Is it Important to Clean Your Solar Panels?

Solar power is an opportunity to protect our environment while also protecting ourselves financially. Solar panels are a smart investment, they produce clean energy, and they require little maintenance. In just four years of owning solar panels you will see a return on your investment.

In the future, having solar panels will be just as commonplace as having air conditioning in the summer.

Using solar panels to power your home is an investment that can help you save money on your power bill while you also do some good for the environment. Solar panels are an essential part of the renewable energy movement. They use the sun’s rays to power homes, businesses, and even electric cars, but it’s important to clean them periodically for maximum efficiency.

Naturally, you want to get as much energy from your solar panels as possible, which means installing, connecting, and locating them correctly to receive as much sunlight as possible. Cleaning your solar panels regularly, however, is also very important. Doing so can help you prevent energy loss and get the most benefit from your solar panels.

There is lots of debris, such as dirt, pollen, leaves, and bird droppings, which can collect on your solar panels and render them inefficient. Regular cleaning, though, protects your panels from this potential issue. In fact, regularly cleaned solar panels can put out up to 25% more energy than dirty ones.

The most basic solar panel cleaning technique is to rinse them off with a garden hose from time to time. This will do a lot to remove large debris and loose dirt. You can take it a step further. The cleaning process is straightforward, and involves a pressure washer or garden hose, some dish soap, and a lot of scrubbing.

The truth is that you will need to do more if you really want to maximize your panels’ energy output. Dirt and grime sticks to the glass surface easily and will have to be removed by cleaning the panels much like how windows are cleaned, using a mix of water and mild soap. They also need to be dried thoroughly so that water spots do not form.

Keep in mind that washing solar panels with water must be done carefully so as not to damage their electrical parts. In some cases when they are really dirty usage of certain chemicals could be needed. If you have noticed a considerable amount of dirt buildup on your panels but do not feel comfortable cleaning them yourself, you can contact a local cleaning service that works on solar panels. Some companies sell automatic cleaning and rinsing systems that can be connected to your panels. If you do not have the time to care for your solar panels regularly, an automatic system could be an option, but the best solution is to call a professional services to get the job done.

Using solar panels is a smart investment that will continue to benefit you for years to come. Most solar panels have been designed to last 30 years or even more. By keeping your panels clean and free of debris, you will ensure that you get as much energy as possible from them.

How often should I clean my panels?

Remember for optimal results it is recommended to clean them one or two times per year, depending on your location.