How To Wash Solar Panels

Without it your panels could generate anywhere from 15 25 less energy depending on the extent of filth.

How to wash solar panels. The reason behind this is that sudden and drastic differences in temperature could crack the surface of the glass. However if your solar panels are only tilted minimally or you live in a high traffic dry or dusty area or even by the sea then you re going to need to clean your solar panels in order for them to continue generating maximum output of power. We ll get to the best way to clean your solar panels in a minute. Clean solar panels from the ground for safety reasons it s also wise to clean your panels from the ground if possible.

They found that tilted panels don t require cleaning as much as flat panels. Keep in mind that you shouldn t use any type of. A good quality soft brush and a squeegee with a plastic blade on one side and a cloth covered sponge on the other coupled with a long extension can make for the perfect tools allowing you to stay on the ground. However unless you live somewhere with high amounts of smog dust dirt or sand blowing around solar panel cleaning is generally not necessary in most cases occasional rain will be enough to naturally and safely keep your solar panels clean and free of debris that could lower production.

Solar panel manufacturers do not recommend the use of cold or hot water to clean the panels. Your solar panels need to be exposed to sunlight in order to produce power. Solar panel wash video source polywater use water with a similar temperature. Because you don t want to scratch the panels in any way it s best to use just water and a non abrasive sponge to apply soapy water.

But first let s look at when and why you might need to invest in solar panel cleaning equipment or hire a professional cleaning service. Many of those who are new to solar energy don t actually know that solar panels need to be clean in order to properly work. That s why it comes as a surprise to most when they re told that solar panels require routine cleaning. In most places there s more pollution in the winter which is why the spring is a good time to do an annual cleaning.

Solar panels that are cleaned once and twice a year produce 3 5 and 5 1 more electricity respectively than those that are left uncleaned. The most effective way to clean your solar panels is with a hose and a bucket of soapy water. Solar panels are generally pretty much self cleaning as natural rainfall will usually wash away the accumulated dust and grime.