5 Solar Panel Cleaning Tips

Solar panels are one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions to your electric bill. With the cost of solar installations decreasing, energy prices increasing, and the availability of tax incentives, the number of solar panel homes and businesses have increased every year with one in seven U.S. homes projected to have a solar PV system by 2030. 

At Westcoast Solar Energy, we believe the two most essential solar design factors are reliability and longevity. Simple things like cleaning and servicing your solar panel system can help control your energy costs for years to come.

Questions When Considering Solar Panel Cleaning Needs

1. Do you live in a heavily polluted area with heavy smog or smoke?
2. Do tall trees surround your home? What is the pollen count in your area?
3. How often does it rain? If it rains frequently, you will probably need to clean them much less.

Dirt, dust, pollen, bird droppings, leaves, and other debris can negatively affect solar panel efficiency. When it comes to how often to clean solar panels, monitor your energy bills and check how the power output changes before and after cleanings. Most panels require very little cleaning as they’re installed on a slant, allowing debris to run off during rainstorms.

What Not To Do

When cleaning your solar PV system, avoid walking on the solar panels and using pressure washers.

While solar panels can endure heavy rainstorms and even the strongest weather conditions, it is best to avoid pressure washers since they may scratch and damage the photovoltaic cells. High water pressure directly on the panels can damage the seal around the frame allowing water to enter inside the panels. Similarly, walking on solar panels can scratch or fracture the cells, diminishing the power output.

#1 Hire a Qualified Solar Provider Near You

If your solar panels are on your home’s roof, it might be too high, too steep, or too slippery to clean your solar panels safely. We recommend avoiding the risk and calling professional solar installers instead.

#2 Use A Hose

For light dirt and dust, use a hose to rinse off the panels from the ground. Hosing the panels down is the safest, easiest, and most cost-saving way to improve your solar energy performance.

#3 Read The Solar Panel Manufacturer Guide

There may be specific recommendations for cleaning your solar panels, such as whether the system should be shut down. Reference the manufacturer guide or contact your local solar installer for more information.

#4 Clean Solar Panels In The Morning Or On An Overcast Day

When in direct sunlight, solar panels can become very hot. The best time to clean solar panels to prevent watermarks or soap smudges when cleaning is in the morning, evening, or on an overcast day. 

#5 Be Gentle

While solar panels are durable, using metal objects, pressure washers, or abrasive detergents may damage your system. We recommend using dish soap and a sponge or squeegee to clean the panels. 

For more information on the process for DIY solar panel cleaning, click here!

If your solar energy system is not performing efficiently, give us a call. Our service and repair team can bring your system to peak performance, whether it requires panel replacements or just a cleaning. Request service here!