A lot of questions have popped up in time past about the cleaning of solar panels. While that is something to address, others are quite skeptical about the frequency of cleaning solar panels.
A perfect scenario is this, do you purchase an appliance without properly and frequently caring for it or maintaining it?
The answer is probably a “NO”.
You see, solar panels just like any other appliance purchased by you need to be cared for and maintained. Maintenance makes it last longer and makes it more efficient.
Why should I clean my solar panels?
Your solar panels need to be cleaned regularly at least 2 – 4 times a year. Dirty solar panels cause about a 20% decline in the performance of your panels.
Solar panels take energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. To get the optimal performance of your solar power system, your panel needs to be clean enough to trap energy from the sun.
Common Solar Blockers
While your solar panels may be kept on the rooftop or ground level, some elements can hinder the proper functioning of your solar panels.
These elements block sunlight from hitting your solar panels and the amount of solar energy trapped by the panels becomes insufficient to power your appliance. Solar blockers include dust, leaves, water, bird droppings, snow, and dirt in general.
How to Clean Your Solar Panels
There are two ways to clean your solar panels. A. Do it yourself. B.Contact your solar energy company
1. Do it yourself
To clean your solar panels yourself, you will need something to clean it and water. Here are the steps to take.
- First, you need to get on the roof of your house.
- Apply water to the dirty panels and use your mop to clean till it is neat.
While this may look easy, it is not always a safe step to take.
2. Contact your solar energy company
A safe measure to take in cleaning your solar panel is to contact your solar energy company.
One reason you should do this is that they are professional and they would know how to render professional and safe services.
If you contact your solar company and discover that they do not render panel cleaning services, request they recommend a professional to handle your cleaning job.
Solar Panel Maintenance Tips
1. Never use an abrasive sponge or soap on your solar panel.
Do not clean your solar panel with an abrasive sponge as this can lead to a scratch on the panel.
When cleaning your panel, use water and a non-abrasive sponge.
2. Do not use harsh materials such as sandpaper, hard brushes, etc to clean your panels. Harsh materials can leave a crack on your solar panel and it isn’t an ideal condition for your panel.
3. Be safe on the roof
If you attempt to do your solar panel cleaning yourself, always be careful to ensure you do not trip off, injure yourself or crack your roof.
4. Look out for dirt. Always look out for the common solar blockers as mentioned earlier.
5.Keep your solar panels out of the shade. This is to ensure you get sufficient energy from the sun.
6. Clean periodically.
You should clean your solar panels at least 2-4 times a year. This enables the smooth working of your solar power system.
7. If damaged, call your solar power company.
