The overall efficiency of your
solar power system is going to be determined by the amount of direct sunlight
that your solar panels can access. If your panels are covered in bird
droppings, pollen, shadowed by large trees or have dirt accumulated on them, the
system is potentially not going to operate with maximum power. When solar panels are dirty, they can lose up to 25% of their
energy. Under normal circumstances, with rain or snowfall, panels will be cleaned
naturally. In some areas however, especially areas with little rain or snow,
it’s important to find a way to safely keep them clean.
Safety Tip: If your solar panels are
on the roof and not on the ground, you need to take precautions so that you
don’t get hurt. First, shut the system off and then, make sure you have a
sturdy ladder with a flat space to sit it before you attempt to climb. If you
are not experienced with climbing a ladder or you have a fear of heights, be
safe and call a professional to clean the panels for you. If your installer
does not clean solar panels, they may be able to refer you to someone who will
clean them for you.
Professional
Solar Panel Cleaning Fees
Fees
for a professional to clean your solar panels are often assessed based on the
number of panels you have that need to be cleaned. For instance, some companies
will charge $100 for every ten panels while other companies many charge $200 or
more for every ten panels. The positive aspect of paying the fee for
professional cleaning is that you won’t need to worry about falling and hurting
yourself or stepping on the wrong spot on your roof and damaging the roof or
the panels.
Solar panels need to be cleaned
at least once per year in areas with rain and once every six months to a year
in areas where there is little rain.
Steps to Clean Solar Panels
Cleaning solar panels on your own
is not a difficult task if the panels are on the ground or if you feel
comfortable on a ladder and have the proper tools to clean with. Before you
drag your cleaning gear up the ladder with you, it’s best to complete an
inspection to see if the panels need to be cleaned. If you live in an area with
frequent rain, you may not need to clean them at all. If you live in a dry area
or have large trees hanging over your home, the panels may need to be cleaned.
Having the proper equipment to
clean with and that will take care of everything without causing damage is
important. You should have a good supply of disposable gloves to keep hands
away from chemicals and to have a good grip on the ladder as you climb to the
roof. (Source: bulknitrilegloves.com website).
For soap, a gentle dishwashing
liquid will work best along with a soft, non-abrasive brush. It’s also a good
idea to use a hose and a squeegee to remove any streaks and to ensure that
there is no soap residue left on the panels. If you have hard water, it’s a
good idea to skip the water hose and use distilled water to ensure the minerals
found in hard water will not remain on the solar panels.
Solar panels should be cleaned
early in the morning or late in the evening when they will not be as hot as
they are during the day. When panels are extremely hot, soap can dry on them
and leave a residue that can block sunlight.
Throughout the year, be sure to
keep an eye on your solar panels and in between cleanings, spray them down to
remove excess bird droppings or pollen. Remember, the safest way to clean your
solar panels is to hire a professional to do the work for you. If you must do
it on your own, take the proper steps to stay safe while cleaning them,
especially when you must climb onto the roof.
