Nowadays, with the increasing demand for clean, renewable energy, investing in solar panels has become an incredible opportunity. Though solar panels significantly reduce your electricity costs, they need special care to achieve optimal performance like any other valuable equipment.
Bird droppings, dirt, pollen, dust, leaves, and other similar substances can cover the panels' surface over time and block sunlight from hitting the solar panels directly. This is how the electricity generation is greatly affected. The power output can be reduced by 20% or even more in some cases.
This is where solar panel cleaning comes in handy. Regular cleaning not only improves overall efficiency but also increases the lifespan of panels.
How Often Should You Clean Your Solar Panels?
If your solar panels are dirty, they may produce 20% less power than they are supposed to generate in normal conditions. When it comes to cleaning solar panels, there is no fixed rule that you should follow to achieve the maximum efficiency possible. Generally, cleaning your panels twice a year is a good practice, as it ensures they are functioning correctly.
However, the cleaning frequency may be different in different regions. It also depends on the type of panels, weather conditions, and installation location. If you live in an urban area where there is a lot of dust and you often experience the coverage of leaves and bird droppings on your panels, you may have to clean them more frequently compared to those living in rainy areas, where dirt, dust, and bird droppings are cleaned automatically.
Similarly, if you have installed old and textured panels, you may need frequent cleaning due to debris in the grooves and dirt buildup. In contrast, newer panels are smoother and require less cleaning. Plus, they are easier to clean.
What Is the Best Way to Clean Solar Panels?
Since solar panels are the most expensive equipment in your solar setup after batteries, they need proper care during cleaning. Generally, it is recommended to call a professional cleaner to clean your panels. But, if you want to do this task yourself, make sure you have the right tools and skills to do this job.
You can easily find a cleaning solution designed for solar panels on the market. Alternatively, you can prepare your own solution by mixing water and mild soap (such as a dish soap) for safe solar panel cleaning. Here is how you can clean solar panels.
- Step 1: Wash your panels with water to remove debris and loose dirt.
- Step 2: Now, apply the cleaning solution to your solar panels with a squeegee or a piece of soft cloth.
- Step 3: Scrub away any stubborn debris or dirt using a soft-bristle brush.
- Step 4: It is time to clean your panels with water to remove soap residue or cleaning solution.
- Step 5: Dry the panels with a clean, soft cloth.
What Shouldn't You Do When You Clean Solar Panels?
Now that you know how to clean solar panels properly, it is time to learn what you should not do while cleaning. Below is a list of points to consider.
- Don't Walk On the Panels: Walking on the panels may void the manufacturer's warranty. Plus, it can lead to a reduction in efficiency and physical damage.
- Avoid Cleaning on a Sunny Day: It can be harmful to your personal safety. Moreover, cleaning hot solar panels may make the cleaning solution evaporate quickly, leaving residue or streaks on the surface. Therefore, it is better to clean solar panels in the shade or on a cloudy day.
- Don't Use High-Pressure Hoses: Cleaning panels with high-pressure water can damage their seals and reduce efficiency. Additionally, high-pressure cleaning can be hazardous to electrical components.
- Avoid Abrasive Materials: Don't use harsh chemicals, wire brushes, or scouring pads to prevent your solar panels from damage and scratches that can reduce their ability to produce power.
Reasons to Clean Your Solar Panels
Are you wondering when to clean solar panels? Well, a couple of signs help you know that your panels need immediate cleaning, as given below.
1. Decreased Performance
One of the prominent signs that you need solar panel cleaning is a noticeable drop in energy production. If you notice that the output of your solar system has suddenly decreased without any change in the system, weather, or sunlight hours (or any other issues), it could be due to the debris and dust buildup on the panels' surface.
Even a third layer of pollution, pollen, or dirt can significantly reduce overall efficiency, which means your solar panels are working harder but end up producing less power.
2. Visual Inspection
If you see cloudy film, bird droppings, water spots, leaves, or dust on the panels, it is a clear indication that the panels aren't receiving the correct amount of sunlight as they should. In this case, you should immediately clean your panels to maximize their performance.
3. Flat Installation
The installation angle often decides how easily you can clean your panels. If they are installed flat or with a minimal tilt, rain won't be able to clean them automatically. Therefore, you may need to clean more often than usual.
Is It Worth It to Clean Your Solar Panels?
The accumulation of debris and dirt doesn't allow solar panels to produce as much electricity as clean panels do. The percentage of power loss depends on various factors, such as the level of dirt, the type of dirt in your area, the duration of dirt buildup, the orientation of your solar panels, and the installation angle.
According to a study published in ScienceDirect, dirty solar panels produce 5-35% less output power than clean ones. Remember, they are general estimates, and actual energy production can be different in different scenarios. It can be less or more than the mentioned general estimates.
The power output greatly depends on how clean your solar panels are and how effectively you maintain them regularly. Clean and well-maintained solar panels always produce more electricity than dirty ones and those that are not routinely maintained.
Upgrade to ShadowFlux Solar Panels
Shading is one of the biggest and serious problems of solar power setups. Even a small shadow from a nearby building, tree, or chimney can incredibly reduce the power output of your traditional solar panels, as they struggle to produce consistent electricity when part of their surface comes under the shade and does not receive proper sunlight.
If you are experiencing the shading problem, try ShadowFlux panels like the Renogy 200W ShadowFlux Anti-Shading N-Type Solar Panel. They are specially designed to deal with shaded areas. These panels reduce energy loss and continue to generate electricity even when part of their surface becomes shady.
Unlike traditional panels, ShadowFlux solar panels maintain higher efficiency under the same conditions. This is how you can get the maximum out of your investment in solar panels. If you live in an area where you can't avoid shadow, upgrading to ShadowFlux solar panels will surely make a significant difference.
FAQs about Solar Panel Cleaning
What is the 33% rule in solar panels?
The 33% rule is commonly found in Australian regulations. According to this rule, you can install solar panels with a total capacity of up to 33% larger than the capacity of your solar inverter. The solar panel oversizing is allowed for maximum production. If you have installed a 10kW inverter, you can install up to 13kW solar panels according to the 33% rule.
Do you need to turn off solar panels before cleaning?
Yes, you should always turn off your panels before cleaning. Though they don't store electricity like batteries, they generate power when exposed to sunlight. If the solar panels are not turned off and you start cleaning, the risk of electric shock increases, especially when you use water.
How much does it cost for solar panel cleaning?
The general cost of cleaning solar panels is between AUD $12 and $18 per panel. Some cleaning service providers also offer their services at AUD $8 to $10. If you have installed a system of 20 solar panels, cleaning them will cost you around AUD $150.
Final Thoughts
Solar panels provide you with clean, renewable energy for free. Though they need some initial investment, they reduce your electricity costs in the long run. Your panels need proper care to operate at their peak efficiency. Over time, leaves, bird droppings, debris, and dust particles can accumulate on the panels' surface and stop sunlight from absorbing properly, reducing the overall output power of the panels.
Regular solar panel cleaning ensures the panels are free from dust and debris, receive proper sunlight, and produce the desired amount of electricity. Avoid using wire brushes and harsh chemicals to protect your panels. If you live in a building that receives a shadow on your panels, try ShadowFlux solar panels to mitigate the effect of shadowing on the power output. If you need reliable solar panels, inverters, batteries, or any other solar equipment, look no further than Renogy.
