Solar panels can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your home and the environment. However, dirty solar panels can decrease efficiency, which is why cleaning your solar panels is so important.
While cleaning solar panels may sound like an overwhelming task, it’s actually a lot easier than you think. Read this guide to learn how to clean a solar panel.
Why Do You Need to Clean Solar Panels?
Cleaning your solar panels helps keep them working at full strength and gives the outside of your home a spotless appearance. While you might be thinking that the rain will take care of most of the cleaning, this, unfortunately, isn’t the case.
Rain can wipe away some of the dust and debris, but it takes a deep clean to ensure your solar panels are working at full capacity. If you abandon your solar panels and leave the job to the rain, they’ll likely end up filled with bird droppings, dust, leaves, and pollen.
How to Clean a Solar Panel
Ideally, you should clean your solar panels at least once a year. It should only take about 20 minutes to an hour to clean your panels. Here’s what you need to do:
Check the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Before you do anything, read the manufacturer’s instructions to learn the specific tips for cleaning your solar panels. Some solar panels have very specific cleaning requirements you need to follow, and the last thing you want to do is damage your solar panels during the cleaning process.
Use a Soft Brush to Remove Dust, Dirt, and Leaves
Once you’ve read the manufacturer’s instructions, you can use a soft brush to remove any dust, dirt, or leaves. You can do this safely from the ground if you have an extension pole for the brush.
Otherwise, you’ll need to climb your roof or use an extension ladder. Wear work gloves during this step to keep your hands clean and safe.
Spray the Panels With a Garden Hose
Next, use a garden hose to spray the panels clean. Avoid using a high-pressure attachment on your hose, as too much water pressure can damage your solar panels.
Deliberately and slowly spray along each panel to ensure each one gets cleaned.
Use a Soft Brush for Problem Areas
After spraying, take a soft brush to any problem areas. You can use a soft cloth, squeegee, or sponge to gently remove stubborn spots. If water isn’t doing the trick, mix in some mild dish soap to help.
Contact a Solar Panel Professional
If you have complex solar panel cleaning or maintenance needs, it’s best to contact a professional for help. Solar panel cleaning can be dangerous, especially if your roof is really high up, so sometimes it’s best to leave it to the pros. You can also contact professionals for a solar installation sevice.
Time to Clean Your Solar Panels!
Now that you know how to clean a solar panel, it’s time to get started. With the above tips, your solar panels will be squeaky clean in no time.
Check back in with our blog for more solar panel maintenance and care tips!
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