Solar panels can be one of the best investments you make for your home or business; however, like most exterior fixtures, solar panel cleaning can help keep them performing at their best. You may be asking “Should I be cleaning my solar panels?”. You should, however, not as frequently (or as vigorously) as you may expect.
In this solar panel cleaning guide, we’ll show you when and how to clean your solar panels so you can get the best performance from your system year-round.
Do You Need To Clean Your Solar Panels?
Solar panels generate power from sunlight – and dirt prevents that sunlight from reaching the solar cells. Over time, dust, debris, and other dirt particles can build up on the surface of your solar panels. Typical examples include:
- Bird droppings.
- Dust.
- Pollution.
- Dead leaves.
- Dirt and debris from the surrounding area.
The UK weather will naturally clean your panels to an extent – but you should still occasionally wash away any excess buildup. Depending on your location and environment, you may see losses of: minimal efficiency (under light dust/dirt), and up to 15–25% efficiency with heavy buildup. Ensuring your panels are clean will help them produce their maximum output. However if there are still signs of minimal efficiency, then your solar panels may need troubleshooting. See our Solar Panel Troubleshooting Guide.
Do Solar Panels Self Clean?
Sort of. Rainfall in the UK can wash away light dust and debris from solar panels. However, rain won’t typically clean away:
- Greasy residues (think bird droppings).
- Excessive dirt/grime.
- Anything stuck in-between panel fixtures.
Rain should be thought of as a rinse, rather than a deep clean.
How Often Should Solar Panels Be Cleaned?
Unless you live in a particularly dirty area or have especially low-installed panels, you’ll likely only need to clean your solar panels once or twice per year. You may need to clean your solar panels more frequently if: you have nearby trees/farmland, lots of birds sit on your roof or you live in a polluted area. If you can see dirt/buildup on your panels from the ground, you’ll likely need to clean them.
How To Safely Clean Solar Panels
Here’s our step-by-step solar panel cleaning guide to safely cleaning your solar panels.
Remember to turn your solar system off first.
1. Pick a Cloudy Day for Cleaning
Ideally, clean your panels in the early morning/evening or when it is overcast so there is less light reflecting the panels. You should never clean your solar panels in direct sunlight. Solar panels heat up when in direct sunlight which will mean that when you try cleaning them, the water will evaporate too quickly and leave streak marks.
2. Grab a Hose and Soft Cloth
Typically, you won’t need anything else to clean your solar panels. A hose and cloth should suffice, however, you may want to use a bucket of lukewarm water for tougher stains. You shouldn’t be using pressure washers, harsh chemicals, metal wire brushes or any abrasive fabrics.
3. Rinse Away Loose Dust
Begin by hosing down your panels from top-to-bottom. Use your brush/cloth to gently scrub away any lingering particles you can see, but pay special attention to dirt/buildup in corners.
4. Leave to Air Dry
That’s it! Similar to most UK laundry days, your solar panels can air dry.
Should You Clean Solar Panels Yourself?
While it is possible to clean your own solar panels, you should ensure it can be done safely.
You should clean your own solar panels if:
- The panels are easily accessible.
- You don’t have to climb onto any roofs.
A professional solar panel cleaner should be used if:
- The panels are located on high/steep roofs.
- Cleaning your panels puts you in any danger.
Professional solar panel cleaners have the tools and experience to clean your panels without leaving any streak marks. For example, they will use purified water systems to get your panels sparkling clean.
Solar Panel Cleaning Mistakes To Avoid
Never attempt to clean your solar panels by:
- Using a pressure washer
- Walking/directly standing on top of panels
- Scrubbing your panels with abrasive brushes
- Using strong chemicals
- Cleaning in direct sunlight
These actions could damage your solar panels.
Will Cleaning Solar Panels Increase Energy Output?
Provided your panels are dirty, then yes, cleaning your solar panels can increase energy output. It’s likely that light dust won’t affect your solar panels too much. However, providing your panels are dirty, you should see an increase in power once cleaned. Solar panels should be seen as a relatively low maintenance investment. However, they’ll still require the occasional clean.
Conclusion
We recommend cleaning your solar panels at least once per year. If you notice a significant drop in performance between cleans, you may want to check them regularly. Cleaning your solar panels can greatly improve energy production, particularly during sunny months.
In summary, solar panel maintenance doesn’t have to be a chore. From following this solar panel cleaning guide, you can keep your system efficient and performing at its best year-round. By understanding how and when to clean your panels, you’ll guarantee they’re operating at maximum efficiency. As with most solar-related queries, if you don’t know, please ask a professional. Eden Power Offers Complete Solar Assistance – from advice to maintenance, we can help with all things solar at Eden Power.
Contact our award-winning team today to keep your solar panels performing at their best.
