How often should you Clean your Solar Panels?
A big question people often ask themselves is, “how often should I clean my solar panels?” Regular cleaning should be part of your panel maintenance routines. Clean solar panels are usually more efficient.
This article explains the frequency with which you should clean your solar panels, who should do the cleaning, and why the panels should be cleaned. Read on!
Why should you clean your solar panels?
Before discussing the frequency with which they should be cleaned, let’s consider the reasons solar panels require periodic cleaning. Not everybody knows that panels can quickly become dirty over a short period. This is quite logical when you consider that they are exposed to the elements 24 hours a day.
Also, when substances such as grime and dirt, as well as bird droppings build up on the solar panels, they become less efficient unless they are cleaned regularly. Solar panels perform best when there are no obstacles between the glass panel and the sunray.
How often should you clean your solar panels?
Over time, solar panel experts have often argued about the frequency with which the panels should be cleaned. However, they all seem to agree that they should be cleaned at least once every six months. Nevertheless, there are scenarios where you might need to clean them more often or wait for a while longer until they require cleaning.
For instance, if you reside in a dry climate, there is a chance for dust to accumulate on the panels, particularly immediately after summer. In this case, you might need to clean the panels between two to three times each year. You may also need to clean the panels more frequently if you reside close to a forest or wooded area. These areas are prone to bird droppings
A general rule of thumb is to make plans to clean the panels at least every six months. You could arrange for more if the panels regularly get dirty. However, if there is not too much problem, it is a good idea to schedule a bi-annual cleaning. This should be sufficient.
It is recommended to clean your panels once the summer and winter seasons end. These seasons usually come with many residue build-ups.
Can I clean my solar panels myself?
No! It is not advisable. You should consider hiring a professional solar cleaning company to safely wash your solar panels. It is extremely risky to attempt to clean your panels on your roof using soapy water without safety equipment. Don’t take the risk!
Additionally, you might end up not cleaning your solar panels properly and subsequently damaging them or even worse, hurting yourself in the process of cleaning.
