The Importance of Regular Solar Panel Cleaning

A well-maintained solar system and solar panel cleaning can increase energy production and save homeowners money on electricity bills. However, a solar system can quickly degrade and retain its effectiveness with regular cleaning.

A buildup of dirt, dust, sand, and other pollutants can reduce a solar panel’s efficiency. This could result in decreased output and a loss of investment.

Protects Your Investment

If you have solar panels installed in your home, keeping them clean is essential. This will help them function at their highest capacity, generating the most energy possible and qualifying you for net metering or feed-in tariffs.

Many homeowners and business owners with solar panels don’t clean them regularly, which can decrease energy production. That’s because soft grains, dirt, and dust particles build up on the surface of your panels and can reduce their ability to generate power.

Cleaning your solar panels can be a DIY job, or you can hire professional solar panel maintenance to handle the task. The latter option will ensure the job is done right, which is always better for your solar investment.

Increases Energy Efficiency

Keeping your solar panels clean and dirt free is necessary for their performance. Dirt can prevent the light from reaching your panel cells, which can reduce energy production and decrease its efficiency over time.

For example, if you live near an agricultural field, airport runaway, factory, or highway, your panels may accumulate more dirt than average. A simple rain shower will not efficiently remove these dirt buildups, and the performance of your solar panels can be affected accordingly.

When your panels accumulate dust or moss, spraying them off with a garden hose is the easiest and least intrusive way to clear them up. If your hose isn’t quite able to reach enough, you can also invest in a telescopic hose wand that provides more spraying control.

A professional solar cleaning service can employ various tools, including deionized water, to clean your panels. This water is chemical-free and can agitate grime, so it’s washed away thoroughly. The water can also clean other surfaces, such as the roof or walls, without residue.

Increases Lifespan

When solar panels are not properly maintained and cleaned, they degrade quickly. This is known as a degradation rate, which reduces the panel’s energy production by an average of 0.5% annually.

However, if you do regular maintenance, you can increase the lifespan of your solar panel system and protect your warranty. Many manufacturers have made it a requirement that you have regular solar panel cleaning done before they will extend your contract.

Clean solar panels are more effective at absorbing sunlight, increasing your home’s energy output. Dirty meetings are less effective, and they’re also more likely to have hot spots. This can reduce their efficiency and lead to more energy costs in the long run.

Protects Your Warranty

Cleaning solar panels regularly removes dirt, chemicals, and sand grains that can degrade a discussion over time. In addition, debris and dust buildup can obstruct the light that solar panels are designed to absorb.

Many solar manufacturers require proof of regular cleaning as a condition of their warranties, so keeping yours clean and free of damage is essential. Failing to do so can result in voiding your warranty.

Some homeowners may try to clean their solar panels, but this can be dangerous if not done correctly. Having a professional do the job can minimize risk, as they have experience working with ladders and pressure washers. They also have safety equipment and are trained in a safe way to climb the roof.

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