Keep your solar panels clean

Benefits of solar panel cleaning

There are several benefits of cleaning your solar panels. The most important benefit is ensuring they can generate the maximum amount of power possible. Plus, regular solar panel cleaning and solar panel maintenance can expand the functional lifespan of the solar panels. Clean solar panels absorb more sunshine than dirty ones and function more efficiently. Therefore, you’re able to save more on energy bills, helps maintain the manufacturer’s warranty and enables you to get more out of your investment. That’s true even if you do the solar panel cleaning services yourself.

How often to clean solar panels?

Research shows solar panels provide optimal performance when cleaned twice a year. Many experts recommend solar panels be cleaned in spring and Autumn. How dirty solar panels get due to environmental factors determines how often you should clean them. If you live near the sea, near lots of construction dust, automobile exhaust, leaves, bats or birds, you should regularly check the solar panels to see if they need cleaning. However, be aware excessive cleaning can scratch solar panels and reduce their efficiency.

Materials and tools

Very little solar panel cleaning equipment, supplies and tools are required to clean dirty solar panels. They are:

• A good quality soft brush: This will be used to safely and carefully remove dust, debris or anything else a water hose cannot wash off the panels. 
• Squeegee:  One side of the squeegee should have a plastic blade, and the other side should have a cloth-covered sponge.
• Hose: The combination of water, a soft brush, a mild detergent and the squeegee should be enough to get the panels clean. 
• Very mild detergent: This is an optional item some people use to help remove dirt and grime that cannot be removed with water and a soft brush alone. 
• Distilled or de-mineralised water: Some people use distilled or de-mineralised water to clean their solar panels to help prevent streaking. De-mineralised or distilled water can produce a spot-free finish which is more resistant to dirt and grime, provides a better result and has a longer-lasting impact. 

The best way to clean solar panels

Finding the best method for cleaning solar panels on the roof is very important. Solar panels are exposed to lots of environmental pollutants and must be kept clean in order for them to provide optimal performance. The following steps outline the best method for cleaning solar panels on the roof safely and properly.

1. When to clean solar panels: If your solar panels are dirty, it’s best to clean them early in the morning on a day when it is overcast. In cooler months, clean the solar panels in the evening. The key reason for this is cleaning solar panels when they are hot can damage them. Plus, the hot sun can make cleaning products dry on the solar panels too quickly and leave grease and residue on them. 
2. Shut off the system: When you are going to clean solar panels, you first have to shut off the system. This stops electricity from flowing and makes it safe to make contact with them to do the cleaning. You can also have an accredited professional Clean Energy Council certified technician check the panels for discolouration, cracks, chips or other obvious defects. They can also safely make sure all cables and fittings are securely attached before starting to use your solar panel cleaning equipment.
3. Brush off any debris: Once the system is safely turned off, use a soft brush on a long pole to brush off as much dirt and debris as you can. In many cases that’s all it takes to get the solar panels clean. A soft brush is the best brush for cleaning solar panels because it will not scratch the glass surface.
4. Scrub with water and a brush: If after you have gone over the solar panels with a soft brush there is dirt or grime, it’s time to add a little water. Aim the hose at the front surface of each solar panel and scrub it using the water and the soft brush. If some dirt and grime remain, you can add a little of the very mild detergent and scrub with the soft brush and the side of the squeegee with the sponge to clean all the grime off each solar panel. 
5. Rinse: Once the dirt and grime have been carefully removed, rinse the panels using the water hose and dry them with the squeegee. Make sure you only put the water on the solar panels’ top surface. Don’t spray water on the back of the solar panels or in gaps between the roof and panels. This can damage the system. Ensuring the panels are dry prevents hard water mineral build-up on the glass. Regular solar panel cleaning services is an important part of proper solar panel maintenance. 

How to clean solar panels from the ground

People often ask does cleaning solar panels make a difference, and the answer is yes! However, when you are cleaning your solar panels yourself, the safest way is to stand on the ground and use a hose and a squeegee with a very long handle. Cleaning the solar panels while you are standing on the ground is safe and comfortable. Spray the panels with a water hose. Use a soft long-handled brush to remove loose dust and debris and the sponge to scrub off stubborn grime and residue. Then rinse off the panels and dry them with the squeegee. 

How to hire a solar panel expert

Hiring a solar panel expert is a simple and straightforward process. You can ask your relatives, friends, neighbours and acquaintances who have solar panels for recommendations. However, you have to make sure they have the proper licencing and qualifications.

Required licensing and qualifications

To be able to install photovoltaic systems in Australia legally, a person needs two crucial documents. They are an electrical licence as well as Clean Energy Council Of Australia accreditation. They can also work as a solar panel installer if someone with an electrical licence supervises them. Property owners only qualify to get rebates from the government if the solar panel installer is CEC accredited.