Since solar panels need to be free of dirt and debris to be at their most effective, a lot of people have started looking for ways to clean their systems. Though they can attempt to do it themselves, many wonder: “Can I hire someone to clean my solar panels?”
If you’re asking yourself the same question, read on. Here’s everything you need to know about solar cleaners, including whether hiring them is truly worth it.
Is Cleaning Your Panels Necessary?
As you probably know, solar panels work by turning sunlight into electric energy. The conversion happens inside the photovoltaic cells embedded in the panels as the sunlight reaches them through the thick glass casing the panels are made of.
For the conversion to be possible, the glass casing has to be fully transparent. In other words, no dirt or debris should be present on its surface. Otherwise, the sunlight won’t be able to reach the cells with the same efficiency, resulting in less energy for powering your home.
Thus, it is necessary to clean your panels at least twice a year. This amount is enough for most systems, although those situated in more extreme weather conditions might require more.
How Can You Clean Your Panels?
While cleaning your panels with some water might seem like a simple task, it isn’t that straightforward. For one, you can damage the glass casing if you scrub at it with certain brushes or use high-pressure cleaners. In addition, you can slip and get injured, as you most likely aren’t trained to balance and clean on top of a slippery roof.
Thus, it is best to hire a professional solar cleaning company. Though there are countless businesses that specialize in cleaning only, most solar providers also provide such services.
Hiring professionals to do the job is absolutely necessary if your roof is difficult to access or if you have a large number of panels. Furthermore, it is advisory to hire an expert to scrub your panels if you live in an area with strong winds and a high air pollution index. In such cases, the dirt is quite stubborn and hard to remove, meaning that professional equipment and cleaning supplies are necessary.
Is Hiring Professional Cleaners Worth It?
With the rising number of solar households in the US, it is no surprise that the number of solar panel cleaners has also increased. Nowadays, there are countless companies operating all over the country. In addition, each of them is trying to tailor its pricing to their customers’ needs.
Some cleaning companies charge their cleaning services based on the number of panels you have. In most cases, their rates range from $10 to $50, all depending on the size of your home and system.
On the other hand, certain cleaners have a fixed flat rate for all systems, regardless of their size. Thus, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $400 for one cleaning session.
Since dirty panels can reduce your energy production by as much as 35%, the prices mentioned above are more than worth it. By paying around $500 a year, you can save more than $1,500 on your power bill. More importantly, you won’t have to take any additional electricity from the grid.
To Conclude
As the effectiveness of solar panels decreases when they get dirty, it is essential to clean them regularly. Luckily, you can always hire a reputable cleaning company for the job.
They will clean your panels using professional equipment and materials, ensuring they do not get damaged. Aside from protecting the panels, hiring professionals will also save you money in the long run, making for an incredible bargain.
What Else to Read Regarding Solar
Free Government Solar Program
How to Measure Solar Panel Output?
5 Advantages of Solar Power
