Before summer comes, you should ensure that your solar panels are in pristine condition. Only then will you be certain that you’re getting the most out of them. After all, not cleaning your panels regularly could reduce their efficiency by at least 35%, if not more. Therefore, don’t forget to add that to this year’s spring cleaning to-do list. In light of that, here’s our list of 5 easy solar spring cleaning tips.
5 Easy Solar Spring Cleaning Tips By Solar Professionals
1. Always Check the Instructions
While most solar panels don’t require any cleaning, some can highly benefit from it. In any case, you should check the manufacturer’s instructions that came with the panels. They could have some special requirements that you need to be aware of. What’s more, some instruction manuals actually do contain information on how to properly clean the panels.
In case they didn’t come with any instructions, you could try contacting the manufacturer directly and asking them how to properly care for your panels.
2. Safety First
Of course, we will always recommend hiring a professional, perhaps your chosen solar panel company, to clean the panels, especially if they’re high up on your roof. After all, they already have the knowledge and equipment needed for it.
However, if the budget is tight or you’re confident in your skills, it’s definitely not impossible to do it yourself. In that case, you’ll need to acquire a ladder, safety harness, and ropes to prevent you from falling, as the roof could get wet and slippery.
3. Remove the Debris Before Cleaning
In most cases, rainfall will take care of the debris that accumulates on the panels, especially if they’re slanted. Yet, some types of dirt, such as leaves and bird droppings, can be quite stubborn and stick to the panels.
Remove the debris by hosing it down or using your hands. We also advise cutting the surrounding branches and shrubs to prevent them from damaging the panels. That will also make it easier for you to reach and clean them
4. Be Careful Not to Damage the Panels
In case your solar panels still have a layer of dust and grime on them even after the hose-down, you can rub them gently with a clean cloth, sponge, or soft brush. You can use some mild detergent or biodegradable soap mixed with water to help you remove it easier. Even better, you can purchase a solar panel cleaning solution.
Whatever you do, don’t use harsh chemicals and tools that could scratch the panel and reduce its efficacy.
5. Purchase a Solar Panel Cleaning Kit
While you can use regular detergent to clean your solar panels, it might not be the best choice. After all, there are cleaning solutions and tools designed specifically for solar panels. We suggest purchasing those if you can, as they could make your job much easier. These products typically come in kits and they’re quite affordable.
An average solar panel cleaning kit will contain a biodegradable cleaning soap/detergent, a brush, and a sponge to soak up the excess water. The brush will usually have soft bristles and an extendable handle that allows you to reach even the farthest of places.
The Bottom Line
Spring is just around the corner, so the timing is perfect to think about your solar panels. To ensure they’re at their best before summer comes, you should clean them and remove all the debris from the rough winter days. In addition, regular check-ups and maintenance are a must when you have solar panels.
Although calling a professional might be more optimal, you can always consult these 5 easy solar spring cleaning tips in case you want to do it yourself.
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