How To Clean Solar Panels For Maximum Efficiency And Sunlight Exposure?

Solar panel cleaning is vital if you want to get the most out of your solar panels. When dust and dirt accumulate on the surfaces of photovoltaic cells, sunlight is blocked, resulting in less electricity being produced. Cleaning solar panels regularly will broaden their life, minimize power loss and ensure their functionality.

In this write-up, we are going to discuss step-by-step procedures and tips to clean your solar panels effectively for maximum efficiency and sunlight exposure.

How to Clean Your Solar Panels?

Cleaning your solar panels is the best way to keep them in good condition and extend their lifespan. Removing dirt and dust from your solar panels is important not only for aesthetic reasons but also to increase their efficiency. If you do not clean them regularly, they will become dirty, and the energy they generate will be wasted, potentially damaging the system. Here is a stepwise procedure for cleaning solar panels on the roof:

Step 1: The first step in cleaning solar panels is to check the manufacturer’s instructions. If noted, follow their recommended instructions for cleaning so as not to void any warranty.

Step 2: Remove any loose debris and dirt by lightly rubbing it off or spraying it with water. This will help you remove built-up grime more easily.

Step 3: If possible, remain on the ground and use a high-quality soft brush and squeegee to clean off your solar panels using soap and water.

Step 4: After brushing your solar panels with the soft brush, rinse them off under a light stream of water from the hose to wash away any soap residue and allow loose dirt particles to flow freely.

Step 5: Make sure you rinse off all the soap and water so that there is no unnecessary build-up down the line later on.

Step 6: Let the solar panel's air dry instead of wiping them off with a brush or towel (which could cause damage).

If you continue to have problems or are unable to do it effectively, you should consider hiring solar panel cleaning services for the best results!

Triggering Tips For Solar Panel Cleaning

Solar roof maintenance is an essential part of your solar array's performance. Without cleaning and regular inspections, your system will begin to degrade over time. If you want to clean your solar panels more effectively, check out these seven tips for getting the best results.

#1. Use Regular Rain Or Tap Water For Cleaning

Regular rain or tap water can be used to clean solar panels. This is because rainwater has been proven to be one of the best ways to clean any type of surface without harming it in any way. Using rainwater on your solar panel will remove dust particles from it and will also remove stains from its surface as well as give it a shine that makes it look brand new again!

#2. Water Pressure Should Be Low To Moderate 

The water pressure should be equal to that of low-to-moderate rain. A good way to clean a solar panel is to use a garden hose with an attached sprayer nozzle. Start by turning on the water at full blast, and then slowly turn down the pressure until you get a gentle stream of water coming out of the nozzle.

#3. Use A Soft Cloth Or Brush 

Wipe down the entire surface of the solar panel with a clean microfiber cloth or brush rather than just wiping down one area at a time. This will help prevent scratches and dirt from getting into cracks in the panel's surface. Also, you can use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the surface of your solar panel. The soap will help cut through any dirt or grease that might be on the surface of your panel.

Side Note: Solar panel cleaning equipment can also be used to clean the solar panels. There are many different types of equipment available in the market and each has its advantages and disadvantages. The most widely used is a pressure washer used to clean both residential and commercial solar panels.

#4. Use Specialized Cleaning Products

Solar panels can be cleaned with specialized cleaning products, but it's important to make sure they are safe for the environment and safe for you to handle. Cleaning solar panels with specialized products may be beneficial for effective cleaning. For example, some people use a product called "Solar Shower" that is designed to clean the surface of solar panels without damaging them.

#5. Clean A Small Section Of PV Array While Using A Special Product First Time

If you use a brush with soap or a special product, clean your PV array only when the panels are not collecting power. The cleaning products that come in contact with your PV array could cause damage if left on for too long.

#6. Avoid Cleaning Your Panels During Direct Sunlight

You should clean your solar panels either early in the morning or late in the evening when energy production is at its lowest. The sun is strongest around noon and early evening. This will leave your PV array vulnerable to damage from water and other contaminants that may be present on your solar panel surface.

#7. Wash You Panels, When Needed

The frequency with which solar panels should be cleaned varies from homeowner to homeowner. It is heavily dependent on how dirty or littered your panels are. A good time to do this would be at the end of the spring and fall pollen seasons when more particulates in the air will coat your panels and obstruct light.

How Much It Will Cost?

One of the most important factors to consider when hiring solar panel cleaning services is cleaning costs. The solar panel cleaning price is determined by several factors, including your location, the number of panels, local labor costs, the type of home you have, and access to the panels. So, it is advisable to get multiple quotes before hiring the one that best suits your needs!

Bottom Line

If you don't want to clean the panels yourself, solar cleaning service Alice Springs is available to make your home cleaner, more efficient, and healthier at affordable prices! Book your appointment now!