Cleaning and Maintaining Solar Panels

Why is it Important to Clean and Maintain Solar Panels?

Solar panels can accumulate a layer of dirt, dust, debris, or even bird droppings. While it may seem insignificant, these can negatively impact the performance of your panels. The dirt on the panels can prevent sunlight from penetrating through to your solar cells, reducing the amount of energy produced by your system. This means you won't get the maximum amount of savings on your electricity bill which leads to less efficient solar production and potentially costly repairs. Maintaining and cleaning your solar panels ensures that they are producing the maximum amount of energy possible and in turn saves on your electricity bill..

How Often Should I Clean My Solar Panels?

The frequency of cleaning your solar panels will depend on a few factors such as your location, average weather patterns, and even the amount of pollution or vegetation in your area. As a general rule of thumb, it's recommended to clean your solar panels once or twice a year. If you notice more dirt and debris on the panels, you may want to clean them more often. Keeping your solar panels clean can keep them operating at top efficiency for up to 25 years, which is the expected lifespan of most solar panel systems.

Can I Clean My Solar Panels or Should I Hire a Professional?

Cleaning solar panels takes a lot of time and can be very dangerous. With most solar panels being located on a roof, it can be very dangerous to attempt to clean them. For this reason, it is recommended you hire a professional to clean your solar panels. Trained professionals have experience handling solar panels and cleaning them properly without causing any damage or safety concerns.

Do Dirty Solar Panels Affect Their Efficiency?

Yes, dirty solar panels can affect their efficiency. Even slight dirt accumulation on your solar panels can cause them to produce less energy. While this may not be noticeable in the short term, over time you may see the impact on your energy savings. By keeping your solar panels clean, you can always maintain their maximum efficiency throughout their lifespan.

How Can I Tell If My Solar Panels Need Cleaning?

If you notice a significant drop in your solar panel system's energy output, it could be an indication that your solar panels need cleaning. Another way to tell if your panels need cleaning is to perform a visual inspection. Regularly check your solar panels for dirt, dust, debris, or any other obstruction that may block out the sunlight. If you notice a layer of dirt or bird droppings on your panels, you'll know it's time for cleaning. You can also monitor performance by comparing your electricity bill month by month. If your panels are not producing as much energy as they usually do, it might be that cleaning is needed.