For the most part, solar panels require very little maintenance or cleaning. But this does mean that at least once a year you should get up there and take a look at whats going on. Dust, dirt, debris and leaves can build up on your solar panels, preventing them from working efficiently. So just how do you go about cleaning your solar panels? Well, here at the Eco Renewables Group, we are Preston’s leading solar panel experts. As a result, we have produced this guide to how to clean solar panels.
Tips for cleaning solar panel glass
First things first, make sure you are working safely with your solar panels. Not only is the height of the solar panels a risk, you also need to shut down the power system before you begin.
If your solar panels are accessible from the ground, then all you need is a good quality soft brush and a squeegee with a plastic blade on one side and a cloth covered sponge on the other. An extension long enough to reach your panels will help you remove all the debris that has built up. You can also use your hose to gently stream water over the solar panels. But don’t try to pressure wash them!
However, if you cant clean your solar panels from the ground, keep your safety in mind and instead contact a qualified professional to clean your panels instead.
When to clean
Your solar panels will only need cleaning a maximum of every 6 months. This is because they generally take care of themselves, and rainfall can really help remove a lot of the dirt. But a good clean twice a year should be enough to keep your solar panels performing at their optimum.
Cleaning your solar panels on an overcast day, early in the morning or in the evening is a good idea. This is because the sun can cause the water to evaporate quickly, leaving the dirt smeared, rather than removed. In fact, early morning can be the best time for cleaning, as the morning dew will have softened the dirt, which will make the surface easier to clean.
For more information or advice about solar panels, get in touch with the experts today, here at the Eco Renewables Group.