A Comprehensive  Guide on How to Clean Solar Panel 

Solar Panels are an incredible investment for producing clean energy and saving on high electricity costs.  Just like any other machinery or valuable asset, they also demand maintenance for effective functioning.  When we talk about maintenance, one of the prime tasks is cleaning the solar panels.  Dust, bird droppings, dirt, and other debris can pile up on the surface of the panels. As a result of this, it will reduce their efficiency over time. 

In this comprehensive blog guide, we will take you through the detailed process of How to Clean Solar Panel. We will also highlight why it is essential for the optimal performance of solar panels. 

Why Do Solar Panels Need Cleaning?

Solar panels are designed to soak sunlight and directly convert it into electricity.  When the surface of the solar panel is covered with dust or dirt, it significantly reduces the amount of the sun that directly reaches the cells. Thus, it leads to a reduction in their efficiency which means that there is less electricity generation and costs you more in the long run.

As per several researches, it has been found that dirty solar panels can lose their energy efficiency near about 10% to 25 %. Moreover, regions that are prone to heavy dust, pollution bird droppings, etc may experience even higher losses. 

Tips for  How to Clean Solar Panel 

When it comes to the cleaning process, it doesn’t mean that you have to clean the panels regularly. It is important to learn when to clean them properly to maintain their efficiency in the long run. Checkout the following points to learn more about  How to Clean Solar Panel 

1. Twice a Year –  A semi-annual cleaning of the panels is effective and sufficient for most locations with mild climates. 
2. After heavy storms or dusty conditions – If your region is the center of high winds, dust storms, or frequent rain, it’s a good move to keep checking your solar panels after all these events and clean them whenever it is required.
3. Monitor your Solar Panels – It is advisable to keep monitoring your solar panels, any significant drop in energy production will instantly indicate to you that your panels need your help.

Equipment You Need to Clean Solar Panels – 

Before initiating the cleaning process of the solar panels, it is important to learn about certain tools and equipment to make sure that the whole process is safe and efficient. For those in Western Australia, professional Solar Panel Inspection and Cleaning Perth services can offer expert assistance, ensuring your panels are cleaned thoroughly and inspected for any potential issues that could affect their performance.

1. Sponge or Soft Brush  –  Avoid using any material that could make scratches on the surface of the panels.
2. Water Hose – High pressure of the water can damage the solar panels. Thus, going for a water hose is recommended to get a gentle stream.
3. Cleaning Solution or Mild Soap –  Use cleaning solutions that are not too harsh on the panels. If you don’t have cleaning solutions, you can also go for mild and non-abrasive soap.
4. Microfiber Cloth –  For drying and polishing the solar panels after cleaning them with solution or soap, use a microfiber cloth to squeeze out the water from the panels.
5. Ladder – If your solar panels are installed on the top roof of your property, you will need a ladder to reach them safely and clean them.
6. Safety Gear –  It is important to take all the safety measures to avoid any mishap. If your solar panels are installed at a certain height, it is important to have appropriate gears such as harnesses to reach them with complete safety.

A Step-by-Step Guide for  How to Clean Solar Panel 

 Follow the given mentioned steps to clean the solar panels –

1.  Step 1 – Turn Off the System – Before initiating the cleaning process of the solar panels, it’s important to turn off the system. It can be dangerous to clean the panels while they are still working. Moreover, we all know that electricity and water don’t go well with each other. 
2. Step 2 – Clear Loose Debris – Use a soft brush to gently sweep off leaves, dust, and dirt. While cleaning the panels, don’t apply much pressure on them. Harsh brushing could scratch the glass surface of the panels. 
3. Step 3 –  Rinse the Panels – While rinsing the panels, use a garden hose for a gentle stream of water. Extreme high pressure can damage or crack the panels. The main purpose of the rinsing is to remove all the dirt with the help of water.
4. Step 4 – Apply Cleaning Solution –  If there are some stubborn marks or stains that do not come easily during rinsing, apply a solar panel cleaning solution or mild soap water. Scrub the panels gently with a sponge or soft cloth in a circular motion to avoid streaks.
5. Step 5 – Rinse it Again – Once the scrubbing is done, rinse the panels thoroughly with water to remove any soap residue. If you don’t rinse it properly, the leftover soap can cause streaking and lower the effectiveness of your panels.
6. Step 6 – Dry The Panels – Once you’ve rinsed all the cleaning solution or soap, use a microfiber cloth to dry out the panels. It is essential to completely dry out the panels before turning on the solar system.

If you feel that it is quite a lengthy process to perform, you can connect with professional Solar Panel Maintenance Companies Perth to do the work for you.

 Understand the Benefits of Solar Panel Cleaning –

 Here are the major advantages of the solar panel cleaning – 

•  Maximizes Efficiency –  Timely cleaning ensures that your solar panel will absorb maximum sunlight. It leads to improved efficiency and output. Companies with Solar Panels reported that clean solar panels can generate up to 25% more electricity than dirty ones. Thus, it’s up to you whether you want to make it a worthwhile investment of time and money or not.
• Extends the Lifespan of Panels –  Dirt can cause wear and tear on your panels over time. Timely and regular cleaning significantly contributes to preventing long-term damage. It extends the lifespan of the solar panels and makes sure that you get the most out of your investment.
• Increase Savings –  Solar panels operate efficiently when they are cleaned and produce more electricity.  It lowers the reliance on the grid and reduces your electricity bills. Over time, you will observe that you have saved a lot on the bills.

Conclusion –   

In a nutshell, it can be concluded that it is essential to clean and maintain the solar panels.  There is no doubt that cleaning panels may seem like a simple task, but it is important to do it correctly to avoid any kind of damage.  By following the above-mentioned points, you can easily maintain and protect your solar panels effectively. Solar Right WA  helps its customers with the best cleaning and maintenance services to make them work in the long run.