One way to ensure that your solar panels are free from dirt and grime is to clean them frequently. This can be done by either cleaning them yourself or hiring a professional Roof Cleaning company to do it for you. Some solar companies will clean your panels for you for a small fee, or they may recommend it as part of annual maintenance. While this might sound like a good idea, the average increase in output is small, and cleaning them often does not yield much of a return.
If you’d rather clean your panels yourself, you can mix dishwashing detergent with water and hose them off. To clean them, stand on a sturdy ladder, if necessary. Using a soft-bristle brush, you can clean the solar panels without scratching them, which will reduce energy production. When you’re done, rinse off the cleaning solution thoroughly. If you’d prefer a professional, consider hiring one, especially if your roof is particularly steep.
Bird droppings can be especially tough to remove, as the particles can block airflow and damage solar panels. Birds can also nest in solar panels, causing them to overheat. Putting up a bird barrier will prevent them from nesting, which can be an effective way to discourage birds from ruining your panels. It’s also important to keep the area around your solar panel clean from debris. When it comes to removing bird droppings, a soft bristle brush is the best option.
Professional solar panel cleaning isn’t necessary if you are physically fit. Many people don’t have the equipment to clean their panels themselves. They may have to rent a ladder or buy expensive cleaning gear, or they simply don’t have the physical strength or stamina to do so. In these cases, a professional solar panel cleaning service may be the best option. It’s possible to get the work done more efficiently and improve overall power output by using robotic cleaners.
The most effective way to clean your solar panels is to use a bucket and a hose. The process of cleaning solar panels is similar to washing a car. You want to be gentle, but not too rough, as scratches are permanent. You should use soapy water instead of water, as high-pressure sprayers can damage them. You can also use plain dish soap with water. It will work to clean most of the dirt and grime off your solar panels.
Regularly cleaning solar panels is a good idea if you want your panels to last longer. Most panels will get cleaned naturally during the rain, but you should do it at least once a year. If you live in a drought-prone state, you may have to clean them more often. Even if you don’t need to clean them very often, you’ll have to take action if they are causing you problems.
If you’re concerned about the safety of employees on a solar project, you may want to consider investing in an automatic cleaning system. Automatic solar panel cleaning systems are easy to use and require only occasional replacement of water filters and refills of soap concentrate. These systems attach to solar panels and wash them automatically with water from a nearby source. You can plummet the system to an existing hose bib or use a copper or plastic line.
Some companies offer full maintenance suites that include infrared inspections, critter guard installation, and more. After cleaning, you’ll have a clear picture of how efficient your solar panels are, and you’ll see an increase in production as a result. Likewise, some companies recommend twice-yearly cleanings to ensure your investment is in good shape. Cleaning twice a year will save you money and energy in the future.