Solar panels are a sustainable solution for generating electricity and saving energy costs. However, it must be maintained and cleaned regularly to ensure its maximum performance.
Why Clean Solar Panels?
The efficiency of solar panels depends largely on how much sunlight they can absorb. Dust, dirt, bee pollen, bird droppings, and other debris can reduce the amount of sunlight hitting the solar panels. As a result, power generation was affected, reducing 5% to 15%. Regular cleaning of solar panels can help improve their performance and efficiency, maximizing electricity generation.
Air compressor parts are essential for maintaining the functionality and efficiency of pneumatic systems.
Doing regular solar panel maintenance will not only help improve efficiency and prolongs your solar modules’ life. Dirt and dust that accumulate on solar cells can cause surface corrosion of the cells. By cleaning your solar panels regularly, you can prevent corrosion and extend the life of your solar panels.
Cleaning Solar Panels Properl
First, please only clean the modules yourself if you can easily and safely reach them. If you must climb, it’s best to leave it to a professional or take proper safety precautions. Also, it would help if you did not step on the solar panels, as they may crack. Also, all components must be unplugged before starting cleaning.
To clean solar panels, you will need the following:
- Clean water (preferably rainwater, as tap water can cause limescale deposits)
- Soft brushes, soft sponges, or even glass brushes
- Mild cleaners (such as dish soap, household or glass cleaners, or special solar panel cleaners)
- window squeegee
- possibly a telescoping pole
Getting the timing right is also important. Do not clean solar panels in the middle of the day or when the sun is shining. High module temperatures can lead to limescale residues. Therefore, cleaning early in the morning or at night is best. The morning dew also helps, as the modules have “soaked” a bit.
How to clean solar panels
First, rinse the solar panel thoroughly with water to remove dirt and dust. This works for a garden hose. Don’t use too cold water or high pressure. Otherwise, the solar panel will crack. Just let the water rain down on the modules from above.
The cleaner is then dissolved in water and applied to the components. Use a soft brush for this and work from top to bottom. Be gentle and patient, and avoid applying too much pressure, which can scratch the panel.
Let the cleaner work for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with plenty of water. Heavier dirt, such as bird droppings, may require a second or third coat.
It would help if you used a squeegee to dry the module to avoid water spots or marks.
How often should solar panels be cleaned?
The frequency of cleaning depends on various factors, such as the environment in which the home solar kits are located or the time of year. Photovoltaic systems in rural residential buildings or near highways and highways usually get dirty faster than in residential areas because more dust forms here. However, solar panels should be cleaned at least once a year to ensure optimum performance. Spring cleaning is especially helpful because it removes pollen and debris from last fall and winter.
Hire a professional company or clean it yourself?
The decision to clean it yourself or hire a professional company depends on various factors, such as your experience with solar panels, the size of your system, and how much time you need to spend. Professional companies can clean quickly, efficiently, and safely but will incur a fee. Depending on the workload and travel costs, a cleaning can cost between EUR 100 and EUR 300. If you choose to clean yourself, cleaning supplies and equipment will cost between EUR 20 and EUR 50.
If you clean yourself, you should thoroughly understand the necessary steps and ensure you have the proper cleaning materials. Also, remember that improper cleaning can lead to damage to solar panels, not only expensive to repair but also voiding the warranty in the worst case.
Have the solar panels been washed by rainwater?
Rainwater removes most types of dirt, such as dust and light grime. However, rain can also cause dirt particles to deposit on the panels and form a layer of grime that reduces the efficiency of the solar panels. The protective layer can lead to the formation of moss or algae. Heavier dirt, such as bird droppings or deposits from many flowering trees, is also largely unremovable by rain. Therefore, solar panels should still be cleaned regularly.
Can I use a pressure washer?
Under no circumstances should a pressure washer be used to clean solar panels, as high-pressure water can damage the panels. In particular, high-pressure cleaners can damage sensitive solar cells, leading to a loss of efficiency but can also cause the entire system to fail. Therefore, only use a soft brush or sponge for cleaning.
In conclusion
Regular cleaning of solar panels can help improve their performance and efficiency, maximizing electricity generation. However, it would help if you were careful when cleaning it yourself to avoid damaging the delicate solar panels. If you’re unsure, hiring a professional company to do the cleaning is best.
If you are also interested in your photovoltaic system, just fill out our form. You will then receive up to five quotes from certified professional firms in your area – without obligation and at no cost. It pays to compare deals to save up to 30%.