How to Clean Solar Panels for Optimal Performance
Solar panel cleaning is very essential because if it is cleaned, it absorbs more sunlight and performs best. Many people are not aware of the importance of cleaning solar panels and how to clean solar panels well.
As everyone knows, solar panels need minimal cleaning, but you need to clean them every six months to a year to get optimal power generation. In this blog, let’s discuss everything related to solar panel cleaning and maintenance of solar panels.
The importance of cleaning solar panels
Solar panel cleaning is important because dirty solar panels block the sunlight by 30%. A periodic cleaning increases the efficiency and life span of the solar panels. Over time, the dirt will deposit on the panel, even on rainy days.
Now let’s see the other reason for solar panel cleaning,
- Solar panel damage
- Warranty compliance
- Improve ROI time
- Don’t think there is no need to clean on rainy days
Dust, dirt, and debris cause solar panel damage and reduce the life span of the panel.
Many solar panel companies and manufacturers suggest regular cleaning as their warranty condition. If you do, it prevents unnecessary repair costs.
The cost of a solar panel is not cheap; according to the brand, you need to pay a significant amount for it. So you need to make sure that you get ROI as fast as possible.
Many people think that there is no need to clean your panels on rainy days. But the fact is, even on rainy days, there will be leaf and mud deposition, which will cause damage to panels.
How to clean solar panels?
You can clean your solar panels on your own. To clean this, you need only soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth to clean away dust, dirt, and debris. Don’t use harsh brushes or high-pressure water to damage your solar panel.
You can also use a solar panel cleaning machine that is available on the market.
Tips for cleaning and maintenance of solar panels
Over time, dust, dirt, bird droppings, and pollutants accumulate on the solar panels. So you need to inspect and clean your solar panels regularly to get better performance. Here you can see the tips for cleaning and maintaining your solar panels.
Tips for maintaining solar panels
- Use mild soap and water
- Avoid harsh sponge
- Avoid high-pressure water
- Rinse thoroughly
Tips for cleaning solar panels
A regular inspection is important to identify if there is any damage to the solar panel and when to clean the solar panel. Some tips for solar panel maintenance are given below.
- Clean regularly
- Use the right tools
- Use the right tools
- Avoid harsh chemicals
- Regular monitoring
What Are The Steps To Clean Solar Panels?
Before you start to clean your solar panel, you need to read the manufacturer's instructions. Because some products harm your panel, and they may have some cleaning suggestions. If your solar panel is purchased and installed from Geps Energy ,their technicians will give a detailed guide on how to clean solar panels, when to clean them, and how to maintain solar panels.
Check out the steps you need to follow for solar panel cleaning.
Schedule cleaning
Avoid solar panel cleaning during the peak sunlight hours when the panels are hot. Because the water will evaporate and leave stripes on the panels. So it is advisable to clean in the early morning or late afternoon.
Make everything ready
To begin cleaning, you should first prepare by assembling your cleaning kit and ensuring that the water is ready for use.
Remove dust using a soft brush
Use a brush with soft bristles to remove the dust on the panels. Cleaning solar panels manually is better than by a machine. Manual cleaning is very effective and inexpensive, but cleaning by machine is very expensive.
Spray water to clean
Spray the panels to remove the dirt and debris. And use the nozzle to control the power of the water.
Scrub with a soft brush and water
After spraying the water, you need to scrub the dirt and bird poops with a soft brush and soapy water.
Measure the effectiveness of clean solar panels
After cleaning the solar panels, measure the amount of energy it is generating. If you use the right equipment, clean the panel properly, and get the required amount of energy, then your cleaning process has been successful.
After cleaning, you need to inspect for any signs of damage. If you couldn’t clean your solar panel for months, dirt and debris accumulated on it, and you are in an extreme weather condition. It is good to call a professional to clean it effectively.
Things to avoid during cleaning
- Avoid cleaning when panels are hot and on heavy rainy days.
- Avoid cold water on the hot panel.
- Avoid high-pressure water.
- Certain cleaning products like detergents, abrasive sponges, and hard water.
These are the common and key things to avoid during cleaning the solar panels.
Hope this information helps you to know how to clean solar panels properly and how to maintain them. Solar panels are expensive, and last for many years. So it is necessary to keep your solar panels in good condition by properly cleaning and maintaining them. If you installed the solar panels from a reputed company, you will get assistance, and they will provide guidance regarding the cleaning and its maintenance. Geps Energy is a reputed company in Kannur, and it has a branch in Kanjangad. Their team is always available to give complete assistance on installation, other issues, and maintenance of solar panels.
