How to Clean Solar Panels? In-depth Solar Panel Cleaning Guide

Solar panel cleaning is very important to take the most out of solar energy. Frequent cleaning of solar panels ensures the longevity and efficiency of your solar system, so, enough care is a must to keep them working smoothly.

Solar panel washing with water by a newbie (or a noob) can be messy and a hassle. Even there is a chance of severe damage to the panels. Taking a little care can potentially keep your solar panels safe and working for years with a charming appearance. 

To avoid such damages, it’s important to clean solar panels properly. In this article, I’ll discuss how to clean solar panels safely at home and what are the key advantages of taking that much care. 

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Here are the Key Solar Panel Cleaning Tips

Needed cleaning tools list:

1. Extension ladder for reaching out
2. Garden hose with spray attachment
3. A soft sponge or brush  to smooth cleaning
4. Gloves to avoid any type of infections
5. Cleaning chemicals or soap

What not to do when cleaning a solar panel:

1. Do not use a high-pressure washer. It may damage the shielding glass on the solar module
2. Do not use chilled or cold water, this may result in a crack in in panels
3. Do not use highly concentrated or harsh acidic chemicals, such as bleach. It is harmful to both panels and the plants or wildlife in the nearby area.

Steps of the panel cleaning process [solar panel cleaning checklist]

• Switch off the solar system to cool down the solar panels first
• Gather the needed cleaning tools and chemicals near the panels
• Spray properly to the panels with soap or cleaning chemicals to rinse off loose debris or dirt
• Apply the cleaning solutions further to ensure thorough cleaning
• Wipe the panels off and clean the applied washing solution
• Repeat this process twice or accordingly to confirm the proper cleaning
• Make a thorough rinsing of all the panels and wipe the residue water from the panels.

That’s the total process of cleaning solar panels at home or DIY solar panel cleaning.

Manual Solar Panel Cleaning Steps

Solar panels consist of a lot of sensitive electronic components and there is always a chance to rust if exposed to excess water. Improper handling of cleaning tasks may even result in a panel breakdown. 

Manual solar cleaning is one of the most used methods by homeowners in the country. The things that must be available are sponges (wipers or such stuff),  clean water, a garden hose, and a strong elbow. It mostly suits the systems easy to unscrew and screw frequently if necessary.

Let’s learn how to do manual cleaning:

1. Take your solar panels down from the mounting structure by unscrewing them. 
2. Put on the rubber gloves and do proper scrubbing of panels with a soft sponge or brush.
3. Repeat the process twice or so. After the complete scrubbing, clean, and rinse off the solar panels. Make sure to wipe off the water from the panels. So, the residue water could not cause any rust stains on the panels over time.

Major Benefits of Solar Panel Cleaning

If you want maximum return on your solar investment with improved time, taking care of your solar system is crucial. The following is a list of potential benefits of regular cleaning.

1. High efficiency
2. Longer Lifetime
3. Better Appearance
4. Module Longevity
5. Improved ROI Time
6. Warranty Compliance
7. Enhance Durability

What Makes Solar Panels Dirty? [Signs When You Need to Clean Your Solar Panels]

The biggest inconvenience that solar panel owners face is the dirtiness of solar panels. This happens because panels have to be exposed to the open environment. Dirty solar panels are an annoyance as well as a safety concern. 

Dust buildup or debris can reduce the power output of your solar system and cause it to generate very little to no electricity. Hence damaging and slowing down the return on investment (ROI).

You must know the reasons that make your panels dirty. Here is the list of the most common causes:

• Dust and Dirt buildups: Our environment is much polluted, so, dust layers build up on solar panels with time.
• Debris: Plant debris (pollen and leaves) or bird droppings may stick to the panels and create a blockage of sunlight that prevents solar cells in the module from producing electricity.
• Water Residue damage: If water seeps into the panel, it might cause water damage and corrosion to the metal connections. So, moisture inside the cells makes solar modules less efficient.

Final Word

Cleaning solar panels maintains solar panels working and the electricity that each panel can produce. The bottom line, taking care of your solar panels is a must for you. This ensures the solar module’s longevity and efficiency. 

If you observe a decreased solar output or any power variations in the efficiency of your solar system, consider cleaning of panels and get them back on the job.

Sometimes just cleaning won’t work to keep them serving efficiently. This usually happens when your solar panels are much older or may be damaged. Then, it is time to replace them with new solar panels. Hope this cleaning guide will help you.

FAQs

Is solar panel cleaning a must? 

Yes, cleaning is a must. It pays off a long list of benefits as mentioned above. If you want an improved return on your solar investment, consider taking care of your solar system.

What type of solar panel cleaning brush do I use?

There is no hard and fast rule but be careful to avoid any damage to the glass shield on the module. It might be a soft brush or sponge that can easily clean dust or debris on panels.

How often to clean solar panels?

As a general rule of thumb, you should clean your solar panels twice at the lower end and four times at the most a year.

What is the safest way to clean solar panels? 

Environmentally friendly and hazard-free chemicals or soaps are the safest way to clean your solar panels. It also has no harmful content that damages plants or wildlife. Such chemicals can help to remove nasty and baked dust or debris on the panels.

Does rain clean solar panels? 

Again, it depends. Rainwater cleaning helps a little but not 100%. If your panels are bare-flat, the rain may not work as much. Also if the debris or dust is baked on the panels, the rain will not completely rinse it off and panel efficiency may decrease between 15-20%.

Is solar panel cleaning service costly?

It may or may not be costly. It depends on multiple factors like where you live or what type of solar installation you have opted for. It might be a ground-mounted, a high-rise, or on the rooftop. Try finding a local service provider, it could be a good balance between cost and service.

Should you clean solar panels yourself?

Yes, it is very little to no technical work.  If you have enough time and energy, you should wash your panels yourself. It will save you a cost and ensure careful consideration as well.