A common question for those who have solar panels is how often they need to be cleaned. Keeping solar panels clean helps them work better, saves you money, and benefits the environment. However, cleaning too often can waste time and resources.
Recommended Cleaning Schedule
How often you need to clean your solar panels depends on your setup. For flat panels, like those on carports, cleaning is important because rain can’t wash away dirt as easily. In one case, cleaning flat panels after 15 months doubled energy output. Another cleaning eight months later improved it by 36%. For flat panels, aim to clean every six to eight months.
Tilted panels on rooftops don’t need as much attention. Rain helps keep these clean, and any dirt that collects in the corners usually doesn’t affect performance much. For these panels, you can get by with cleaning once a year or even less often.
Clean panels mean more energy, which helps you regain your investment faster. Even a small amount of dust can reduce energy output by large amounts. Keep an eye on your panels and clean them when necessary to make sure they’re going to deliver the best energy output.
Factors Influencing Cleaning Frequency
Where you live plays a big role in how often you need to clean your solar panels. In dusty areas like deserts, dirt can build up very fast. Urban areas with heavy traffic or industry also mean more grime on your panels. Coastal areas may deal with salt buildup which can cause corrosion and require more frequent cleaning.
If you live in a region with regular rainfall and your panels are tilted, nature may take care of some of the cleaning. But don’t rely on rain alone. Weather events like sandstorms can leave a mess that rain can’t handle. The key is to monitor your panels and adjust your cleaning schedule based on what you see.
DIY vs. Professional Cleaning
You can clean your solar panels yourself or hire a professional. DIY cleaning involves using a soft brush, soapy water, and a hose. It’s a budget-friendly way to maintain your panels, but it can be risky if you need to climb onto your roof. It also takes time, especially for larger systems, and using the wrong cleaning materials could damage your panels.
DIY Cleaning
DIY cleaning saves money and lets you clean your panels on your own time to prevent dirt buildup which can help extend their life. However, it requires careful planning such as when you’re dealing with roof panels. It can be time-consuming, and there’s always the risk of injury or damaging the panels if you’re not careful.
Professional Cleaning
Professional cleaners use special equipment to clean the panels. They know how to handle panels without causing damage and can complete the job fast and in a safe manner. Professional services also eliminate the need for you to climb on the roof. However, these services do cost you money, and you’ll need to schedule whenever services are available as opposed to whenever you want.
Clean Solar Panels Is The Goal
Keeping your solar panels clean is important to maximizing your energy savings and protecting your investment. How often you need to clean depends on your setup and environment. Flat panels need more frequent cleaning while tilted panels can often rely on rain to help. If you live in a dusty or polluted area, you’ll likely need to clean your panels more often. Whether you clean them yourself or hire a professional is up to you. In the end, regular checks and cleaning, by you or professionals, will help keep your solar panels running well.
Solar panel cleaning is one of the many services offered by Between Cleaning. Our team uses specialized techniques to safely and efficiently clean your solar panels, removing dirt, dust, and debris that can reduce their efficiency. Regular cleaning helps your solar panels operate at peak performance, ensuring maximum energy output and saving you money in the long run. For more information, please visit Between Cleaning.
