While it might not be something you automatically think about, grubby solar panels will not work as effectively and you should always pay attention to how clean they are. Depending upon where you live and what your solar system is exposed to, it may require professional cleaning from time to time to keep it performing efficiently, or on a more regular basis.
What can dirt and pollution do to solar panels?
Dirt and airborne pollutants will not only have a direct impact upon how much solar energy the panels can produce, but they can also damage the solar cells themselves.
A solar cell that has been coated with dust and grime will resist the power generated by other cells, and will cause the dirty cell to heat up and become damaged.
How dirty can they get before they require cleaning?
All solar systems will get a bit dirty over the passage of time, and dust and other pollutants will inevitably build up on them. However, while most dust and grime will simply wash away during the next rain shower, if you live in a heavily polluted area, you may be able to see the dirt becoming worse on the panels, and if you’re able to hose them down from a safe position, this may suffice. For heavier grime, however, such as bird droppings, you’ll probably need to call in a professional solar panel cleaning company, or reach out to the company who installed the system for you, since getting up there and cleaning the panels yourself may not be safe, or possible.
What should you clean the panels with?
If you’re able to clean the panels safely yourself, you can do so with simply a sponge, dish soap and water. Before doing so, however, it’s important to check the solar panel documentation in case there are any special care instructions. The last thing you want to do is damage the panels, so it’s imperative to check before cleaning, or simply don’t take the risk, and have a cleaning company do it for you.
Note that it’s best to clean the panels when the sun isn’t shining directly on them, as they can get very hot and may be difficult to touch and clean.
If you can’t even check the solar system safely due to its position on the top of the building, one solution is to have a CCTV camera installed in a position pointing at the panels. This means that you can keep a close eye on the panels without having to risk your safety, and when they’re beginning to look grubby, place a call to a solar system cleaning company.
Keeping your solar panels free from dirt and pollutants is essential for their overall performance, and having them professionally cleaned as and when required, will help them last much longer.
[addtoany]