Do Solar Panels Need to Be Cleaned?
Do you have solar panels somewhere on your Greensboro, NC property? If so, you are familiar with how helpful they are. During the day, they collect sunshine, converting this natural energy source into electricity. This electricity reduces your reliance on the grid, resulting in lower utility bills. Over time, though, solar panels will collect debris, causing them to become dirty. So, do solar panels need to be cleaned? And if so, what is the best way to go about this work?
Cardwell Cleaning is here to help! In this blog, we’ll explain how debris affects solar panels and why solar panel cleaning is so important. Then, you can make a decision—would you rather clean solar panels on your own, or reach out to us for help?
Why Solar Panels Become Dirty
So, why exactly do solar panels become dirty in the first place? Solar panels have to be outside in order to gather sunlight. However, the outside world is also a dirty, dirty place. Over time, your solar panels will accumulate a shocking amount of debris, including dirt, pollen, dead insects, and bird droppings. You might even find organic substances such as algae growing on your solar panels. All this debris doesn’t do much for your solar panels’ appearance; in fact, it makes them quite unsightly, reducing your property’s curb appeal in the process.
We highly recommend that you have your solar panels cleaned to prevent this from happening. Proper cleaning will drastically improve your solar panels’ appearance. How often should they be cleaned? We suggest annual solar panel cleaning for year-round beauty.
Surface Debris Reduces Solar Panel Efficiency
Debris does more than harm your solar panels’ appearance. It also negatively impacts their functionality. Consider what solar panels do. They collect sunlight and transform it into electricity. However, when the surfaces of your solar panels are smothered with grime, they won’t be able to catch as much sunshine. This means less electricity generated, increased reliance on the grid, and higher utility bills.
Boost solar panel efficiency and save money with solar panel cleaning! Tackle debris before it accumulates too heavily, and you’ll enjoy the benefits.
Tools Needed For Solar Panel Cleaning
Do solar panels need to be cleaned with a specific set of equipment? For the best possible results, yes. Let’s review what exactly these tools are. That way, you can plan ahead for your DIY solar panel cleaning project (assuming you aren’t scheduling an appointment with a professional business). First of all, we highly recommend using soft-bristled brushes and microfiber cloths during solar panel cleaning projects. These tools won’t scrape your solar panels, allowing you to avoid any risk of damage.
You’ll also need a gentle cleaning solution for your solar panels. There are many solar panel cleaning detergents sold in uniquely marked bottles, and you can find them at your hardware store. However, dish soap and warm water are usually enough to get the job done, too. Don’t forget squeegees. With squeegees, you’ll be able to dry your solar panels without causing any streaking. Finally, make sure you have a garden hose so you can rinse solar panels as needed.
Preparing For Solar Panel Cleaning
Before cleaning your solar panels, you will want to make sure they are powered off. There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, there is an increased risk of personal injury when washing solar panels that are still turned on. Remember, solar panels generate electricity, and electricity and water don’t make for a safe combination. Additionally, solar panels are more likely to become damaged if you don’t power them off before attempting to clean them.
You should also consider the safety of any areas near your solar panels. For example, do you have any delicate flower beds or gardens near your solar panels? If so, you will want to protect these areas from damage. We recommend simply covering them with tarps or drop cloths. Consider also relocating any furniture or decorations near your solar panels before beginning the cleaning process.
The Solar Panel Cleaning Process
Now, let’s delve into the solar panel cleaning process together. The first thing you’ll want to do is rinse your solar panels. Then, using your cleaning solution of choice and a brush/cloth, gently scrub your solar panels. Target all debris, and work carefully to ensure its complete removal. Once you are done, rinse the solar panels again before drying them with a squeegee.
We recommend waiting for your solar panels to be completely dry before turning them back on. At this point, they will be sparkling clean and ready to generate solar power! Why wait to let them leap back into action?
DIY Vs. Professional Solar Panel Cleaning
Do solar panels need to be cleaned? During this blog, you’ve discovered that the answer is a resounding yes. However, that just leads to another question—what’s the best way to clean them? More specifically, should you do this work on your own, or should you reach out to a professional business for assistance? That depends on your personal preferences. For example, if you want to save as much money as possible, DIY solar panel cleaning is the right choice. By doing your own work, you won’t have to pay a team to do it for you.
However, DIY solar panel cleaning isn’t always easy. It’s a time-consuming, energy-demanding process. If you would rather pay money to avoid this challenging work, consider an appointment with Cardwell Cleaning, a locally owned and operated business.
Getting Started With Solar Panel Cleaning
With our solar panel cleaning services, it’s never been easier to make solar panels look their best again. Our professionals are highly experienced in this work, and best of all, they’ll do it for a reasonable price, too. Don’t hesitate to contact us online with information about your project. That way, we can get back to you as soon as possible with a free cost estimate. Then, if you like our suggested price, choose a time and date for your appointment!
