Since a solar panel system represents a sizable investment, you’ll want to take good care of it, which may include giving your panels a light cleaning every now and then.
Does it actually have to be cleaned to use solar panels?
The majority of dirt will fall off or be rinsed down as soon as it rains because solar panels are inclined. If you live in a dry climate and there is a lot of environmental dust or sand, however, particles can build up in such numbers to seriously reduce output by more than 20%. Bird poop will also accomplish that.
Cleaning your panels could thus be the solution if you observe a change in productivity.
Tips for Solar Panel Maintenance
- Maintain solar panels away from the shade; when they can’t absorb any sunlight, they produce electricity inefficiently.
- Ensure the inverters are displaying green lights while keeping a watchful eye on the solar panels. You are incurring losses if they are not blinking since you are no longer making up for your electrical usage.
- To optimize solar panel maintenance, track daily performance. It is crucial to record the amount of energy generated at a regular time each day and to take particular note of the days when it is quite foggy. There will be some inconsistent results. (Your manufacturer will be able to give you the best solar panel monitoring system.)
- Monitoring systems enable you to know how much CO2 you are discharging into the atmosphere and how much you are preserving the environment. They can also assist you in determining the potential value of the feed-in tariff program.
- When you are at home, you may also view details regarding the maintenance of your solar panels on a wall-mounted display.
- You can install automatic cleaners that function like sprinkler systems or perhaps even make arrangements with solar panel cleaning services if you don’t have time to clean solar panels.
- Fortunately, solar power maintenance will not be necessary because solar panels lack moving parts that could rust or malfunction.
Basic guidelines for cleaning your panels
Shutting down the system should come first. Due to the dangerous relationship between liquid and electricity, turn off both the AC and DC isolators.
Although it can be challenging to obtain cleaning equipment sufficient to reach your installation, it is better to wipe your panel from the ground if at all possible. To connect a soft bristle brush with one wiper fitted with a plastic blade over one side and a thick cotton sponge on the other, you will need a fairly long extension. Also, to be able to clean the panels, you will need enough water pressure and an appropriate nozzle.
If it cannot be accomplished from the ground, keep in mind that cleansing your solar panels will put you at roof level; thus, do not even consider climbing up your ladders while holding a heavy bucket in one hand. You certainly must utilize the proper tools, and if required, employ someone. Local roof and solar panel cleaners could be better suited to do this task.
Early in the day, late in the day, or on days with clouds in the sky are the best times to clean your installation. When the sun is shining brightly, the liquid and cleaning supplies you employ will soon evaporate, placing behind residues that will lower the effectiveness of your panels similar to how dirt does.
It is best to clean the panels in the early morning because the dew will have been present on them for several hours and has already softened the filth, making it simpler to remove.