Steps To Follow For a Proper Solar Cleaning

Summary: The operating efficiency of a solar panel is dependent on the amount of sunlight that hits it. Dirt accumulation significantly reduces its power generating capability. That’s why solar cleaning ensures you maximum power at the lower electricity bill.

Rooftop solar panels usually get dirty by wind-blown dust, bird droppings, and pollen. The accumulated dirt may totally block the light transmission of the solar system lowering the power producing capability of the panel. Figuring out how often to clean solar panels is more complicated than it might appear.

Why to clean solar panels?

The biggest question is why to clean solar panels manually when a heavy shower could do the job. To some extent it is true that a heavy rain may wash out the dirt from the rooftop solar panels but you need to keep in mind that what a manual cleaning could do cannot be done by the simple shower of rain.

The operating efficiency of a solar panel is dependent on the amount of sunlight it captures. If your solar panels are covered in dirt they are going to generate relatively less amount of electricity, so keeping them clean ensures you are maximizing your power generating potential and increase returns on your power bill.

Another important reason to keep your solar clean is that continuous accumulation of dirt and debris may damage the panel totally. That’s why a periodic checking is advised to the homeowners to maintain proper efficiency of the system as well as long-span of uninterrupted service.

How many times to clean?

Although solar panels required minimum maintenance, in spite of that it is a good idea to give them a complete cleaning for three to four times in a year. But it entirely depends on the location where the panel is situated. If the panel is installed closer to the road or a dusty ground it is obvious that they may get dirty and dusty quite often and needed regular cleaning.

How to clean solar panels?

• Do not use an abrasive soap– Washing the panels with abrasive soap may damage the solar cells. It may scratch the panel and cause damage to the surface. With just running the hose pipe over them quickly, may also prove good to clean them.
• Avoid using tap water- Tap water leaves deposits of salt and minerals on the panels which also reduce the performance. Try to use ultra purified water that may help to rub the dirt easily and will not cause any harm to the panel.
• Do not apply chemicals- There is a tendency among people to use chemicals for cleaning without knowing their chemical components. A washing chemical may not prove suitable for the surface of the panel and could ruin the efficiency of it. So abstain from applying any harmful chemical to the panel at the time of solar cleaning.
• Do not unsettle the panel- Displacing the panels while cleaning is the most common mistake. While, cleaning the panel take good care that you should not unsettle them. They are positioned in a way to capture the maximum amount of sunlight; any sort of distortion from their designated position may reduce their capability of producing electricity.

The easiest method of cleaning a solar panel is hiring a professional solar panel cleaning service provider. A bit of research on the net could enable you to identify the suitable company for your solar cleaning need.

Steve Atkins is a freelance writer. He loves to write different type of content.