Cleaning Solar Panels: Should I? If So When and How?
While solar panels and the system as a whole generally requires very little maintenance, where there is a time of little rainfall and/or high winds, you live near grime promoting factories, a highway, an airport – or if there is minimal tilt which allows bird poop and dust to accumulate, a bit of a clean-up can help to ensure good electricity generation.
Cleaning solar panels can save the loss of up to 25% of efficiency.
The easiest way to go about it is to call a pro. We aren’t recommended you do it yourself if you have roof placed panels nor are we saying it can’t be done. This is just a general guide for those who ask.
However, if you feel safe and confident in your abilities, it’s not too hard a job. With the risk of sounding like your mother – be safe! The roof can get slippery when wet so only do it if you can put yourself in a safe and secure position.
What you’ll need is a hose and a cloth. You may need soap if there’s some thick grime or stubborn bird doodoo. Think of cleaning your panels like cleaning your windows.
Here are the steps:
1. Pick a day where the temperature is mild and weather is kind.
Firstly, jumping up on a roof in the heat of an Australian summer’s day will have you baked in no time. And I don’t mean the “Snoop Dogg” definition of baked. Second, cold water on hot glass panels can cause cracking. Also, the quick evaporation of the water will likely leave streak marks. Go for a cool morning or early eve.
2. Prepare cleaning equipment.
You’ll want a mild liquid soap and water at a minimum. A soft bristled brush and plastic bladed squeegee can also be helpful in doing the job really well.
3. Switch off your solar power system
Follow the shutdown procedure to a t, as outlined in your user manual, to completely shut down your system.
4. Access the roof safely.
I know – it goes without saying but still, it is worth repeating.
Ideally, solar panels in the average residential area should be cleaned a couple of times a year. That will produce up to 5% more electricity than dirty panels.
In return for keeping your panels clean you will see better performance and greater savings on your electricity bills as a result.
This article was brought to you by enewabl, the renewable energy experts. If you would like a no obligation consultation, please get a hold of us now. The decision to invest in a power system is major and should not be taken lightly. The enewabl team will not push any sales, but they will present the best option to you, taking all the variables into consideration – variables such as solar size, power use, family size, solar age, power prices, location and more.
You can contact us via:
Contact form – enewabl | Battery Storage Systems
Phone – 07 3038 3047
Email – enquiries@enewabl.com.au
