How Often to Clean Solar Panels?

How often to clean solar panels? It is generally recommended to clean solar panels every 6 months to a year in order to maintain the life of solar panels.

If you have solar lights in your garden or yard, one question may be on your mind: how often should I clean solar panels? Specifically, it depends on factors such as your local environment, climate, and the amount of dirt accumulated on the panels. In fact, the maintenance cost of solar panels is relatively low. Rainfall can help keep them clean to some extent. However, if you live in an area that receives little rainfall, or if your solar panels are exposed to large amounts of dust, pollen, leaves, bird droppings, or other debris, they may require regular cleaning to maintain their optimal performance. It is generally recommended to clean solar panels every 6 months to a year.

You can clean the solar panels with a soft cloth or sponge, or mild detergent. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that could damage the panels. If your solar panels are mounted on a roof, it is best to hire a professional solar panel cleaning service to ensure the job is done safely and efficiently.

Is rainfall enough to clean solar panels?

While rainfall will help remove dust and grime, it’s not a panacea for cleaning solar panels. Because the surface of the panels may look clean after a storm, the rain may leave a residue on the panel that is not visible at first glance. Rainwater contains “airborne dust particles” that can still leave a layer of dust on the panels. This means that while rain may wash away old dust from the panels, it can also bring new dirty particles with it. A thin layer may not seem like a big deal, but if left to build up for too long, it can greatly reduce the efficiency of the panels.

Even once a year can improve efficiency.

In addition to basic particle removal, most solar experts recommend that you give your panels a thorough cleaning at least once a year. The study found that annual thorough cleaning could boost energy output by up to 12% compared to panels cleaned by rainfall alone. If you have time to increase cleaning frequency to twice a year, even better! Mild soap and a soft glass cloth will do the job well. It would help if you did cleaning work early in the morning or at night. When the sun is shining, the solar panels heat up quickly, making washing more difficult.

How to clean solar panels?

The following is a guide on how to clean your solar panels:
1. Turn off your solar panel system, which will help ensure your safety.
2. Use a soft brush to clean the surface of the dirty panel to remove debris such as dirt and dust.
3. When cleaning panels with water, be sure to use a standard garden hose and soapy water. You don’t need a unique cleaning solution to clean the boards, regular dish soap will work perfectly. You’d better avoid high-pressure hoses to wash your panels, as they can develop cracks or otherwise damage your solar system.
4. Once the cleaning process is complete, monitor the energy output to see the difference in efficiency!

Key Points to Note:

1. Bird droppings, dust, and pollution can all reduce the efficiency of solar panels.
2. If you are in a dry area or near a source of pollution, you may need to clean them more often.

In conclusion, the best advice is to schedule a cleaning at least every six months. If you feel that the panels are getting dirty quickly, you may need to shorten the cleaning cycle. If there is no major problem, cleaning every six months is enough. It is best to wash in late winter and summer!