How to Clean and Maintain Solar Panels: 4 Easy Steps
Dirt lowers how well solar panels absorb light. Learn how to clean solar panels with plain water, a microfiber cloth and the right top-down technique.
Solar panels are a technology that can effectively generate electricity to meet their users' needs. Even so, did you know that how well a solar panel performs depends on how clean it is? Here are some easy steps for maintaining your solar panels.
Tips for Maintaining and Cleaning Solar Panels
- Clean With Plain Water
Solar panels are installed outdoors, so it is no surprise that they need regular cleaning. Dirt covering the surface of the panels can reduce how efficiently they absorb light. The way to clean them is with clean running water.
Use water at room temperature. There is no need for hot water, because it would evaporate faster given how hot it already is on the roof. Plain water is also easier for cleaning workers to carry up to the roof. It is also harmless if it spills and splashes on the workers.
- Avoid Using Soap
Soap is often chosen because it lifts stains more effectively. Even so, avoid using it on solar panels. Pay close attention to this step, because the substances in soap or other cleaning liquids can leave stains that are hard to remove and may affect how the panels work.
As long as you clean the panels gently, every stain on the solar panel will come off by itself. Use a microfiber cloth and rub carefully. There is no need to press too hard, as this could damage the panel. A damaged panel is hard to repair and has to be replaced, which of course costs more.
- Start Cleaning From the Highest Surface
Panel modules are installed in neat arrays, so it is more effective to clean them starting from the higher surface. Running water pushes the dirt toward the lower part. The cleaning also finishes sooner, and water is used more efficiently.
Cleaning with the right technique also makes the job lighter. The cleaner doesn't have to spend long rubbing each panel module with a fiber cloth. Dirt washes off by itself when the water is poured from the top of the module. The running water carries away the dirt that is still stuck on.
- Clean Thoroughly, Right Down to the Gaps Between Modules
It is a pity if the cleaning isn't done properly. The part that is often forgotten is the gap between solar panel modules. This area is harder to reach. But skipping it can make stains more stubborn and harder to remove from the surface.
SUN Energy: Well-maintained solar panels can last longer. Their light conversion efficiency can also be kept up. Regular cleaning is a sensible habit so that you don't have to buy new solar panels too often, given that they aren't cheap.
