5 Solar Panel Cleaning Tips
Solar panels are one of the most energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly solutions to your electric bill on the market. With the availability of tax incentives and rising energy prices, the number of solar panel homes and businesses has increased every year.
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.
One benefit of solar panels is that it requires very little maintenance since there are no moving parts. However, depending on where you live, it might take more than waiting for the rain to get them clean.
Questions When Considering Solar Panel Cleaning Needs
- Do you live in a heavily polluted area with heavy smog or smoke?
- Do tall trees surround your home? What is the pollen count in your area?
- 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.
What Not To Do
When cleaning your solar panels, avoid pressure washers and walking on them.
Solar panels can endure heavy rainstorms, but 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.
While solar panels can withstand even the strongest weather conditions, they are not built to be walked on. Walking on the solar panels can fracture, break, or scratch the cells, diminishing the power output.
What steps can I take to clean my solar panels efficiently?
#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.
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.
#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. Additionally, cold water on a hot day could cause the panels to crack.
#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!
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.