Solar panels are a great way to obtain energy in an environmentally friendly way. One of the biggest advantages of solar panels is that they require minimal maintenance. The only thing you will have to do is clean your solar panels regularly. The process is fairly simple and requires minimal time and money. Take a look to find out how to clean solar panels.
Can I Clean Solar Panels Myself?
While you can hire someone to clean your panels for you, there’s no need to do so. Many homeowners clean their own solar panels. You just need to make sure you are being safe when doing so.
However, if you don’t feel comfortable cleaning your solar panels, you can always contact your solar panel installer and ask if they offer cleaning services or if they can recommend someone who does. While this is the safest way, it is also the most expensive one.
What Is the Best Way to Clean Solar Panels?
The best way to clean solar panels is to do it safely. This means not having to use a ladder or go onto your roof. You just have to know how to clean solar panels from the ground. Using a garden hose to spray solar panels may be all you need to get rid of debris.
What do you use to clean solar panels? Plain water is ideal. It’s best not to use soaps or chemicals since they can leave a film behind or damage the panels. If you have hard-to-remove debris on your solar panels, such as bird droppings, use a mild soap such as Dawn dishwashing liquid. You can use a soft scrubber or sponge to remove debris. Be careful not to scratch the panels and avoid contact with wires and cables.
How to Clean Snow from Solar Panels
If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, you may be concerned about having inches of snow on your solar panels. How do you clean solar panels covered in snow? Experts say the best course of action is actually to do nothing.
There are several reasons for this. The sun, combined with gravity, will likely melt off the snow in a matter of days. Another important reason is that it’s dangerous. You could try to remove the snow with a long-handled brush, but there is always the concern of falling. Another issue is that the snow could fall on you. Ice and frozen snow can be harmful and may cause severe injury. Even if you don’t get on your roof, there is always a risk of slipping and falling.
Another reason you should avoid cleaning snow from your roof is that you could damage the panels. Scraping too hard can scratch them and affect their performance.
How Often Should Solar Panels Be Cleaned?
You may wonder how often to clean solar panels. On average, a cleaning every six months should be enough. Aim for the end of summer and winter, as these are the harshest seasons in which debris tends to accumulate. However, there may be times when more frequent cleanings are needed. Go off your energy bills and look for fluctuations in performance. If you see any, it may be time for a cleaning.
Does Cleaning Your Solar Panels Make a Difference?
If your solar panels seem to be declining in performance, then simply hosing off your panels may make a difference. However, many experts claim that investing a lot of time and money to clean your solar panels may not be worth it. Many think a good rain is all you need. But if it’s the middle of summer, it may be a few months before you see rain, so if you’re not patient, then cleaning the panels right away is your best option.
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Are you interested in solar panels? Design 1 Solar Group offers solar in 14 states. Fill in your ZIP code online to see if we service your area. Contact us today for more info about solar.