How to clean Solar Panels: Instructions for Maintenance
How to clean solar panels? In any solar system, solar panel cleaning and instructions for maintenance are very important for daily performance, especially in a place where you live on the side of the road or in a dusty area. Airborne dust, dirt, and even bird droppings degrade the performance of your solar panels. In this case, it is important to clean your solar panels.
Why should we clean solar panels? And what should be done to maintain the power efficiency of the solar panel?
There are different ways to keep solar panels clean, including manual washing and automated technology. Solar panels are installed with the right amount of tilt to take advantage of the rain falling on them. Rainwater washes away dirt that accumulates on the panels over time. However, it has a disadvantage in that it leads to the accumulation of dirt at the bottom of the panels and is not sufficient to remove heavy pollution. Also if there are trees near your solar panels. So the birds sitting on it will drop the leaves along with their perching. This dirt and other debris create a barrier between the panels and the sun. Due to this, the solar panels do not work efficiently. Cleaning of solar panels is very important to deal with this.
How often is the cleaning of solar panels necessary?
There is no hard and fast rule for how often you should clean your panels. If you don’t clean for a long time, you will notice that the energy efficiency of your panels decreases. When you inspect the panels, do you notice any dirt or dust accumulation? So in that case, it’s time to clean up.
Also, if you have been exposed to extreme weather conditions for a long time, such as heavy rain, dust storms, or dirt from birds and trees, you may need to clean your panels more often. Mandatory cleaning of solar panels every six months / twice a year.
Follow the instructions during cleaning solar panels:
- Collect all tools and materials used during cleaning and keep them close by. Use the ladder to access the roof. Use a gallon of spray to make a cleaning solution. Have a helper with you to hold the ladder and provide supplies.
- Before starting the cleaning process, turn off the power to the solar panels for your own and the system’s safety and protection.
- Wash the solar panels and the surrounding roof thoroughly with water.
- Apply a thin layer of the solution to the panels using a gallon spray bottle. Let the solution sit for a while but avoid drying.
- Clean the panels thoroughly with the solution up to the corners with a soft brush or sponge. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the panels.
- Following the steps above, apply the cleaning solution to all panels until all panels are clean.
- In the last steps, rinse all the panels again with water. After drying, turn the power of the solar panels back on.
Tools & Material
- Extention ladder
- Garden hose with spray attachment
- Soft brush or sponge
- Squeegee attached with an extension pole
- One-gallon handheld sprayer or bucket
- Gloves
- Window cleaner or soapy solution
What should you avoid using?
When cleaning your solar panels yourself, use the proper equipment to avoid damaging the panels. Never use items such as:
- Harsh soaps that contain chemicals can corrode the surface of the solar panel unit.
- Use abrasive cleaning tools such as abrasive cloths and sponges or heavy-toothed brooms that can scratch the surface of your panel.
- While washing the solar panels, do not place any heavy objects on them, which may cause them to break.
How to clean Solar Panels: Instructions for Maintenance
Don’t forget to inspect your solar panels regularly
Don’t forget to inspect your solar panel regularly. Take special care that your solar panels are free of any damage or cracks. Also, protect bird nests and wires from rodents. The longer the sun stays on the solar panels, the longer it will help keep electricity bills down.
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Conclusion
The total cost of the solar system is very high, due to which it is important to achieve better efficiency. Regular cleaning improves its performance and makes it work well for many years. Due to the accumulation of dirt and dust on the surface of the panels, their efficiency is affected, due to which the required amount of electricity cannot be produced. Cleaning the panels is very easy. If your panels are mounted close to the ground or on a roof where you can easily access them, it’s best to do the cleaning yourself. Always use a soft cloth or sponge for cleaning. Be aware of water pressure, as it can damage the surface of the panels. Hard brushes and abrasive cleaning tools should not be used on the panel surface. Also, avoid detergents, as they damage the surface of the panel.
