How to Clean Solar Panels: The Ultimate Guide

A solar panel system is the simplest and cheapest way to generate energy. Solar panels have become very popular in Pakistan, and most people are moving towards panels now. Although panels offer many benefits, regular maintenance is essential. The most important process of these maintenances is cleaning the solar panels. Now how to clean solar panels, this article will guide you. With this washing and cleaning process, solar panels perform better. Solar panel cleaning can be done at home, or professional help can be used.

Why Do Solar Panels Need Washing and Cleaning?

Sunlight is converted into electricity using panels. The panels have photovoltaic technology that absorbs light and converts direct current into alternating current, which then becomes usable. However, if there is dust and dirt on the panels, that is, the panel is not clean, it can affect the performance of the panels, and the current is also lower.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) conducted research on the panels. According to his research, if there is dust and dirt on the panels, it can affect their performance by up to 7%. However, this seven percent drop is very manageable. Washing and cleaning solar panels is very easy. Basic cleaning can clean the panels and return them to optimal performance.

What to Know About Cleaning Solar Panels?

Learning how to clean solar panels yourself will help you continue to save money on energy costs while extending the life of your panels. This task is also a beginner’s home maintenance that does not require much expertise. In addition to proper ladder safety, you just want to have the right tools and materials so you don’t accidentally damage your solar panels with something abrasive.

In particular, you should not use any rough brush or caustic cleaning solution such as bleach. The safe bet here is usually an outdoor glass cleaner without chemicals that can harm the surrounding plants or a cleaner specially made for solar panels. You can also make your own cleaning solution using a combination of dish soap and water or one part vinegar to eight parts water.

However, we recommend that you ask the solar panel manufacturer about cleaning strategies when purchasing your panels and check the manual before choosing a cleaning solution.

How Often Should You Clean Solar Panels?

There is no hard and fast rule on how often you should clean your solar panels. At worst, you’ll go too long between cleanings and find that your energy efficiency has decreased. You can visually inspect the panels for dirt or dust, in which case it’s time to clean.

That said, a good rule of thumb would be to clean the panels once or twice a year. However, factors such as those below can help determine a specific cleaning schedule.

Geographic Location

Rain can help naturally rinse your solar panels. But if you live in a dry climate, you may need to clean your panels more often.

Landscaping

Solar panels are generally located in areas with free access to the sun. However, if you have trees nearby in your garden, pollen, leaves, branches, and other types of debris can end up on the solar panels.

Pitch of the Roof

Solar panels on steep-sloped roofs generally need cleaning less often than solar panels on low-sloped roofs.

Safety Considerations for Cleaning Solar Panels

If you know how to clean solar panels and are ready to clean. You must consider your safety while cleaning or washing your solar panels.

Working With a Ladder

You should always be careful when working with a ladder, especially at roof height. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of more than 100 people die from falls from ladders in the United States each year. If you are using a ladder to access the roof, make sure it is stable and that there is someone on the ground to hold it. Also wear non-slip shoes or wellies and check that the rungs are dry before going up or down.

Turn Off Solar Panels

It is very important to turn off the panels before cleaning, as the panels start generating electricity when exposed to sunlight. Although the amount of electricity may be low, it can be dangerous. Therefore, it is necessary to close them to avoid any danger. In addition, the panels heat up by absorbing light, and the water on them can evaporate. Which creates lines on this panel. But if the panel is closed and cleaned, it can be easily cleaned.

If you are in any way uncomfortable or you don’t know how to clean solar panels, do not attempt this job and hire a professional to clean your solar panels instead.

How to Clean Solar Panels?

In this section, we will discuss the details on how to clean solar panels. Washing solar panels can easily be done at home. The best way to clean a solar panel is to wash the panel with soapy water and a soft brush. Because a hard brush can scratch the panel and cause cracks. If a quality brush is not disposable, it should be washed safely with a soft cloth or sponge. Remember to use a soft and clean cloth on the panel. The fabric should not be stiff at all. Here are a few easy steps on how to clean solar panels:

1. Prepare your tools and Materials

Make sure everything you need for the cleaning of solar panels is easily accessible. Build an extension ladder and make sure you have safe access to the roof. Prepare a cleaning solution for use in a gallon sprayer. Have a buddy with you to hold the ladder and hand you the supplies.

2. Turn off the Solar Panel System

For your safety and the protection of the system, turn off the power to the solar panels before starting work.

3. Spray on Panels and Roof

With someone holding the extension ladder securely on the ground, climb up to roof height. Using a garden hose with a spray attachment, rinse the solar panels and surrounding roof to wash off any loose dirt or debris.

4. Apply Cleaning Solution

Using a gallon sprayer, apply a thin layer of cleaning solution to a small area of one solar panel. Let the solution penetrate the dirt and grime for a few minutes, but don’t give it enough time to dry.

5. Wipe off the Solution

Use a soft brush or sponge to wipe the part of the solar panel where you applied the cleaning solution. If you need to reach, you can wrap a towel around the squeegee on the extension rod. Do not lean back, and always stand on the ladder with your feet flat.

6. Repeat in Small Sections

Follow the steps above to apply the cleaning solution and wipe in sections until you have cleaned all the solar panels.

7. Rinse the Solar Panels

Using the hose and spray attachment, rinse the panels once more. Then use a squeegee to dry the panels before turning the power back on to the solar panels.

Also read: How to Protect Solar Panels from Rain: The Ultimate Guide

Pro Tips for Cleaning Solar Panels

Choose the Right Time: Avoid cleaning solar panels on hot or sunny days. Water can evaporate too quickly and cause streaks that spoil the appearance of the panel.
Avoid harsh tools: Never use hard brushes or pressure washers. These tools can damage the surface of the panels.
Use Suitable Cleaning Materials: Always wash the panels first with clean water to remove loose dirt. Then use a mild soap solution to make the panels shine.
Regular Maintenance: Regular cleaning is essential to keep your solar panels performing optimally.

What Not to Do:

Do not use a pressure washer, as this could damage the glass of the solar panels.
Do not spray cold water on hot panels, as this may cause the panels to crack.
Avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach, as they can damage the solar panels and also harm the surrounding wildlife.

Tips for Maintenance of Solar Panels

Regular cleaning of the panel is very important so that sunlight can be absorbed as much as possible. If there is dust, dirt, bird droppings, etc. on the panels, they need to be cleaned and removed every few months.
The panels must be washed with a soft cloth. Hard brush panel that can scratch the surface. Any marks or cracks on your solar panel should be checked regularly, as such issues significantly affect performance and should be addressed.
The panel wiring should be checked regularly for loose connections anywhere that could cause the system to fail completely. So you need to constantly check the connection.
Extreme weather conditions such as storms and hail can damage the panel. Although the panels are designed to withstand various weather conditions, adverse weather conditions can damage the surface of the panel.
If there is a tree near the solar panel that casts a shadow on it in the sunlight, the branches of such tree should be trimmed because these shadows affect the efficiency of the panel. In addition, dirt accumulates on the panels due to the fall of birds that sit on them.
To optimize the performance of the panel, it should be checked regularly. In addition, preventive maintenance should also be carried out, as the technician can better understand the faults in the panel and offer solutions.

The Bottom Line (How to Clean Solar Panels)

The total cost of a solar system is very high, due to which it is necessary to achieve better efficiency. Generally, solar panels are guaranteed for 25 years, but they also require regular cleaning and maintenance for better performance. Otherwise, due to the accumulation of dust and dirt on the surface of the panel, the efficiency of the panel is affected, due to which the necessary amount of electricity cannot be produced.

How to clean solar panels is an easy process. If the solar panel is installed on the ground or is easily accessible on the roof, it is better to do the cleaning yourself. However, if there is any problem with self-cleaning, you can have it done by a professional. Always try to clean with a soft cloth or sponge. In addition, the water pressure should not be increased; otherwise, the panel surface may be damaged. Never use hard water brushes and abrasive cleaning tools on panel surfaces. Cleaning agents should also be avoided, as they can damage the surface of the panel.

Also read: 10 Money Rules to live a richer life