Why You Should Clean Your Solar Panels
If a solar panel can’t take in enough light it can’t create enough electricity and your energy bill suffers. Sometimes limited light is out of your control, such as when the weather is unseasonably overcast. But you may be able to improve your panels’ light absorption by taking one simple step, cleaning them!
How Solar Panels Work
The solar panels you see on the rooftops of around 20% of Australia’s homes are photovoltaic.
Solar panels are made from a collection of small photovoltaic cells. Each cell is made up of two layers of silicon, one with a positive charge and one with a negative. When photons (particles of light) hit these cells, they displace electrons from atoms. These displaced electrons connect with metal conductive places on the sides of the photovoltaic cell. This generates electricity.
Why You Should Clean Your Solar Panels
Sitting on your roof, solar panels come into contact with all kinds of dirt and debris. Bird droppings, dust, fallen leaves, and pollen can all affect how your solar panels work. Failing to keep on top of solar panel maintenance creates power loss which means a financial loss to you. To avoid this and keep your panels squeaky clean you have two options, call in the professionals or put in some elbow grease and clean them yourself!
Getting Professionals to Clean Your Solar Panels
Whether it's worth calling in the professionals to clean your solar panels depends on the size and condition of your system. A small system (5kW or under) will not usually need a professional clean. Providing your panels are installed at the optimum angle, rainwater will take care of most debris. However, there are dozens of companies out there who would be happy to take this cleaning burden off your hands. Here are a few occasions where it might be worth it:
If there are bird nests, wasp or bee nests, or evidence of any other pest on your roof.
If there is damage to any of your panels, such as cracks caused during a storm.
If there is any danger you may fall from your roof and injure yourself.
A Step by Step Guide to Cleaning Solar Panels Yourself
If you’re confident you’re up to the task and want to tackle cleaning your solar panels yourself, there are steps you should follow:
Step One - Shut Down Your System
Never forget that the solar panels on your roof generate electricity. Always follow the exact procedure outlined in your owner’s manual before you make contact with your solar system.
Step Two - Gather Cleaning Materials
Solar panel manufacturers recommend using a soft brush, a cloth covered sponge and a plastic squeegee to clean your panels. You’ll also need a hose and something you can use as an extension as you’ll likely be using these tools from the ground.
Step Three - Clear Debris and Scrub
Use the soft brush to brush off any debris lying on the panels. The surface of your panels is made from glass so never scratch or scrape the surface. Use only a cloth-covered sponge and a little water, no detergent. Damage to the surface of your panels affects performance.
Step Four - Rinse
Rinsing is important as any remaining grime or mineral deposits from hard water will stick to the panels when dry. Using rainwater is a good idea, if available.
Step Five - Dry
Use your squeegee to remove any excess water on the surface of the panels.
If it’s impossible to clean your panels from the ground, you can access the roof. Double check the system is switched off and ensure you have the proper safety equipment to work at height.
Once you've completed all these steps, pat yourself on the back. You may have lowered your energy bills with nothing more than a soft brush, cloth, and bucket!