Ways to clean solar panels
The use of solar panels is getting more common day by day. As the whole world is shifting towards sustainable forms of energy, therefore, people prefer solar energy over electrical energy. Am I right? Yeah, I am. In the present era, nothing is more beneficial than solar panels.
Solar panels are designed in a way that you can use them for 25 to 30 years. They don’t require any maintenance after installation but still their cleaning matters a lot. Leaving them as such can decrease their lifespan. Well, cleaning the solar panel is not as difficult as you’re thinking.
We’re here to give you all the necessary info about solar panel cleaning services. Just have a cup of tea and sit on the couch to read the article with great focus. Let’s have a glimpse on the details of the following article.
Is it convenient to clean the solar panel?
If you’re planning to clean the solar panel by yourself then, I have good news for you. Nothing is easier than solar panel cleaning. Solar panels produce energy with no moving parts. Unlike other power generation systems, solar panels come with a simple design. So, you will not have to put more effort into cleaning the solar panel. How’s that? Just wow.
You will not find any blades or complex machinery unlike other power generation systems. Also, no fossil fuel combustion takes place inside them. This simplest model requires less time and effort for cleaning.
Is it important to clean solar panels?
As mentioned earlier, solar panels cleaning enhances it’s life span. As solar panels are non-motile, therefore, dust particles accumulate easily on them. The accumulation of dust highly affects the working of solar panels. Dust particles on the surface don’t let the sunlight hit the solar panel. This decreases the output of solar panels by 50%.
The decrease in working of solar panels will cause a reduction in your savings. You will start saving less on your electricity bills. The actual purpose of its installation will be ended. I don’t think so, any of the readers are ready to suffer from this loss.
What components of solar panels should be considered while cleaning?
Following components require deep cleaning.
- Aluminum frame in the solar panel requires your attention. It holds all other components together but it is greatly exposed to the dust. It is coated with corrosion resistant material. In order to keep that coting in place, you will have to clean the aluminum frame.
- Glass cover protects your whole solar panel. Also, it is delicate to some extent. So, don’t forget to clean it.
- Backsheet covers the back part of the solar panel. It is not always exposed to the dust. So, it requires less cleaning as compared to other components.
Let’s get ready…
Before cleaning the solar panel, you will have to do some preps such as gathering solar panel cleaning tools and checking the weather. If the weather is rainy then leave this task on the next day. And if you cannot do it by yourself then get the solar panel cleaning services done because solar panel cleaning cost is not very high.
Tools required for solar panel cleaning:
Your solar panel cleaning kit must have the following tools.
- Dry cloth
- A squeegee
- A soft brush
- Solar panels cleaning solution
- an extension pole
Step by step guide:
Follow the steps written-below in order to achieve the best results.
- Clean it from dry dirt:
Don’t wash your solar panel directly. Otherwise, water and dust will make mud which will become quite hard to clean. You can use any soft brush to remove accumulated dust. Solar panels cleaning brush must be soft. You can move to the next step once you get satisfied.
- Make a cleaning mix:
In a bucket, mix some water with any good detergent. Mix it well. And your cleaning mix is ready. Don’t add any bleach or hard detergent. It can affect the coating.
- Apply the solution:
Apply the solution all over the solar panel. Don’t leave any part. Because cleaning mixtures deeply cleans everything. After applying the cleaning solution, leave it for some time.
- Sprinkle the water:
After leaving the cleaning solution for some time, sprinkle some water over it. Then, use the squeegee. It will absorb excess water. Not only this but it will also bring the shine to the surface.
- Point out the trouble spots:
Some spots are extremely dirty because of buildups. You will have to pay special attention towards them. With the help of a small brush, rub the spots nicely.
- Rinse it with clean water:
Now, connect the pipe with a water hose. And start rinsing the solar panel. Don’t use pressure washers because this is not so durable. Point out the water towards each and every part. Once the clean water starts to run off, it means your solar panel is fully cleaned.
- Dry it:
Once you’re done with the cleaning process, start drying it with the clean cloth. Don’t leave the water on it because it can again mix with the dirt. Try to remove excess water.
How often should you clean the solar panels?
Solar panels should be deeply cleaned twice a year. But you should clean them thoroughly once a month. Also, it depends where your home is located. If it is nearer to the construction area then, you will have to clean the solar panel frequently.
Some precautionary measures…
Don’t forget to follow the precautions.
- Never pressure wash your solar panel.
- Don’t do this task by yourself if it is placed very high.
- Don’t use bleach while making a cleaning mix.
Final thoughts!
Solar panels give extraordinary results if they are maintained properly. The best thing is, it’s quite easy to clean the solar panel. Read the above article with great focus. If still in doubt, then you can avail solar panel cleaning service. Thanks for reading and visiting the article. I hope it proves to be helpful for you.
