How Often Do Solar Panels Need To Be Cleaned?

Solar panels are a fantastic investment in energy savings, but just like any technology, they need proper upkeep to continue functioning properly. 

One of the most common questions solar panel owners ask is how often solar panels need to be cleaned. Generally, it’s recommended to clean your solar panels at a frequency of once in 6 months to 1 year, depending on your environment. 

However, if you live in a dusty area or near trees, you may need to clean them more often. Regular cleaning ensures that your panels work efficiently and last longer, giving you optimized benefits out of your investment.

Why Cleaning Your Solar Panels is Important

Cleaning your solar panels plays a big role in keeping them efficient. Over time, dirt, dust, leaves, bird droppings, and more can build up on your panels, blocking sunlight and reducing their ability to generate energy. Even a small layer of dirt can lower the performance of your system. 

By cleaning your panels, you ensure that they capture sunlight as effectively as possible, helping your system work at its best.

While solar panels are made to withstand almost all kinds of weather, they still need regular care to avoid problems like mold, moisture buildup, or dirt accumulation, all of which could hinder their performance. Maintaining clean panels in the proper method ensures they continue to work efficiently for years.

Factors That Affect How Often You Should Clean Solar Panels

Local Weather Conditions

The need for cleaning depends heavily on where you live. In areas with frequent rain, natural washing helps keep the panels clean. However, if you live in a dry, dusty area, or one with harsh wind storms, you might need to clean your panels more often.

Nearby Trees

Solar panels near trees often get leaves, twigs, and pollen on them. If trees surround or hover over your panels, you may need to clean them more frequently, especially in the fall and spring when leaves fall. Keep in mind that while trees can provide shade, they also bring additional debris.

Birds and Other Animals

Bird droppings, nests, and other debris left by animals can also block sunlight and damage your panels. If your panels are in an area where birds frequently perch, cleaning may be needed more often to avoid efficiency loss.

Air Quality and Pollution

If you live in a place with high pollution or near industrial areas, your solar panels may collect more dirt and grime. Airborne pollutants can cause quicker buildup, requiring more regular cleaning compared to areas with cleaner air.

Rainfall

Rainfall can naturally clean your panels, especially in regions that get frequent rain showers. In such areas, you may not need to clean your solar panels as often. However, during dry spells or in areas with minimal rainfall, manual cleaning may be necessary.

How to Properly Clean Your Solar Panels

Cleaning solar panels is a delicate task that must be done with care. Here’s how to do it safely and effectively:

Turn Off the Solar System

Before you start, make sure to turn off the solar power system to avoid any electrical issues. This includes switching off the inverter to prevent any potential damage.

Use Soft Materials

Always use a soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge to clean the panels. Avoid using rough materials like steel wool, which could scratch the surface and reduce the panel’s efficiency. Try using a soft cloth ensure you don’t cause any damage during the cleaning process.

Use Clean Water

When cleaning, use clean water that is either lukewarm or at room temperature. If necessary, you can use a mild soap solution, but make sure to thoroughly rinse off any soap residue. For the best results, deionized water is preferred because it leaves no mineral deposits on the panels, ensuring they stay streak-free.

Avoid Cleaning in Direct Sunlight

The best time to clean solar panels is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the panels are cool. Cleaning during the middle of the day when the sun is hottest can cause the water to dry too quickly, leaving streaks and stains behind. Clean panels in the cooler hours to avoid this issue.

5. Check for Damage

While cleaning, inspect your panels for cracks, loose wiring, or any other damage. If you spot anything unusual, it’s important to address it right away. Early detection can prevent bigger issues down the road that could cause irreversible damage.

Should You Clean Solar Panels Yourself or Hire a Professional?

DIY Cleaning

If you’re comfortable with it, cleaning your solar panels yourself can be a cost-effective option. You’ll save money on professional cleaning fees, and it gives you control over the process. 

However, DIY cleaning can be risky if you’re working on high roofs or panels that are difficult to reach. Improper cleaning techniques or using the wrong equipment could also lead to damage to the panels.

Professional Cleaning

Hiring a professional cleaning service can be a good choice, especially if your panels are located in hard-to-reach places. Professionals are well trained and use specialized tools to safely clean your solar panels without causing damage, following the best practices. They also have the experience to detect minor issues, such as broken panels or faulty wiring, which might affect your system’s performance. While professional cleaning is more expensive than DIY, it ensures that your panels get a thorough, safe cleaning. Scheduling a professional cleaning service will ensure that the panels are safely cleaned. 

When to Clean Solar Panels

Before Summer

It’s a good idea to clean your panels before the summer months, when they will be getting the most sunlight. By cleaning them ahead of time, you can ensure that your system works at maximum efficiency during peak energy production months.

After a Storm or High Winds

After a storm or dust storm, it’s wise to clean your solar panels. Debris such as leaves, dirt, and branches can quickly accumulate, affecting performance. Cleaning after severe weather ensures your system is ready to go back to work.

If You Notice Reduced Performance

If you notice a sudden drop in your solar panel’s energy production, it’s a good idea to check for dirt or debris. A dirty panel can significantly reduce the amount of energy your system generates. 

Cleaning your panels may restore their performance optimally. If cleaning doesn’t solve the problem, it’s time to call a professional.

Solar Panel Cleaning Costs

The cost of professional cleaning depends on several factors, including your location and the size of your system. On average, professional cleaning can range from $100 to $300. The price may vary based on the difficulty of access, the size of the panels, and whether additional services (like inspection) are required. 

Even though it might seem like an added cost, cleaning your solar panels is a small price to pay for maintaining their efficiency and longevity.

Conclusion

In summary, cleaning your solar panels is essential for maintaining optimal performance and extending the life of your system. Environmental conditions, the surrounding vegetation, and pollution levels all play a role in determining how often you should clean your panels. 

On average, cleaning every 6 months to 1 year should suffice, but you may need to clean them more often depending on your unique circumstances. Whether you decide to clean the panels yourself or hire a professional, regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring that your solar system continues to deliver energy savings and environmental benefits.

Sustainable Living Builders is a sustainable roofing company that offers high-quality and eco-friendly roofing, repairs, and the like for residential and commercial buildings. Contact now for more details and request a free quote for their reliable services. 

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