When was the last time you cleaned your solar panels?
You might think your solar panels don’t need to be cleaned, especially if they are designed to be self-cleaning. However, a lot of dirt can affect the output of your solar electricity system, meaning you’re not seeing the best results.
Even self-cleaning solar panels can get dirty and need some TLC, especially if you live in a particularly dry area or by the coast where salt can build up. The angle of your solar panels can also affect their ability to stay clean, with a tilt of less than five degrees meaning they are likely to suffer a fair bit of dust and dirt build-up over time.
Just as with any part of your home, regular maintenance will keep your solar panels working well and cleaning is a part of that. So here’s everything you need to know about why, when and how you should clean your solar panels.
Why should I clean my solar panels?
Solar panels rely on sunlight being able to reach them to function correctly. If there is anything stopping sunlight from reaching the panels, it can affect how well they work and reduce their energy output.
While some tests have found that a bit of dust doesn’t overly impact your panels, it can still reduce their functionality, which will affect your energy production over time. Other build-ups, like leaves and bird droppings, can have a much bigger impact, especially if they are left for an extended period.
If you have a lot of trees in the area where your panels are located, this will increase the chances of leaves getting trapped between panels, as well as the number of bird droppings your solar panels are affected by.
Cleaning your panels now and then rather than always relying on their ability to self-clean, helps to give them a boost and ensure they’re operating at maximum efficiency.
When should I clean my solar panels?
It’s generally a good idea to give your solar panels a clean at least once a year as part of their overall maintenance. As you get the most from your panels during spring and summer, and the adverse weather conditions of winter can leave a lot of debris on them, it’s a good idea to clean them at the start of spring.
If you notice that a lot of droppings or dirt build up during the summer months and that rain isn’t getting rid of it all, you might also want to consider giving them a clean in autumn. As the shorter days of autumn and winter generally affect solar energy production, cleaning your panels can make sure they are working to the best of their ability.
How should I clean my solar panels?
To ensure your solar panels are cleaned properly and safely, without causing damage to the panels or your roof, it is a good idea to leave the job to the professionals.
Not only are solar panels often difficult to reach, but they are easy to damage during the cleaning process if you don’t have the right equipment or experience. Harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners can damage the surface of the panels, making them work less effectively.
We get asked a lot whether you can power wash your solar panels, but we really don’t recommend this. Not only can the pressure of the water damage the panels, but you also risk damage to your roof, gutters, windows and fascias during the process.
At S&E Cleaning Services, we’ve been cleaning solar panels for years and have developed the best system for getting sparkling results. We use a pure water cleaning system that allows us to gently wash away dirt and debris without harming your solar panels.
If your solar panels need a good clean, get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote.