Easy DIY Tips on How to Clean Solar Panels

Solar Panel

The energy generated by heat and sunlight is known as solar energy. When solar energy is converted into electricity or used to heat air, water, or other substances, solar power is created.

Solar energy can be used for a range of applications, including cabin remote power systems, telecommunications devices, remote sensing, and, of course, electricity generation by residential and commercial solar electric systems.

Since solar panels are usually mounted on higher ground, safety should be one of the first considerations. You may have found that your solar system’s overall performance has decreased after a month or so. Dust is, of course, the primary cause. Over time, layers of dust accumulate on the solar panel’s surface, decreasing performance significantly. Solar panels have an efficiency rating of 18% to 25% on average, but this rating will drop if they are dirty. The cleaning method for PV modules/Solar panels is determined by the type of dirt on the panels.

One of the most efficient ways to recover a solar panel’s lost productivity is to clean it properly. If your home solar system is less than 5 kW, wet cleaning with water and a brush is advised. Cleaning solar panels manually, on the other hand, is a challenging and time-consuming process if you have a larger solar system. As a result, solar panel cleaning robots are always the better choice. These systems clean solar system with air pressure and no water.

Here are a few steps you can take if you find solar panels within your safe range.

  • Turn off your solar system completely before you clean solar panel
  • Examine the manufacturer’s instructions for your solar panels. Most of the time, it comes with detailed cleaning instructions that is “how to maintain your solar panels”.
  • Avoid climbing onto your roof to clean solar panel. It is hazardous to both you and your solar panels. Clean your solar panels from the ground if at all possible.
  • There should be no use of metal objects, harsh abrasives, or detergents. Scuffs on solar panels can cast shadows and reduce efficiency. Simply wet a clean cloth-covered sponge or a soft plastic brush.
  • Power washing with plain water is the best method to clean solar panel because it is quick and effective, but it is also dangerous. The glass/metal seal on the front of the solar panel is unable to withstand the force of power washing, and forcing water into the solar panel would almost certainly break the panel and void the warranty. However, with caution, power washing can be efficient.
  • It’s possible that a decent nozzle attachment on your garden hose would help to clean solar panel. If there is a lot of dust and dirt on your solar panels, you may need to clean solar panel more thoroughly. Use a squeegee with a long extension to clean solar panel.
  • When the solar panels are hot, do not spray them with water. The glass may break, and even if it does not break, the metal/glass seal may be damaged. You could argue that rain on a hot day would have the same effect, but you shouldn’t take the chance.
  • You should never scrub dirt from your solar panel with anything other than a soft cloth. Scrubbing dust will permanently etch the glass of your panel and remove any hydrophilic or non-reflective coatings that may be present.
  • If the dust is loose, you may want to brush it away, but this may be difficult due to static electricity. Sweeping conserves water and is simple to implement; all you need is a good broom.
  • Rain is usually effective at removing dust from Solar panels. If rain is fairly consistent in your area.
  • Natural cleaning products, such as vinegar, are excellent for cleaning solar panels made of glass. To make a gentle but highly effective solution for your panels, combine 12 teaspoon non-abrasive detergent or soap with 2 cups water and 14 cup vinegar.
  • Avoid using detergents if at all possible, as they may streak the glass of the panel. The use of abrasive powders also increases the possibility of scratching the solar panels. Given the nature of high-quality solar panel glass, a little clean water and scrubbing with a coarse cloth-covered sponge or soft brush should be enough to remove even the most stubborn grime.
  • Half-fill the spray bottle with warm water and soap, then spray the solar panel. Using a soft cloth or sponge, clean the surface.
  • Use Windex to clean the panel. It does an excellent job.
  • Avoid climbing on the surface of the solar panel.
  • On the market, there are numerous solar panel cleaning equipment options.
  • Repeat the process every six months. This ensures that your solar panels remain clean while producing as much energy as possible.

I hope you found this information useful.