Your Guide to Solar Panel Cleaning

How often should you clean your solar panels?

If you want to maintain optimal efficiency while also extending the life of your panels, cleaning them at least once a year is highly recommended. Some panels are more susceptible to developing buildup than others, so if you notice that a particular panel is significantly dirtier than the rest, you may want to clean it more frequently. You can also use a cleaning service to have your panels professionally cleaned on a regular basis.

When should you start cleaning your solar panels?

While solar panel cleaning is a seasonal task which is made easy by the team at Perth Solar Power Installations, it is important to note that seasons vary depending on your location. In most places, you will want to wait until fall to start cleaning your panels. This is because, as summer comes to an end, leaves and other debris fall from nearby trees and remain on the ground through the fall season. Waiting until fall to clean your panels ensures that you remove any build-up caused by fallen leaves before it becomes necessary to remove pine needles that fall during the winter.

What are the benefits of vacuum cleaners in solar panel cleaning?

Vacuum cleaners are an ideal tool for cleaning your solar panels. They are portable, efficient, and can be used to clean both the front and back of each panel. If you have a large solar panel installation, a robot vacuum makes the process even easier by cleaning the panels for you. Not only do they help you clean your panels more efficiently, but they also save you time. Vacuum cleaners also come with various specialised heads. For example, a rubber blade head can help you remove caked-on dirt from the edges of your panels, something that is almost impossible to do with a broom.

5 Best Practices for effective solar panel cleaning!

Cleaning your solar panels, like any other cleaning task, requires you to use the right cleaning materials and follow the proper procedures. Following these best practices will help you get the best results when cleaning your panels. - Choose the right cleaning materials - Make sure you have the appropriate materials for the job. You will probably want to start by getting a long-handled broom, a stiff brush, and a vacuum cleaner with a long hose. - Wash the panels before cleaning - Before cleaning your panels, make sure to wash them with water. Washing them before cleaning will help remove any dirt and grime that may be caked on your panels. - Start at the top - Clean your panels from the top down. This ensures that any bubbles created by the cleaning solution do not drip back down and damage your panels. - Wash off any cleaning solution after you finish - Any cleaning solution that remains on your panels could damage them. - Avoid cleaning in the rain - The cleaning solution could be washed away before it has a chance to do its job, and the panels could suffer damage from the rainwater. - Note that the cleaning solution used on solar panels may not be the same as what you use on other outdoor surfaces in your home.

Squeegee and Dry Mop with Drying Agent

If you have a large solar panel installation, a squeegee and a dry mop with a drying agent should be your go-to cleaning tools. A squeegee works by putting pressure on your solar panels, which helps remove any dirt or grime that may be stuck to the panels. A dry mop with a drying agent can help you remove dirt and grime without creating any bubbles that could damage your panels. A vacuum cleaner can also be helpful in cleaning larger solar panels. However, if you have a very large installation, you may want to hire someone to come and clean your panels with a squeegee and mop combination.

Brush and Scrubbing Bubbles

For smaller solar panels, a brush and scrubbing bubbles can be helpful. A brush can help remove any dirt and grime that is attached to the panels, and scrubbing bubbles can help you get the bubbles out of the creases of your panels. Additionally, you can use a scrub brush with soapy water as a substitute for scrubbing bubbles. Scrubbing bubbles are often used when cleaning larger areas, such as the roof, whereas a scrub brush can be used to clean solar panels that are much smaller.

Conclusion

Solar panel maintenance is an important part of owning a solar energy system. Regular cleaning helps ensure that your panels are operating at peak efficiency and that they last as long as possible. Solar panel cleaning is a seasonal task, so it is important that you wait until fall to start cleaning your panels. By following these best practices, you can make sure that your solar panels are clean and ready to generate as much energy as possible. Reach out to the team at Perth Solar Power Installations today to take the hassle out of repairs, maintenance and cleaning.