DIY Solar Panel Cleaning Made Easy
A clean solar panel system helps to maximize energy production. Over time, dirt and debris that covers the cells can impact its effectiveness.
For most residential solar installations, rain washes away the dust, pollen, and other debris accumulated. However, yearly cleaning and maintenance can keep your solar panels operating at peak efficiency.
Where to start
Maintaining solar panels for your home is smart and some of it you can even do yourself – if deemed safe enough. If you’re planning on cleaning your panels yourself, be sure to take precautions.
Ensure that the roof is flat enough to stand on, you have easy access to the panels, and you’re wearing sturdy shoes.
It is a little riskier for some roofs to do this safely, so consider hosing it from the ground and leave the yearly cleaning to experienced solar panel cleaners.
When to clean
In the sunshine, solar panels can quickly heat up. We recommend cleaning solar panels in the morning, early evening, or a relatively cool, overcast day to prevent two things from happening.
One, if it is hot, the sudden cold water could break the glass, and two, if the water dries too fast, it could leave droplet residue on the panels. Both of these would reduce the solar system’s effectiveness.
Need a solar provider near you?
Finding a residential solar company in California provides the convenience of getting to your bay area location without the added stress or cost of waiting around. Instead, your solar panels or solar energy system can start to receive the necessary energy efficient upgrades right away.
Westcoast Solar Energy is one of the top commercial and residential solar companies on the West Coast (see our solar reviews) located in the heart of Wine Country in Sonoma County.
Westcoast Solar Energy also provides solar panel service and repair on solar systems installed by other solar panel companies. So call the best solar company near you at (707) 664-6450 today.
Tools
You may already have all the tools you need to clean your solar panels, such as:
- Non-abrasive scrub brush
- Garden hose
- Bucket of water
- Dish soap
- Squeegee
Process
Once you’re on the roof, cleaning the system is even simpler than washing your car.
Begin with wetting the system and then scrubbing off sap, bird droppings, and any other debris shading the system with the scrub brush and soapy water. Once the panels are free of dirt, rinse the soap off and squeegee top to bottom to prevent water spots.
Enjoy increased energy production and a clean solar energy system!
If you’re looking for solar panel service, cleaning, or repairs, contact us our Westcoast Solar Energy maintenance team at (707) 664-6450 today.
Contact your local solar provider today!
Westcoast Solar Energy is equipped with the experience and certifications to help you and your home generate more energy.
Contact us today and your home into a long-term renewable energy resource.