If you’ve switched over with others to harness solar energy within your home, then you have made a wise choice-not just for your wallet, but also for Mother Earth. However, just like every other “house” system, your solar panels need some care and maintenance for routine smooth operation.
Whether cleaning dirt or making sure that everything is still in good working condition, the regular maintenance of solar panels is one of the most important aspects of ensuring that the system is efficient. In this post, we shall present all the solar energy maintenance information you require, from when to clean your best solar panels to what you can do yourself and when it’s time to call a professional.
How Do You Maintain Solar Panels?
Solar panels will usually be cleaned manually once in a dry season or a prolonged period without rain. Cleaning is done between two and up to four times a year, preferably using a leaf blower or a quick wash with a garden hose. During winter, lukewarm water is used to clear snow off the panels, or it can be done using a long-handled squeegee after heavy snowfall. Never use hot water as it would most definitely crack tempered glass panels. Clean a solar panel between two and four times a year.
How Often Is Solar Panel Cleaning Required?
Solar panel maintenance consists of cleaning the panels twice a year unless more frequent cleaning is necessary, according to the location and the environmental conditions surrounding your home.
Dusty Area
Areas in urban settings or industries with rampant pollution or dust may necessitate cleaning every so often, possibly every 3 months. On the other hand, systems in rural areas or near farmland tend to require more frequent cleaning since dust will continue building up.
Area Around Trees
If big trees are surrounding your house, leaves, branches, or bird droppings may clutter your panels, warranting cleaning quite often, especially during fall when leaves fall.
Rainy Conditions
Regular rainfall diminishes the necessity for cleaning panels since rainwater would simply wash the dust away, possibly once or twice annually.
How To Clean And Maintain Solar Panels ?
So, How Safe and Efficacious can you go in cleaning and maintaining solar panels? Here is a step-by-step guide to help you along.
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The Right Weather Time
You want to ensure it’s just right before you begin cleaning your panels. Do this when not sunny during the cool, overcast hours of early morning, to avoid having the water evaporate too quickly because of heat, which leaves streaks or risks permanent damage. Avoid doing it in the scorching heat of midday since these panels would be at their hottest.
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Switch Off Your Solar System
Safety comes first! You need to turn off your solar system before doing anything. This prevents you from getting electrical issues when you’re cleaning. Most systems come with a shutoff switch that is easy to find. It could be located near your electrical panel or inverter.
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Right Tools For The Job
Now, the following are the cleaning tools you will need for cleaning solar panels:
- A soft brush or microfiber cloth. (Never abrasive)
- A hose with a gentle spray (No pressure washers)
- A bucket of warm, soapy water (Any mild dish soap works)
- Telescopic poles or extendable handles (used to clean hard-to-reach areas safely)
Keep away from harsh chemicals or abrasive materials capable of scratching or damaging the surface of your panels.
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Gently Clean The Surface
Begin by brushing away loose dirt, leaf, and debris from the surface of the panels and use the soapy water with a soft cloth to clean the panel. Use it with a little force on the glass. Don’t forget to clean the edges and spaces that accumulate dirt between panels.
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Rinse Thoroughly
Once the panels are scrubbed, rinse them over with clean water and remove any soap or residue. This works great with a gentle hose and spray nozzle. Just be cautious of the medium to low water pressure; too high could damage your panels.
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Look For Damage Or Debris
This is the perfect time to visually inspect the panels for cracks and loose wiring, and for debris that may have obstructed your panels while cleaning them. Whenever you notice any problem, take note so you can address the problem before it becomes bigger.
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Routine Maintenance
Apart from cleaning, keep an eye on the performance of your system. You will have to check the output of your solar panel regularly. Most of the time, you can do this using your app or through the inverter’s monitoring system. In case you sense that the output has dipped, cleaning the solar panel installation may not solve the issue; thus, there is a deeper problem. A solar and battery storage system allows homeowners to store excess solar energy for nighttime use.
Conclusion
As already discussed, the essential maintenance of solar panels goes a long way toward enhancing solar system efficiency and durability while ensuring the highest return on investment. Constant cleaning and inspections, along with professional services when necessary, will keep the solar panels functioning efficiently for years to come. With proactive maintenance, you will continue to reap the green and economic benefits of solar power technology without interruptions.
