If you have solar panels anywhere on your property, then you’re already aware of how useful they can be. These amazing pieces of technology convert sunlight into electricity that powers your home. Lightbulbs, appliances, televisions, and air conditioners—you can fuel them all with solar energy! As miraculous as solar panels are, they’re not flawless. Over time, they will become dirty, and this might have unintended consequences. Do solar panels need cleaning? And how can you go about cleaning them anyway? Figure out the answers to all these questions below!
California Pressure Washer will be your guide during this blog. We are your community’s solar panel cleaning experts, and we’re ready to help you next if you so desire. Just give us a call anytime you’d like to schedule an appointment.
Why Do Solar Panels Need Cleaning?
So, do solar panels need cleaning? Spoiler alert—the answer is yes. The real question is why they need to be cleaned. Over time, all exterior surfaces accumulate debris; your solar panels are no different. You will find that various unwanted substances appear on your solar panels, including dirt, algae, pollen, bird droppings, dead insects, and many, many others. As you can imagine, the dirtier your solar panels become, the less visually appealing they will be. This ultimately affects the overall appearance of your property, which is obviously bad news.
This isn’t even the worst “side effect” of solar panel debris. Did you know that the dirtier your solar panels are, the less electricity they will produce? That’s because debris will prevent sunlight from reaching solar cells. When your solar panels are producing less power, it increases your reliance on public utilities. In other words, you’ll pay higher electric bills.
Should I Clean Solar Panels On My Own?
Do solar panels need cleaning from professionals? While it’s not necessary, it is the preferred option for many property owners in Rancho Cucamonga. That’s because professionals make the work so much easier. They save you the trouble of having to learn the solar panel cleaning process. They provide all the necessary equipment, and they do all the work so you can spend your time in other ways.
That said, professional solar panel cleaning does come with a price tag. That’s because exterior cleaning companies have expenses to pay. So, if you want to avoid paying for physical labor, you’ll have to do the work on your own. In the sections below, we’ll review the process of cleaning solar panels so you can learn how it works.
Preparing For Solar Panel Cleaning
Before you can clean your solar panels, you’ll need to turn them off first. Why? Because pressure washing solar panels that are powered on can interfere with their electronics. This not only increases the risk of them being damaged but also makes it more likely that you will be shocked or otherwise injured. To prevent your solar panels from missing out on sunny days, why not clean them when it’s cloudy? That way, you don’t lose a significant amount of solar power.
Also, don’t forget that solar panel cleaning is a time-consuming process. You’ll definitely need at least a few hours to complete the work. So, don’t try to squeeze this project into an already-busy day. Choose a day when you have ample free time—that way, you don’t feel any pressure and decide to rush through the job.
The Solar Panel Cleaning Process
Have the solar panels been powered off? Great. Now it’s time to begin the process of cleaning them. The first thing you’ll want to do is rinse them off with a garden hose. This helps you get rid of large particles of debris while also weakening other grime. Next, use microfiber cloths and a gentle cleaning solution (such as warm water and dish soap) to carefully remove any remaining stains from the solar panels. Microfiber cloths are the perfect choice because they won’t scratch or scrape your solar panels. Nobody wants them to become damaged, after all.
After wiping your solar panels clean, the only thing you’ll need to do is dry them off. This is best accomplished with a squeegee. That way, you can ensure even, thorough drying with no streaks left behind.
How Often Should Solar Panels Be Cleaned?
So, how frequently should your solar panels be cleaned? As a general guideline, we recommend that your solar panels be cleaned at least once per year. So, if it has already been a year since your solar panels last received any attention, it’s time to take action. Either plan for a DIY project or reach out to a professional business today! That way, your solar panels can return to their former glory, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about.
In some cases, solar panels may even need multiple cleanings per year. This is especially true if your property is located near trees and plants. This drastically increases the need for cleaning. Is your property popular with birds? These creatures, while beautiful, can certainly create a mess. You know what we’re talking about. If you can’t repel birds, it could result in you needing more frequent solar panel cleaning.
Consider an Appointment With California Pressure Washer
Do solar panels need cleaning? Yes, they do—but we understand if you don’t want to do this work on your own. By reaching out to California Pressure Washer, you’ll be able to schedule our professional solar panel cleaning and skip the entire DIY process.
To get started, simply contact us online and let us know about your solar panels. We’ll provide you with a free cost estimate, and then, if you like our asking price, you can choose a time and date for your appointment. We look forward to seeing you then!
