Does Cleaning Affect Solar Panel Production?

Solar panel prices might have fallen by 70% in the last decade, but that doesn’t mean they’re a cheap investment. So, if you’re lucky enough to have solar panels installed on your house, you’ll want to take the best care of them possible.

PV panels don’t require any maintenance at all, but they can benefit from occasional cleaning, especially after windy, rainy, or snowy spells.

Not only will this ensure they always look their best, but it also optimizes your solar panel production. 

Why Do Solar Panels Need Cleaning?

Solar panels have no defense against the elements. So, while they can withstand the worst the weather throws at them, dirt and dust settle easily on their smooth surfaces.

Usually, a good rain shower is enough to keep your solar panels spic and span, but after long dry spells, they might need a little more elbow grease.

How Much Can Dirt Hamper Solar Panel Production?

Solar panels depend on light from the sun to produce electricity. So, it makes sense that dirt, bird droppings, and debris will decrease their output by blocking the sun’s rays.

In extreme cases, dirty solar panels could produce as much as 5% less electricity each. Add a few days of overcast weather, and you could experience real problems powering your home the way you want to. 

Depending on how dirty your solar panels were, solar panel cleaning can boost their production back up by as much as 25%.

How Do You Clean Solar Panels?

It’s easy to clean solar panels using ordinary household equipment. Usually, a garden hose will do the trick, unless your panels have bird droppings or sticky plant material caked on them.

In these cases, you can clean your solar panels like this:

• Fill a bucket with warm water and a little mild detergent
• Rinse the solar panels with a low-pressure sprayer or garden hose
• Using a soft brush or squeegee, scrub the panels with a small amount of the soap mixture
• Rinse the panels with your hose or sprayer 
• Let them dry in the sun

Remember, solar panels get very hot in the sun, so it’s best to clean them early in the morning before they start to heat up. 

Although it’s easy to keep your solar panels clean, balancing on a rooftop, with a brush, bucket, and hose in hand is rarely a good idea.

So, it’s best to get a professional solar panel maintenance company to clean your PV panels for you. 

Making the Most of Solar Power

Your solar panel production levels translate into dollars and cents when it comes to your electricity bill. So, it’s worth a little extra effort to keep them performing at their best.

Compared to other appliances you may own, solar panels are hardy, easy to clean, and have no moving parts that can break down. Spending a little time or money keeping them clean pales in comparison to how much money you’ll save over time. 

Are you interested in more ways to make the most of every inch of your home? Browse our website for all the best tips.