July 05, 2023
Are you a lucky solar electric system owner? Did you know in order to keep the solar panels working efficiently, it's important to make sure they're kept clean. Keep reading to learn what you need to know to keep your panels functioning at their best.
Why Clean Solar Panels?
Solar panels are designed to absorb sunlight and convert it into energy that can be used to power your home. However, if the panels are dirty or covered in debris, they can't absorb as much sunlight, which reduces their efficiency. This means that if you don't keep your panels clean, you could be losing out on a significant amount of energy and money.
When to Clean Solar Panels?
The frequency with which you should clean your solar panels depends on a variety of factors, including your location, the weather conditions, and the amount of debris that falls on your panels. In general, it's a good idea to clean your panels once or twice a year, or more often if you live in an area with a lot of dust, pollution, or bird droppings.
How to Clean Solar Panels?
SolarCraft always recommends hiring a professional to clean your solar panels. If you're not comfortable climbing a ladder or cleaning your panels on your own, you can hire a professional solar panel cleaning company to do the job for you. These companies have the equipment and experience to clean your panels safely and effectively, and they can also identify any potential problems with your panels that may need to be addressed
If you are a DIY'er, cleaning solar panels is a relatively simple process, but it's important to make sure you do it safely and effectively. The video below offers some tips:
Here's what you need to know to get started:
Don't Clean Panels on a Sunny Day: Solar panels are designed to absorb sunlight, so it's important to avoid cleaning them on a sunny day. If you clean the panels when they're hot, the water will evaporate too quickly, leaving streaks and making it more difficult to remove dirt and debris. It's best to clean your panels on a cloudy day or in the early morning or late afternoon when the panels are not as hot.
- Safety First: Before you begin cleaning your panels, make sure you have the proper safety equipment, including a ladder and sturdy shoes. If your panels are located on a roof, be extra careful when climbing the ladder and don't try to clean the panels if the roof is slippery or wet.
- Cleaning Supplies: To clean your panels, you'll need a bucket of water, a squeegee, and a soft-bristled brush. You can also use a commercial solar panel cleaning solution if you prefer.
- Wet the Panels: Begin by wetting the panels with a hose or a bucket of water. This will help to remove any loose dirt or debris and prevent scratches on the surface of the panels.
- Scrub the Panels: Use the soft-bristled brush to scrub the panels and remove any dirt or debris. Make sure you're gentle and don't apply too much pressure, as this could cause damage to the panels.
- Squeegee the Panels: Once you've scrubbed the panels, use the squeegee to remove any excess water. Make sure you're working from the top of the panels to the bottom to avoid streaks.
- Check for Streaks: After you've squeegeed the panels, inspect them carefully to make sure there are no streaks or areas that need additional cleaning. If you find any streaks, simply repeat the cleaning process until you're satisfied with the results.
Keeping your solar panels clean is essential if you want to keep them functioning at their best and save money on your PG&E bills. With a few simple tips and a little bit of effort, you can easily keep your panels clean and ensure that they're working efficiently. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, the most important thing is to make sure that your panels are kept clean and free of debris. By doing so, you'll be able to enjoy the many benefits of having solar panels for years to come.
