Keeping your solar panels clean is one of the most important maintenance tasks for any solar energy system. While it may seem simple on the surface, proper solar panel cleaning requires using the right techniques and equipment to maximize safety and effectiveness. Neglecting this crucial responsibility can lead to a loss of solar production and roi, panel damage, and voiding your system warranty.
That’s why we created this comprehensive guide detailing everything you need to know about solar panel cleaning. As solar energy experts with years of hands-on experience, we’ll explain when and how often panels need cleaning, the step-by-step process to clean them safely and properly yourself or with a professional service, equipment required, and much more.
With solar being a major investment for most homeowners and businesses, our goal is to help you protect that investment and get the most out of your solar panels. By regularly cleaning your photovoltaic system using our tips and recommendations, you’ll keep your solar panels in peak condition, avoid any damage or degradation, and maximize power production.
Whether you just had new solar installed or have had an existing system for years, this guide will equip you with the solar panel cleaning expertise needed to maintain your investment. We’ll walk through all the intricacies so you can keep your solar panels in pristine shape for optimal electricity generation. Our hope is that after reading, you’ll feel empowered to handle this important maintenance task yourself or know what to look for in a professional cleaning service.
The Benefits of Regular Solar Panel Cleaning
Keeping your solar panels clean on a regular basis provides important benefits:
- Increased solar power production – Clean solar panels can generate up to 25% more electricity than dirty panels. Removing dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris maximizes the amount of sunlight that hits the panels, increasing energy production.
- Maximizes return on investment – By maintaining peak power output, regular cleanings ensure you’re getting the most from your solar panel investment. Keeping panels operating efficiently recoups your solar costs faster.
- Extends the lifespan of solar panels – Allowing dirt and dust to build up can permanently degrade solar cells over time. But cleaning helps prevent micro-cracks and corrosion that reduces panel lifespan.
- Prevents long-term damage – Baked-on bird droppings, tree sap, and other grime can etch solar cells if left for too long. Regular cleaning prevents permanent damage.
- Keeps solar panel warranty valid – Most solar panel warranties require that panels be properly maintained. Following a regular cleaning schedule keeps your warranty intact.
- Saves money on electricity bills – More solar production from clean panels means more unused energy gets sent back to the grid. This lowers your energy bills and maximizes net metering savings.
- Improves aesthetics – Clean solar panels simply look nicer without all the built-up dirt and grime. It improves the appearance of your home or business.
Regularly cleaning your solar array is crucial to maximizing power production, savings, and return on your solar investment. Following the best practices outlined in this guide will help maintain peak performance.
How Often Should You Clean Your Solar Panels?
When it comes to solar panel cleaning frequency, a good rule of thumb is to clean them at least 4 times per year. Here are some more specific guidelines:
- Quarterly (4 times per year) – Cleaning solar panels once per season is the bare minimum recommendation. This ensures you avoid big buildups of pollen, dust, bird droppings, etc.
- Monthly – For areas with lots of pollution, dirt roads, or other environmental factors, monthly cleanings are better to prevent energy loss.
- After pollen seasons – Pollen can cake onto solar panels in the spring. Be sure to clean thoroughly after tree pollination seasons.
- After rain storms or snow – Heavy rain or snow can leave dirt streaks on panels. Clean after major weather events.
- According to manufacturer recommendations – Solar panel manufacturers often specify maintenance schedules. Consult your manual for optimal cleaning frequency.
- When output decreases – Monitor your solar production. If you notice output decreasing, it may indicate a need for cleaning.
- After tree trimming or construction – Nearby construction or tree trimming can cover panels with debris. Clean panels after.
The condition of your panels is also a factor. Older, worn panels may need more frequent cleaning. Inspect panels quarterly and adjust cleaning schedules according to buildup. Proper maintenance is key for optimal solar panel performance.
DIY vs Professional Solar Panel Cleaning
When it comes to keeping your solar panels clean, you have two options – DIY cleaning or hiring a professional solar panel cleaning service. Here are the pros and cons of each method:
DIY Solar Panel Cleaning
- Pros
- Lower cost option
- More control over scheduling
- Satisfaction of doing it yourself
- Cons
- Safety risks of falls or electric shock
- Requires proper tools and technique
- Difficult for high or hard to reach panels
- Time consuming
- No expertise or warranty
Professional Solar Panel Cleaning
- Pros
- Expertise and proper equipment
- Thorough, quality cleaning
- Safety – no risks of injury or damage
- Efficiency – done quickly by professionals
- Warranties and insurance protections
- Maintains your solar investment
- Cons
- More expensive than DIY
- Need to schedule service
For most homeowners, hiring a professional solar panel cleaning service is the smarter option. While DIY cleaning may seem cheaper upfront, attempting it without proper training can lead to safety issues and/or damage to your solar panels.
Professional cleaners have specialized tools, solutions, and techniques to safely maximize results. Their expertise gives peace of mind while protecting your investment.
The Solar Panel Cleaning Process Explained
When done properly, cleaning solar panels is a simple process that takes just a few steps:
- Materials Needed
- Soft-bristled brush
- Bucket
- Low-pressure hose/sprayer
- Solar panel cleaning solution
- Microfiber cloths/towels
- Telescoping poles for hard to reach areas
- Safety gear – gloves, harness, proper shoes, etc.
- Safely Shut Down the Solar Energy System
- Consult your installer or owner’s manual for proper shutdown procedures. Turn off all solar panel circuit breakers or disconnect switches to avoid any risk of electric shock during cleaning.
- Dry Brush Panels
- Use a soft-bristled brush to gently sweep away any loose dirt or debris on panels. Brushing first avoids scratching panels when wiping them later.
- Spray Panels and Let Soak
- Mix your solar panel cleaning solution according to directions. Apply it liberally over the entire surface of panels using a low-pressure sprayer or hose nozzle. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes.
- Gently Scrub Panels and Rinse
- Using a soft brush, gently scrub entire panel surfaces to dissolve stubborn dirt. Take care not to scratch panels. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all cleaning solution.
- Dry Panels with Microfiber Cloths
- Wipe any remaining dampness from panels using microfiber cloths or a chamois. Ensure panels are completely dry before turning system back on.
- Turn Solar System Back On
- After panels are fully cleaned and dried, follow proper procedures to turn your solar energy system back on.
Take appropriate safety precautions, work efficiently, and ensure panels are fully dry before reconnecting your solar system. Contact us if you need help with professional solar panel cleaning services.
Signs Your Solar Panels Need Cleaning
It’s important to be proactive and clean solar panels regularly. But there are also signs that indicate when your solar array needs immediate attention:
- Visible dirt or debris – If you notice visible dust, pollen, bird droppings, tree sap, or other debris on your solar panels, cleaning is overdue.
- Reduced energy production – Monitor your solar power output. A sharp dip or downward trend can signify dirty panels in need of cleaning.
- Hot spots on panels – Using an infrared camera, dirty or shaded spots on panels will show up as “hot” which reduces performance.
- Problems from shaded cells – Soiling often blocks light unevenly. This can cause individual solar cells to be shaded, lowering overall output.
- Warning indicator lights – Some solar inverters have indicator lights when issues are detected. This may be a sign debris on panels is causing problems.
- Warning alerts on monitoring software – Solar monitoring apps may send alerts about low performance or new shading, indicating cleaning is needed.
Don’t ignore these warning signs. Solar panels progressively lose more power generation the longer debris remains. Schedule professional cleanings if you notice these issues for maximum solar optimization. Preventative maintenance is always preferable over waiting until problems arise.
Solar Panel Cleaning Safety Tips
While cleaning solar panels may seem straightforward, safety should always be the top priority. Here are important safety precautions to take:
- Turn off the solar power system – Fully shut down the solar energy system at the breaker box/disconnect switch before cleaning to prevent electric shock risks.
- Use proper safety gear – Wear gloves to protect hands and grip panels. Use a harness when working on rooftops to avoid falls. Wear rubber-soled shoes.
- Use telescoping poles – Use long-handled brushes and microfiber mops for hard to reach areas rather than climbing or reaching.
- Follow product instructions – Read and follow all safety guidelines for any solar panel cleaning solutions or equipment used.
- Handle panels gently – Scrub gently to clean – excessive pressure can micro-crack the glass or damage cells.
- Check weather forecast – Avoid cleaning on wet, windy, or extremely hot days. Schedule cleaning for sunny mild weather.
- Hire professionals if unsure – If your panels are difficult to reach or you’re uncomfortable cleaning, hire reliable professionals.
Take the necessary precautions to safely clean solar panels yourself or leave it to experienced crews. Never take risks when it comes to safety or solar panel damage. Contact us if you need a fast, safe professional cleaning.
Solar Panel Cleaning Equipment Overview
Having the right tools makes cleaning solar panels safer and more effective. Here is an overview of important solar panel cleaning equipment:
- Soft-Bristled Brushes – Use soft bristled brushes to avoid scratching solar panels. Nylon or natural bristles are best.
- Low-Pressure Sprayer – A low-pressure sprayer or hose nozzle gently applies cleaning solutions without damaging panels.
- Solar Panel Cleaning Solutions – Specialized cleaning solutions dissolve stubborn dirt and grime safely and effectively.
- Microfiber Towels – Microfiber cloths and towels are essential for wiping down panels and drying without scratching.
- Telescoping Poles – Long telescoping poles provide safe access to high and hard to reach solar panels.
- Chamois – Extremely soft shammy cloths are perfect for buffing panels after rinsing.
- Bucket – Use a bucket to mix solar cleaning solutions and water before applying.
- Safety Gear – Rubber gloves, harnesses, proper shoes and other safety gear prevents injuries.
- Infrared Camera – An IR camera can identify which solar panel areas need cleaning most.
Investing in quality solar panel cleaning tools ensures a safe, effective cleaning. Contact San Diego Solar Clean and we can provide all required professional equipment and solutions.
Hiring a Professional Solar Panel Cleaning Service
While DIY solar panel cleaning is possible, most homeowners and businesses benefit more from hiring a professional cleaning service like San Diego Solar Clean.
Benefits of Professional Cleaning
When you opt for our professional solar panel cleaning service, you’re choosing a level of quality that DIY simply can’t match. Here’s why you should consider us:
Unmatched Expertise and Cutting-Edge Equipment: Our team is highly knowledgeable about solar panels and uses the latest equipment to ensure a thorough clean, maximizing your energy production.
Zero Risk, All Reward: Your solar investment is safe with us. We take all necessary precautions to ensure no damage occurs during the cleaning process.
Safety First: Why risk falls or electrical hazards? Our trained professionals handle all the risks, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of clean solar panels without any worries.
Efficiency Guaranteed: Our experts get the job done quickly without compromising on quality, so you can get back to enjoying your maximized energy production sooner.
Warranties and Satisfaction: We stand by our work. That’s why we offer warranties and satisfaction guarantees, making your decision to choose San Diego Solar Clean an easy one.
Conclusion
Regularly cleaning your solar panels is essential maintenance required to protect your investment and maximize the power production from your system. While it may seem straightforward, proper solar panel cleaning requires the right techniques, equipment, and safety precautions.
Following this solar panel cleaning guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to keep your solar system operating at peak performance. Be sure to clean panels at least quarterly, use proper materials, handle panels gently, and take all necessary safety measures.
For homeowners and businesses that don’t want to handle it themselves, hiring a professional solar panel cleaning service provides added expertise, efficiency, and satisfaction guarantees. Just be sure to do your research to find a reputable cleaner.
By properly maintaining your solar array using the recommendations outlined here, you’ll avoid panel damage, voiding your warranty, and suffering energy production losses that negatively impact your return on investment. Keep your solar panels clean and you’ll maximize savings for years to come.
Contact San Diego Solar Clean today at 619-289-8789 for your professional solar panel cleaning needs!
