Tips for cleaning solar panels Do not use a pressure washer, as it can damage the glass of the solar panels, do not spray cold water on the hot panels, as this can cause the panels to crack, do not use harsh chemicals, such as bleach, as they can damage the solar panels and also harm nearby wildlife. If the panels have not been cleaned for a long time, washing may not be enough to remove dirt. In this case, you should brush off any dry dirt before using a hose. You should avoid chemical agents in general, but you can use a small amount of soap and water to clean stains with an excessive build-up of dirt.
For installations where frequent panel cleaning is required, it is necessary to evaluate cleaning processes and equipment and determine if a chemical cleaning solution is necessary. Starting with gentle brushing is the best way to clean solar panels, because if there is a lot of material on the solar panels, immediately mixing the residues with water can cause them to spread and stain. Professional solar panel cleaners use the term “dirt losses” to describe the loss of efficiency caused by the accumulation of dust and dirt in the photovoltaic system. A rotating brush is placed on the wheels that slide across the solar panels, allowing for almost hands-free deep cleaning.
It can also void existing warranties due to non-compliance with the manufacturer's specifications for solar panel maintenance. With cutting-edge technology, it's easier than ever for homeowners like you to maximize the return on investment by owning solar panels. The best residential solar panels have a 25-year warranty to cover product and installation problems, but they still need regular cleaning to remain productive. After removing dry debris with a brush, a garden hose can remove most of the remaining dirt on solar panels.
Knowing that UV light destroys everything, especially in California, I wanted to find a way to block UV light and clean my solar panels so that the visible wavelength would be obstructed. Rough cleaning instruments, such as abrasive cloths and sponges, or brooms with very thick teeth, can scratch the surface of the panels. If you're desperate to clean your panels to the point of thinking about using bleach, check out Solar Analytics beforehand to see how the performance of your solar system is affected. If your house is near a road or a construction site, both of which cause excess debris in the air, you'll need to clean your solar panels more often.
For example, you may need to clean the panels more often if you have a lot of trees on your property that deposit leaves, dirt, pollen, and other debris on the panels. Looking for a solar panel cleaning professional is best for conditions that are too complex to be addressed with a garden hose and sponge. Your panels may need additional cleaning if your home is near a construction site or an industrial area. I would say that most solar PV manufacturers will categorically say that they do not use harsh chemicals, such as Windex, or cleaners with any kind of “sand” to clean.
