Have you considered installing a renewable energy source at your home? Power Wizard recommends trying solar energy, which accounts for 3% of the U.S. electricity supply.
Solar energy is clean and affordable because it uses advanced technology for energy production. Solar technologies convert sunlight into either thermal or electrical energy.
Collecting photovoltaic (PV) cells in your rooftop solar panel can generate enough electricity to power your home. Routine cleaning of your solar panels ensures optimal green energy output.
Below, you’ll find further insight into the importance of solar panel maintenance and how to clean your solar panels for maximum efficiency.
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Have you considered installing a renewable energy source at your home? Power Wizard recommends trying solar energy, which accounts for 3% of the U.S. electricity supply.
Solar energy is clean and affordable because it uses advanced technology for energy production. Solar technologies convert sunlight into either thermal or electrical energy.
Collecting photovoltaic (PV) cells in your rooftop solar panel can generate enough electricity to power your home. Routine cleaning of your solar panels ensures optimal green energy output.
Below, you’ll find further insight into the importance of solar panel maintenance and how to clean your solar panels for maximum efficiency.
Why is it important to clean your solar panels?
Usually, solar panels require little maintenance once properly installed. Also, the panels self-clean after rainfall due to the tilted angle of installation. However, in areas prone to dust storms and little rain, dust particles accumulate on the solar panel surface, making it dirty. Regular solar panel dirt and grime maintenance offer the following advantages.
Enhance panel performance
Solar cell efficiency refers to the amount of sunlight converted into usable electricity. External factors, such as temperature, shading, and sunlight intensity, can affect cell efficiency. A layer of dust can coat your solar panel, preventing light from reaching the PV cells. In turn, these factors negatively impact your solar panel’s output.
How often do you need to clean your solar panels to improve efficiency? The answer depends on where you live. Generally, you can clean your solar panels biannually. However, the solar panels need more frequent cleaning in areas near airports and agricultural sites. The panels in these sites collect more dust and pollen than in other places.
Extend the lifetime of your panels
Most solar panels have an operational lifetime of 25 years before degradation starts. After this period, their solar output reduces. Solar panels last longer with proper maintenance and need cleaning to remove accumulated debris.
Dust particles can cause chips and scratches on the solar panel surface. These defects can result in microcracks on the panel that allows water to seep in. Eventually, water damage to the PV cells accelerates the degradation rate, lowering the solar panel’s lifespan.
You should purchase high-quality solar panels that last longer than cheaper, low-quality ones, which degrade quicker. You can use Power Wizard’s DIY shopping tool to compare the different solar panel outputs.
Solar panel cleaning: a step-by-step breakdown
Regular cleaning is one of the best ways to enhance solar panel efficiency. To keep your solar panels clean, you can opt for a professional to do the task. Not only do you save time, but you also avoid unnecessary risks associated with solar panel cleaning.
However, you can still opt for the less costly DIY solar panel cleaning. The right tools and correct cleaning procedures ensure you’ll be safe while cleaning the panels well. Before you begin, shut down the entire system. This step ensures you avoid electric malfunctions due to water contact.
Next, pick the best time, preferably when the weather is cool. Cleaning solar panels under the scorching sun can be damaging. The panels can crack due to differences in water and the panels’ temperature. Also, dirt and soap residue can dry on the panels, making cleaning difficult.
Once you’ve checked the above requirements, you can begin cleaning. Here is a step-by-step guide to solar panel cleaning:
1. Start with the right tools
The most common way of cleaning solar panels is using your hands. You need to gather safety equipment and a solar panel cleaning kit. The right solar panel cleaning tools can add years to your solar system and avoid unnecessary repairs.
Some washing materials and cleaning agents can be harsh, deteriorating the solar panels’ surface and inhibiting maximum performance. A manufacturer manual may contain recommendations on the suitable cleaning agents to use. To thoroughly clean your panels, you will need:
High-pressure water sprayer
Water is an essential component in cleaning your solar panel. You can use a garden hose, but this tool won’t give you enough spraying control. A high-pressure water sprayer is handy when directing water jets to the solar panel surface.
The sprayer helps in cleaning the panels faster and uniformly. However, you’ll want to adjust the nozzle before you begin cleaning. Be careful not to use too high of pressure when cleaning. Too much water pressure may result in fine cracks developing on the surface, meaning you’ll later incur costs to replace the damaged solar panel.
Safety equipment
Solar panels are installed either on the ground or roofs. Ground-installed solar panels are easy to clean. You don’t need a ladder to access the panels. Roof-installed panels present a unique challenge. If you are not comfortable with heights, personal safety is crucial.
You might be wondering how to clean solar panels on your roof safely. You can use a ladder or a safety harness to access the roof. The ladder has to be stable enough to support your weight without buckling. The harness provides freedom of movement while cleaning without compromising safety.
To avoid slipping on the soapy water, sturdy boots and a pair of gloves come in handy. Invest in boots with a thick rubber sole to secure your footing while on the roof. The gloves prevent cuts from sharp sections of the panels.
Mild soap
If you are out of solar panel cleaning detergent, you can substitute it with mild soap, such as dishwashing liquid. Harsh detergents like bleaching agents can strip the anti-reflective coating, thus decreasing energy absorption.
Use the mild detergent sparingly. Large amounts can leave behind a soapy film, creating a residue that shades the solar panels.
2. Remove any debris, such as bird droppings and dirt
After gathering the necessary equipment, the next step is eliminating loose dirt using a soft brush. Solar panels are delicate, so a hard brush with stiff bristles will scratch the surface and destroy the protective coating.
Loose debris, such as leaves, can easily come off using a leaf blower. A soft snow rake does the trick for areas that get heavy snowfall. You have to be careful not to scrape the frozen snow off your panels, as this action may cause scratches.
3. Spray the panels down with water
Spray the solar panel surface to remove any remaining loose dirt. This step also softens hardened residue in preparation for scrubbing. Once the solar panels are wet, immerse the soft brush in soapy water. Scrub the panels lightly with overlapping strokes. Don’t forget to rinse the brush, as dirt can accumulates on it.
Continue to clean the entire panel paying close attention to bird droppings and frames to remove any hidden dirt. Soak a soft cloth in a diluted vinegar solution and gently rub the surface for fixed dirt. Lastly, rinse the panels using clean water from the water spray to get rid of all dirt and soap.
4. Repeat as needed
Visually check the panels to confirm if they are clean. If the panels are not clean, repeat the steps mentioned.
Make sure you’re saving the most on your monthly energy bill
Over time, natural elements like dust can adversely affect your solar panels’ appearance and efficiency. The best way to prevent deterioration and prolong the life of solar panels is through regular cleaning.
Dirt accumulates to form a layer that blocks solar cells. As a result, the cells can’t receive adequate energy to generate electricity. Regularly cleaning your solar panels improves sunlight conversion efficiency and helps to reduce your monthly energy bills.
Check out Power Wizard for more information on how to further improve your solar panel efficiency.
