Your solar installation is finally in place, and your home can now benefit from clean energy for decades to come. However, this great investment requires a minimum of attention to maintain its optimal performance.
Did you think cleaning solar panels was a long and tedious task? Think again: in just about thirty minutes a year, your panels will regain their full efficiency!
How to clean solar panels easily in 3 steps
You might be wondering how to clean them without climbing onto the roof or risking damage to your installation. Here’s a straightforward approach you can take from the ground:
- Equip yourself with a telescopic brush specially designed for high cleaning without having to climb onto the roof.
- Dampen a soft cloth with room temperature distilled water and attach it to the end of the brush.
- Gently clean each panel, making sure not to wipe a clean area with a dirty cloth. Be sure to rinse your cloth regularly in a bucket of clean water between panels.
This will take you about 30 minutes for a standard installation of approximately 6 m² of photovoltaic solar panels.
Some useful tips to remember
First, choose a suitable time for cleaning: definitely avoid the midday sun! Cleaning the panels early in the morning or in the early evening can help prevent streaks caused by too-quick drying.
Also, consider the quality of the water being used. If your tap water is very hard, it can leave white residues that reduce the panels’ ability to capture sunlight effectively. In that case, installing a water softener would be a wise choice to preserve your domestic equipment overall.
Finally, definitely avoid pressure washers, even those with reduced power. These devices can easily damage your valuable solar installations.
The concrete utility of annual cleaning
Why should I clean my solar panels regularly? If you’ve asked yourself this question, the answer is simple: maintaining your solar installation directly affects its efficiency.
Just like your windows, roof, or even your car, which are regularly exposed to dust, pollen, or tree leaves, your panels lose efficiency when dirty.
Depending on your environment, the gradual build-up of impurities on your panels could cause up to a 10% loss in energy. Imagine if you had precisely sized your installation to achieve maximum savings… It would be unfortunate to lose those potential gains simply due to a lack of maintenance!
Should you hire a professional? Good idea or not?
If your solar panels are not easily accessible, don’t take unnecessary risks.
Walking on the fragile glass of your panels or climbing onto your roof is strongly discouraged. In this situation, hiring a professional equipped to access your solar panels safely is highly recommended.
Bonus tip: while cleaning, you can also detect any potential damage. A regular visual inspection allows you to act quickly if any anomalies are noticed, preserving the overall lifespan of your equipment.
When to clean your solar panels?
The ideal cleaning frequency mainly depends on your location and the climatic conditions of your region.
Do you live near the sea or close to farms where dust and debris are common? In that case, consider cleaning your panels every three months. Otherwise, a minimal cleaning at least once a year, or ideally twice a year (in spring and fall), will suffice.
Additionally, if you notice an unexplained drop in your solar energy production, it’s likely that your panels just need a good cleaning!
Have you ever cleaned your solar panels yourself? What tips or tools do you use to save time during cleaning? Have you noticed a significant improvement in your output after cleaning? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!
