Solar panel manufacturers suggest that using detergent-free water, ideally deionized, will be sufficient to clean most solar panels, most of the time. Manufacturers strongly recommend not using detergents that can leave scratches and, therefore, compromise the effectiveness of the panels. Rarely, greasy spots may appear on the panels. You can find them if you live near a common trucking route or an airport, and you can combat them with some isopropyl alcohol and a rag.
It is essential that you avoid the use of strong cleaning detergents, as they can scratch and damage the glass and affect the efficiency of the panel. Manufacturers DO NOT recommend using harmful chemicals or detergents to clean solar panels. However, they do recommend regular cleaning of solar panels with purified water, especially before the start of summer and winter. The manufacturers also claim that regular cleaning of solar panels will preserve their limited warranty and help maintain optimal performance of the solar panels.
Although solar panels don't need constant cleaning, removing build-up is part of their maintenance. Not all solar panels have the same maintenance tips, so it's important to consult the manufacturer's instructions before doing any home cleaning tasks. With a few easy-to-find tools, homeowners can learn how to safely clean solar panels to increase their efficiency, as well as determine when it would be best to hire professional help for solar panel cleaning. It's important to remember that, in general, solar panels require little maintenance, and that it's enough to spray them with a hose from time to time.
With lower solar production, homeowners rely on energy from an additional energy provider, increasing energy bills and the payback time for solar energy. To get the most out of a professional solar panel cleaning service, homeowners can start a simulated version of the cleaning process. A professional solar panel cleaning company may not do a significantly different or better job than you can do yourself, but it is better equipped to safely clean and maintain roof units. If your panels are leased, solar energy lease agreements usually include a maintenance clause of some kind.
If snow persists on the panels, you can also invest in tools such as a snow rake for solar panels, which makes it easier for homeowners to safely remove snow cover from solar panels. Since solar panels are usually placed on roofs or high areas, cleaning them requires paying special attention to safety. To determine the impact of cleaning solar panels, homeowners should review their energy bills before and after cleaning. Without an extension pole long enough, an extension ladder will be necessary to reach and brush the solar panels.
Windex is a cheap and widely available cleaner that is excellent for cleaning glass surfaces, such as those on a solar panel, to ensure that they work at maximum efficiency. In winter, snow usually doesn't need to be removed from solar panels, as it usually slips on its own. After removing dry debris with a brush, a garden hose can remove most of the dirt left on solar panels.
