How to Clean Solar Panels on Your Roof

Maintaining clean solar panels is crucial for ensuring they operate at peak efficiency. Over time, dirt, dust, bird droppings, and other debris can accumulate on the surface, reducing solar panel efficiency to absorb sunlight. Here’s the best way to clean solar panels effectively, ensuring they stay in optimal condition.

Why Cleaning Solar Panels is Important

Dirty solar panels can significantly reduce the amount of energy your system produces. Dust, bird droppings, pollen, and other debris can block sunlight from reaching your panels, which decreases their efficiency. Regular cleaning can enhance the lifespan of your panels and boost your energy savings.

When to Clean Solar Panels on Roof

The frequency of cleaning your solar panels largely depends on your location and environmental factors. Generally, it’s recommended to clean them once or twice a year. However, if you live in a dusty area, near construction sites, or under a tree where bird droppings are common, you might need to clean them more frequently.

How To Clean Solar Panels on Roof

1. Safety First

• Turn Off the System: Before you begin cleaning, ensure your solar panel system is turned off to prevent any electrical hazards.
• Use Safety Gear: If your solar panels are on the roof, wear appropriate safety gear such as a harness and non-slip shoes. Consider hiring professionals if the roof is steep or difficult to access.

2. Choose the Right Time

• Cool Weather: Clean your panels during cool, overcast days or early in the morning to avoid rapid evaporation of water which can leave streaks on the panels.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Cleaning solar panels in direct sunlight can cause the water to dry too quickly, making it harder to clean effectively.

3. Gather Cleaning Supplies

• Soft Brush or Sponge: Use a soft brush, sponge, or cloth to avoid scratching the surface of the panels.
• Mild Detergent: Prepare a bucket of soapy water with mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the solar panels.
• Hose or Low-Pressure Washer: Use a garden hose with a gentle stream of water. High-pressure washers can damage the panels and are not recommended.

4. Cleaning Process

• Rinse Panels: Start by rinsing the panels with water to remove loose dirt and debris.
• Scrub Gently: Dip the soft brush or sponge into the soapy water and gently scrub the panels to remove any dirt or grime.
• Rinse Again: Rinse the panels thoroughly with water to remove any soap residue.

5. Avoid Using Pressure Washers

1. High-pressure water can damage the panels. Stick to a gentle stream from a hose.

6. Drying the Panels

• Squeegee: Use a squeegee to remove excess water and prevent water spots.
• Air Dry: If a squeegee is not available, you can let the panels air dry. Ensure no water spots remain that can cause shading.

7. Regular Maintenance

• Frequency: Clean your solar panels at least once or twice a year. If you live in an area with heavy pollution, dust, bird droppings, or near construction sites, you may need to clean them more frequently.
• Monitoring Performance: Regularly monitor the performance of your solar panels. If you notice a significant drop in energy production, it might be time to clean the panels.

What to Avoid

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use strong detergents, abrasive powders, or solvents that can damage the panels’ surface.
• No Sharp Tools: Never use metal objects, knives, or sharp tools to remove debris. They can scratch or damage the solar panels.
• Don’t Walk on the Solar Panels: Walking on the panels can cause microcracks and reduce their efficiency.

Professional Solar Panel Cleaning Services

If cleaning your solar panels yourself seems daunting or risky, you can always hire professional solar panel cleaning services in Australia. They have the right tools and expertise to clean your solar panels safely and effectively.

Monitoring and Maintenance

Regularly check your system’s performance via your energy monitoring system. If you notice a significant drop in energy production, it might be time for a cleaning or a professional inspection to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Conclusion

Keeping your solar panels clean is crucial for maintaining their efficiency and extending their lifespan. By following these best practices, you can ensure your solar panels operate at their optimal performance and continue to provide you with clean energy.

Also read: How Much Does a 6kW Solar Battery Cost in Australia?