Are you one of those people who made the switch to clean solar energy? If yes, you already made the smart choice for both your wallet and the future. However, do you know that having a solar system installed is not enough; being regular to clean solar panels is also a must. A little care is needed for your rooftop solar system to run smoothly and to impart maximum efficiency.
Rooftop solar panel cleaning is often overlooked, which can lead to the entire solar panel system becoming inefficient. Thus, in this write-up, given all the necessary details like how to clean solar panels, when to clean, etc. Read it till the end so that you can know all about solar panel cleaning.
Why Should You Clean Solar Panels?
Regular solar panel cleaning is key to ensuring that your rooftop solar system runs perfectly. By keeping it clean and intact, you ensure that you’ll receive maximum output from it. Another major reason to clean solar panels often is to detect potential issues earlier. It’ll save you from spending more later and let you enjoy better ROI during the entire solar lifespan.
How Can You Know About The Time To Clean Solar Panels?
If you can look at your rooftop solar system from the ground, simply look for dirt, dust, debris, bird droppings, or any kind of piled-up grime.
If you can’t look at it, monitor the output if there is any drop; it is a clear indication for you to clean the solar panels.
How Often Do You Need To Clean Solar Panels?
The primary question that you need to ask yourself is how often it is needed to clean solar panels. The general rule says to do rooftop solar panel cleaning at least thrice in a month. But it completely depends on the place and environment you are residing in.
For instance,
Rainy Areas
If you live in a place that gets regular rainfall, you don’t need to clean solar panels as often. Just clean the module with the cloth mop after the rain stops.
Dusty Regions
Living in an urban or industrial area or maybe a place with high pollution, you need to clean your rooftop solar system often, at least once in a week. If you are in a rural or farmland kind of place, the dust from there can get accumulated, making it a mandate to clean solar panels.
Places with Lots of Trees
If your home is in a place with lots of trees, chances are higher that you might find leaves, branches, and bird droppings collecting on your panels. In that case, you need to clean solar panels more regularly, mainly in the summer or spring.
Ways To Clean Solar Panels: A Detailed Explanation
There are various ways to clean solar panels, ranging from conventional manual cleaning to fully automated techniques. Let’s move ahead to know about each of these practices.
1. Automatic Robotic Cleaning
Next-gen technology makes it possible to manufacture automatic and semi-automatic robots specifically designed to clean solar panels. Portable semi-automatic robots are available in the market that can easily do rooftop solar panel cleaning on carports, shed roofs, greenhouses, etc. Besides this, fixed roof robots are also available in the markets ideal for solar panel cleaning at a large-scale solar system that requires regular cleaning.
2. Vibrational Cleaning
Under this technique, there is a way to employ sonic vibrations to dislodge accumulated dirt or dust. It all becomes possible with a DC motor mounted behind the panels that can be adjusted to induce vertical vibration. It can really save a lot of water and is highly effective when it comes to cleaning solar panels. On the other hand, it is quite limited and costly as well.
Though it is not recommended by some of the reputed solar companies to use it as it can broke the module glass. In case of using it, ensure the frequency level is of low vibration, i.e., 20-50 Hz, and the amplitude level should be between 0.5 and 2 mm.
3. Manual (Conventional Way) Cleaning
Cleaning solar panels manually is the old, traditional, and conventional way. All the above ways of rooftop solar panel cleaning are indeed efficient and effective, but there are many scenarios where these techniques have proved to be very expensive and inefficient. Manual solar panels cleaning is an ideal solution for smaller solar installations of residential or commercial scale.
What Tools To Use To Clean Solar Panels At Home?
As you are ready to do the task on your own, it is essential for you to clean solar panels safely, maybe in the early morning or evening when the panels are cool. Here are the tools that you need for rooftop solar panel cleaning at your place.
- A mild non-acidic cleaning solution for cleaning PV solar modules
- Low-pressure water hose
- Neutral water (pH: 6.5 to 7.5)
- Hand Wiper
- Soft brush, cotton mop, or soft sponge for the panel surface
- Gloves
- Steady ladder
- PPE for enhanced safety
Steps to Clean Solar Panels at your Home
Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning solar panels at home on your own.
First Step
Firstly, always remember to switch off the power to eliminate any kind of danger as a precautionary step.
Second Step
Wipe the surface of the panels with a dry mop. It ensures that no dust sticks to the panels after you pour the water on them.
Third Step
Hose off all the dry leaves, bird droppings, etc., at a low pressure.
Fourth Step
Dip your sponge in the normal water and softly wipe the surface. Don’t scrub harshly, as it can damage the cell or ARC coating of the panel entirely.
Fifth Step
Let the module dry off slowly. As the water will go away because of the inclination, wipe off any of the remnants to prevent stains or water loggings.
Once it all done to clean solar panels, let your panels dry. If there is humid or rainy weather, use a soft dry cloth to mop the panels. And now sit back and enjoy the benefits of solar energy.
Do’s And Don’ts Regarding Solar Panel Cleaning At Home Yourself
Here is a clear breakdown of the do’s and don’ts that you need to take into consideration to clean solar panels by yourself.
| Things to do to clean solar panels | Things not to do while cleaning solar panels |
| Take a long-handle and nylon-bristle brush to clean every corner and nook of the panels. | Avoid climbing or stepping on the solar panels to clean them. |
| Either use RO or low-mineral based water of a pH level of 6.5 to 7.5 at a low pressure to clean solar panels. | Prevent the usage of sprinklers for rooftop solar panel cleaning to avoid partial shadow on the panels. |
| Always turn off the power supply before solar system cleaning. | Avoid solar panel cleaning when the solar modules are too hot. |
| Take non-acidic and mild cleaning solutions into usage for cleaning, which are ideal for solar panels cleaning. | Do not use abrasive tools and oil-contaminated cloths or a mop to wipe off dirt, dust, and bird droppings while cleaning the solar panels. And prevent the usage of any unspecified module cleaning solvents. |
When to call a professional to clean solar panels?
It is alright to say that rooftop solar panels cleaning can be done by oneself, but there are times to call a professional for the same, which seems like the right choice. Here’s the scenario when to call them.
When you can’t clean solar panels
If you can’t reach the solar system, as it is installed on a steep roof, it’s better to leave the job to the professionals.
When you didn’t check on your solar system in a while
Even if your system seems to be working well, it’s good to have a professional inspection at least in even 6 months. A technician will come and clean everything or look for all other components as well.
When there is a drop in efficiency
If you are witnessing low output, you should look out for professional help to clean solar panels.
Final Note
It is imperative to clean solar panels regularly to maintain them for maximum efficiency and longer lifespan. If needed, don’t hesitate to call for some professional help. Be careful while cleaning rooftop solar panels, as you need to follow all the instructions and precautions mentioned above. Otherwise, you can damage the solar panel or cell, which can ultimately reduce your efficiency.
By staying proactive with maintenance and cleaning of solar panels, you can effortlessly continue to leverage the environmental and financial benefits of solar energy without facing any interruptions.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. How do I know that it’s time for me to clean solar panels?
If you are experiencing a drop in your energy output or see dust, dirt, debris, or bird droppings on your solar panels, it’s time for cleaning. Dust storms, high pollen levels, or various other environmental factors also indicates to clean solar panels even if the efficiency remains the same.
2. What is the best thing to use to clean solar panels?
A soft mop or a dry sponge is always ideal for cleaning rooftop solar panels cleaning. Currently, things like brushes and mops for the same are available in the market. With a long handle and dual-head brushes, it becomes easier for you to clean solar panels.
3. Does rain clean solar panels?
Rain particularly wipes off all the loose dirt, but it can’t remove stuck grime, bird droppings, or debris. It can also leave mineral deposits on your panels or streaks that can cut down the level of efficiency. It is true that it helps when it comes to clean solar panels, but professional cleaning is a must for maximum efficiency.
4. Can I use bleach to clean solar panels?
It is advisable to avoid using bleach or any harsh chemicals, as these can damage the solar ARC coating on the glass and reduce efficiency. So, always opt for mild, eco-friendly, or specified module solutions for optimum results.
5. Is it safe to use a sprinkler for rooftop solar panel cleaning?
Certainly, it is safe to use a sprinkler to clean solar panels, but it shouldn’t cast any shadow on the panels. And after cleaning, cloth wiping is a must to clean any sticky dust particles. And if the sprinklers are placed on the top of the panels, it can cast shadows on the panels, leading to a reduction in efficiency and eventually leading to the formation of hotspots.
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