A car that is well-oiled performs and for longer. Just like we keep our cars clean and our windows sparkling, we should treat our solar panels with the same care. By maintaining our solar panels in top condition, we can ensure they perform optimally, remain safe, and continue to power our homes or businesses for years to come.

Question: But how often should you clean them?

While heavy rainfall can occasionally clear away the dust and debris from your solar panels - but regular solar panel cleaning in Darwin is essential for their optimal performance. According to studies, dust accumulated on solar panels can reduce their effectiveness by 5%, while well-maintained panels can produce 3.5% more energy. How amazing is that!

Hold on! Dust is not the only culprit - leaves, bird droppings, and water can also significantly impact your solar panels.

Looking for reliable and knowledgeable Darwin solar panel cleaning experts? Look no further than OneRoof Solar! OneRoof Solar has been at the forefront of Solar Energy in Darwin for over a decade. We've undertaken more than 50,000 commercial and residential projects in their journey to energy independence. Our team of experienced technicians is equipped with the latest tools and techniques to provide thorough and reliable solar panel cleaning services in Darwin. With us by your side, you’re in good hands!

Environmental Factors Influencing Cleaning Frequency

In Darwin, several environmental factors influence the cleaning frequency of cleaning solar panels to maintain their efficiency:

Climate and Weather Conditions

• Tropical Savanna Climate: Darwin experiences distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season, typically from May to October, sees little rainfall, which leads to the accumulation of dust and debris on solar panels without the natural cleaning from rain.
• Monsoonal Rains: During the wet season, heavy rains can help wash away some dirt and debris. However, the intense storms can also deposit more debris on the panels. You need the help of Darwin solar panel cleaning experts to clean the panels after the rain, or you can also do it yourself if the panels are within your safe reach.

Dust and Pollen Levels 

• Dry Season: During dry seasons, because of the lack of rain, solar panels become covered in dust - which reduces the panels' ability to generate electricity.
• Pollen: Depending on the types of plants and trees in the surrounding area, pollen can also settle on solar panels, especially during pollen seasons - and for this, you will need solar panel washing service Darwin.

Bird Droppings and Other Contaminants

• Bird Activity: Bird droppings can stick to your solar panels and reduce their efficiency by up to 23.8% if not cleaned quickly. These droppings are acidic in nature which damages the protective coating on the panels over time.
• Other Wildlife: Besides birds, animals like bats and possums can also dirty solar panels, leaving behind droppings and debris, which decreases the panels' power output and harms the panels themselves.

Proximity to Industrial Areas or Construction Sites

• Industrial Pollution: Solar panels located near industrial regions also experience higher levels of pollution-related grime. This calls for frequent professional cleaning to remove the buildup and to prevent efficiency loss.

• Construction: Also, if there is some construction work going on near your area, it will also impact the dust levels - impacting your panels' efficiency and cleanliness.

In addition to environmental factors, your panel’s tilt and orientation will also impact the cleanliness of your panels.

• North and South Facing Panels: In Darwin, where the sun moves north and south throughout the year, solar panels facing these directions usually have less dirt on them because direct sunlight can help clean away dust and debris. Panels facing east or west might get dirtier as they receive less direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, which means the sun can't clean them as well.
• Tilt Angles: Solar panels with a steeper tilt angle have less dirt on them because rainwater washes away the dirt more easily. Panels with a smaller tilt angle get dirtier and require the help of expert solar panel cleaning in Darwin because rainwater doesn't clean them as well, which can reduce their efficiency.

Signs Your Solar Panels Need Cleaning

Before ringing a solar panel cleaning company Darwin needs to first determine whether your solar panels need cleaning or not. These are some signs to look for:

Frequency Of Cleaning Solar Panels in Darwin 

The cleaning schedule of solar panels changes with weather, season and location. In Darwin it is generally recommended to call for solar panel washing service Darwin every six months to maintain optimal performance - because they help reduce dust, dirt and other contaminants that accumulate due to the season and condition.

Seasonal Adjustments: Depending on the season, you should also adjust the cleaning frequency of your panels.

Autumn or Fall: Clean your panels every 2 to 3 months during autumn to tackle the leaf litter.

Spring and Summer: Clean your panels every 3 to 6 months to remove pollen and debris.

Winter: As there is not much dust and environmental contamination during winter,  clean your panels every 4 to 6 months.

Final Thoughts 

Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the optimal efficiency of your solar panels in Darwin. Factors such as the dry season, pollen, bird droppings, and wildlife can contribute to soiling, reducing the panels' ability to generate electricity. To ensure your solar system operates at its best, consider these guidelines:

• Frequency: Clean your panels at least once every six months, especially during the dry season and pollen seasons.
• Professional Cleaning: For thorough cleaning and to address stubborn stains, consider hiring a professional solar panel cleaning service.
• DIY Cleaning: If you choose to clean your panels yourself, use gentle cleaning agents and avoid abrasive materials to prevent damage.

For reliable and efficient solar panel cleaning Darwin, contact Oneroof Solar. Our experienced team can help you maintain the performance of your solar system and maximize your energy savings. Get in touch today!