Cleaning Solar Panels the Right Way
It is a common question, how to clean solar panels? Solar panels do not have to be cleaned at all, but just being cleaned periodically can help improve their efficiency. And even if you live in a region where it never really rains, or in which it is particularly dusty and filthy, this impact can still be amplified. So this is a topic that deserves some exploration.
Basics
First of all, when cleaning solar panels, there are a few things to consider. For one thing, do not just run the blades away from the panel. This will lead to premature failure, and even though you may not realize it while looking at your panel, this is exactly what is happening to many of us! When you remove the binding from the panels, you essentially sever the flow of charge from the cells. When this happens, your panel will stop producing power, and you’ll need to replace it before the batteries lose their capacity.
Next, remember that washing solar panels is not just a matter of removing the dirt and dust that accumulate on the surface. Many times, the actual cause of damage is a build-up of dust and grime. So this aspect of cleaning solar panels is also important. Just use a non-abrasive brush, and gently wipe away anything that looks foreign or dirty – including any watermarks or streaks.
Of course, not all rain is bad news. Rainwater can be a good thing, as it provides a great source of water for any number of uses. So if you are going to clean your solar panels, make sure you consider this. You might even consider taking a few buckets of rainwater and splashing it on the panel to rinse off any buildup.
Cleaning Methods
Also, keep in mind that there are two types of cleaning panels – mechanical and chemical. If you’ve never cleaned your solar panels before, it may be a good idea to go with the mechanical method. Simply unscrew the panel from its box, and remove the entire assembly. To do this properly, ensure that you have a bucket underneath the panel that will catch all the drips. Additionally, some manufactures recommend that you spray silicon cleaner directly on the panels, although this is not necessary. If you find that the panels require more than a simple wipe down, you may consider using a combination of the two!
The chemical method of cleaning solar panels is probably the best way to go. Many people are surprised to learn that making your solution to clean the system isn’t nearly as difficult as they might think. This is simply because vinegar and water are the most common cleaning agents. Of course, there are many different types of granular cleaners available, so make sure you research the best ones. For those with deeper cleaning issues, it may even be advisable to purchase a professional cleaning agent for the job.
Another option when cleaning solar panels is to use a rain barrel. A rain barrel will provide a simple and effective way to help aid in keeping your system clean. While a regular rain barrel won’t be able to capture as much rain as a larger one, it will still help to provide some of the needed rainwater. One of the main reasons why cleaning solar panels become necessary in some areas is because of the amount of pollution present in some areas. A simple rain barrel can capture and save this water which can then be used for other purposes.
Hire Professionals
For those who have bigger problems, cleaning solar panels may need to include the help of a professional cleaning service. When you do find a professional who can help with the cleaning process, always keep in mind that you should only use products that are meant to be used on the particular type of panel you have. You also need to make sure that the person you hire has experience in cleaning solar panels and doesn’t have any negative things to say about the process you are going to undertake. If you keep these important details in mind, you’ll be sure to find the best professionals to help clean your panels.