When your solar panels are dirty, it is important to clean them to enhance their energy production efficiency. However, if you don’t know how to clean solar panels, no worries; we’ve got you covered.
Cleaning solar panels is not difficult, especially if the panels are within your reach. However, you will need to get cleaning materials like a soft brush, bucket, cleaning solution or soap to ensure that they are cleaned properly.
Meanwhile, once you are done cleaning your solar panels, it is important to thoroughly clean them with a squeegee to ensure that there is no water spot or residue on them to avoid attracting dirt when they dry up.
Why is cleaning solar panels important?
It is important to clean your solar panels to optimize their energy generation and prolong their lifespan. When dirt, debris or smog block the surface of the solar panels, the sunlight won’t be able to reach the silicon cells on the panels, leading to reduced efficiency. So, it is important to clean it and remove this dirt.
How Often Should I Clean My Solar Panels?
The number of times that you can clean your solar panels is not fixed; it varies depending on location, surrounding environment, and climate.
This means that if you reside in regions with high levels of pollution, pollen, or dust, you will clean your solar panels more often than someone who leaves an area that is less prone to dust.
However, on average, we strongly recommend that you clean your solar panels twice a year to enhance their efficiency in energy generation.
Safety Measures you Should Take Before Cleaning your Solar Panel
The precautions you should take before you start cleaning your solar panels are:
- Turn off the solar power system
- Check the weather conditions. It is best to clean solar panels on cloudy day, early in the morning or in the evening, to matching the hot panels
- Use proper washing equipment
- Don’t use harsh chemical
- If your panels are hard to reach, consider hiring professional cleaning service.
Equipment Needed to Clean Solar Panels
The equipment that you need to clean solar panels is listed below:
- Hose
- Soft brush
- Squeegee
- A ladder if your solar panels is out of reach
- Gloves
- Handheld sprayer
How to Clean Solar Panels
To clean your solar panels, follow the steps below:
1. Inspect the Solar Panels
Before you start the cleaning process, you will need to inspect them to ensure that they are fixed, and if you notice any damage or issues with them, seek professional attention.
2. Gather Your Cleaning Materials
After inspecting the panels and making sure they fit, you’ll need to gather the materials that you will use for the washing, like:
- Soft brush or sponge: which you’ll use to gently remove dirt and debris without scratching the panels.
- Squeegee: which you’ll use for drying the panels after cleaning.
- Hose with a Spray Nozzle: For rinsing off dirt and cleaning solutions.
- Eco-Friendly Soap or Detergent: Mild soap mixed with water that is ideal for cleaning panels.
- Bucket: for mixing your cleaning solution.
3. Rinse the Panels
Once the materials are ready, start by rinsing the solar panels with clean water to remove loose debris and dirt. You can use a hose with a spray nozzle to gently spray water across the panels. Don’t use high-pressure washers, as they can damage the panels.
4. Apply the Cleaning Solution on the Panels
Now, mix a small amount of eco-friendly detergent or soap with water in a bucket. Dip the sponge or soft brush into the solution and scrub the panels gently to remove stick stains and dirt. Ensure that you thoroughly clean the area with heavy dirt accumulation.
5. Rinse the Panels again
Once you are done scrubbing, rinse the panels thoroughly with water to remove any soap residue. Ensure that you wash all the soap to avoid attracting dirt in the future.
6. Dry the Panels
After thoroughly rinsing the panels, use a squeegee to remove excess water from the panels. You can start from the top and then work your way down. This helps prevent water spots, ensuring that the panels are clean and clear.
7. Final Inspection of the Panel
After drying the panels, inspect the panels again to ensure that they are clean and free from residue or streaks.
Solar Panel Cleaning Solution
The list of solar panel cleaning solutions is below:
- Ecovolt Solar Panel Cleaning Kit.
- Polywater Solar Panel Wash
- Glass Gleam Solar Cleaner
- RainX Spot-Free Solar Cleaner
- Trina Solar Panel Cleaner
- SunPower Solar Panel Wash
- Simple Green Solar Panel Cleaner
- SunClean Eco-Safe Solar Cleaner
Solar panel cleaning soap
The solar panel cleaning soaps are:
- Polywater Solar Panel Wash
- Trina Solar Panel Cleaner
- Glass Gleam Solar Cleaner
- Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner
- SunSystem Solar Panel Cleaner:
Conclusion
Cleaning a solar panel is not difficult. With just cleaning materials, solutions or soap, you will be able to clean your solar panels without needing a professional, so long as the panels are within your reach. Don’t forget to thoroughly clean your solar panels after washing to ensure that they are free from dirt and residue to enhance their overall performance and prolong their lifespan.