
- Cooler days are better to complete a solar panel cleaning project because they minimize the risk of cracking glass as the water dries.
- Abrasive, heavy-duty detergent is not recommended for cleaning solar panels. A small amount of gentle, non-abrasive soap mixed with one part vinegar and eight parts water is an excellent homemade solution for cleaning the glass on solar panels.
Safety Considerations
- Solar panels must be turned off before cleaning, and the underside should never be touched.
- It’s safest to clean solar panels from the ground with extension tools while wearing gloves. However, homes with second or third stories may require climbing up to the roof.
- Homeowners who are unsure of their ability to clean their solar panels safely should consider calling a local solar power professional to complete the job for them.
Maybe it’s time to call in a solar energy pro. Get free, no-commitment estimates from experts near you.
STEP 1: Dislodge any dust, dirt, or leaves with a soft brush.
Leaves, bird poop, and dust accumulate on solar panels. Even though rain clears away some of this, it doesn’t get everything and can create dirty residue when puddles evaporate. Debris should be removed with gentle brushing from a soft-bristled tool to start the cleaning process.
This can be done from the ground if the soft brush is attached to a telescopic extension pole with a threaded tip or hook. Some poles can extend to 24 feet. Without a long enough extension pole, reaching solar panels to brush will require an extension ladder. If you need to climb onto the roof, take safety precautions like wearing a hard hat and harness.
Starting with a gentle brushing is the best way to clean solar panels because if a lot of material is sitting on solar panels, immediately mixing the debris with water might cause spread and smear. Brushing breaks down and removes some material, making the next steps in the cleaning process more effective. Wear work gloves to keep your hands clean and safe.
STEP 2: Use a garden hose to spray the panels clean.
Water is a major player in solar panel cleaning. After dry debris is removed by brushing, a garden hose can remove most remaining dirt on solar panels.
It may be tempting to hit solar panels with as much water as possible to get the job done quickly, but high-pressure cleaning is likely to create fine cracks on their surfaces. This will ruin the efficiency of the solar system and invite future problems. It may also void existing warranties due to noncompliance with manufacturer specifications for solar panel maintenance. If a hose has a high-pressure attachment, it should be removed before solar panel cleaning.
Maybe it’s time to call in a solar energy pro. Get free, no-commitment estimates from experts near you.
The key to this step is careful, deliberate spraying along each solar panel. If a garden hose doesn’t allow for enough spraying control, a telescopic hose wand may help. These have more supportive grip than a hose on its own.
STEP 3: Scrub any problem areas with a soft brush and water.
After spraying away most of the mess, problem areas can be given extra attention with a sponge, squeegee, or soft cloth dunked into a bucket of clean water. Gentle, focused cleaning in a repetitive motion—with some patience—is best since aggressive scrubbing can scratch the panels.
Even cleaning products deemed “safe” for use on solar panels can be abrasive. Water is the best solar panel cleaner, especially if it’s deionized or distilled. This water attracts other chemicals, so it’s more efficient for cleaning. If deionized or distilled water isn’t available, treating hose water with a water softener can help improve its cleansing power.
If there are stubborn spots that water can’t handle, a squirt of mild, gentle dish soap mixed with one part vinegar to eight parts water can boost cleaning power. However, any soap should be used sparingly and with caution. When soap is rinsed, it can leave a residue that dirt clings onto in the future, leading to streaky solar panels. Not only is this less aesthetically pleasing, but it can also compromise some of the panels’ functionality.
STEP 4: Monitor your home’s solar output to measure the cleaning’s impact.
Because solar panels create usable energy by capturing sunlight, giving them more sunlight will increase their solar output, or how much power they produce. This is why solar panels are most often set up in sunnier locations. Based on the specifics of the solar system, its location, and environmental factors, solar panels are rated for a solar output within a specific range of watts.
Normal operating conditions cause fluctuation within the predicted range. When solar panels are dirty, however, they produce energy at the low end of the range. With a lower solar output, homeowners rely on power from an additional energy provider, driving up energy bills and time in the solar payback period.
To determine how much impact cleaning solar panels has, homeowners should review their energy bills before and after the cleaning. Clean solar panels will have lower energy costs because they allow maximum exposure and higher solar output.
Maybe it’s time to call in a solar energy pro. Get free, no-commitment estimates from experts near you.
STEP 5: Contact a solar panel professional for complex cleaning and maintenance needs.
If cleaning solar panels seems more dangerous than beneficial, contacting a professional is a practical solution to improving solar output. Even though solar panels don’t need constant cleaning, removal of build-up is part of their maintenance. Finding a solar panel cleaning professional is best for conditions that are too complex to tackle with a garden hose and sponge.
Solar panels cannot be used while they are being cleaned. If professional services are hired, they can work to turn off the electricity and do the cleaning, putting homeowners at ease and giving them confidence that their system will not be impaired through electrical error.
To get the most out of a professional solar panel cleaning service, homeowners can begin a mock version of the cleaning process. They can clear leaves or large debris to get a good idea of specific cleaning problems that need to be addressed.
Since solar panels are often set on roofs or high areas, cleaning solar panels requires careful attention to safety. Only solar panels that are easy and safe to access should be cleaned without professional services.