Solar panels are costly for initial purchase and installation. They elevate a home’s energy efficiency. There are different types of solar panels that all need care and maintenance. Cleaning them is one way of maintaining their maximum output. This guide gives the procedure for safe and effective cleaning of solar panels.
Keeping Solar Panels Clean
Solar panels’ surfaces gather dirt, soot, grime, and debris. It affects their ability to access and absorb the sun’s rays. This significantly reduces the solar system’s efficiency, sometimes by about 7%. Cleaning solar panels can be a fun DIY task- some homeowners contract professionals.
It is wise to check the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean solar panels. Consider the following steps when cleaning solar panels:
- Observe Personal Safety
In most cases, homeowners choose the roof as a location for solar panels. Anyone cleaning the panels should observe ladder safety and ensure minimal risk of falling off the roof. Someone can hold the ladder during the cleaning to ensure it remains stable.
Avoid leaning over on the ladder. Stand on the rungs with flat feet. Wear gloves and other protective gear. They protect the skin from irritation from cleaning agents and ensure no clothing damage when cleaning. Hire contractors if the cleaning exercise seems risky to the cleaner or the panels.
- Choice of Cleaning Equipment and Reagents
The wrong cleaning materials can damage solar panels. Use an outdoor glass cleaning solution that does not contain chemicals such as bleach and acid, such as corrosive cleaning solutions and coarse brushes. Commercial cleaning agents are available for solar panels. Eco-friendly cleaning agents have minimal irritants that can harm a person and the environment.
A home preparation of dish cleaning soap and water also works. Combining eight parts water with one part vinegar creates a safe and effective cleaner. Solar panel manufacturers guide buyers on the appropriate cleaning solutions for their solar panels. Put the cleaning solution in a gallon sprayer.
- Turn Off the Solar Power System
Switch off the system for the cleaner’s safety and protection of the solar system before starting the cleaning task.
- Spray the Roof and Solar Panels
Use gentle jets of water from a garden hose to rinse off the solar panels and the surrounding roof. The water will wash off loose dirt and debris. Using cold water on hot panels will cause them to crack.
- Use the Cleaning Solution
Apply a layer of the cleaning solution on the solar panels section by section using the gallon sprayer. Give the soap solution some seconds to cut through the grime and dirt. Do not let it dry. Scrub them gently with a sponge or soft brush in case of stains or stubborn dirt.
- Remove the Cleaning Solution
Use gentle jets of clean water from the hose to wash off the cleaning solution from the solar panels. Some manufacturer’s instructions advise wiping the solution with a clean sponge. Repeat the cleaning steps through all the segments of the solar panels until they are clean.
- Dry the Solar Panels
Wrap an absorbent cloth or a towel around a squeegee or long pole. After rinsing the panels, use this squeegee to dry the solar panels completely.
- Turn the Power On
After cleaning the panels, let them dry completely. Switch the power back onto the system.
Conclusion
Cleaning solar panels maintains their efficiency. It extends the panels’ lifespan. Even a beginner can perform solar panel cleaning as home maintenance since it requires little skill. The cleaner should observe personal safety measures and avoid any cleaning method that can damage the panels. Still, a homeowner can hire professional cleaners for a safe, timely, and thorough task.