Solar panel maintenance doesn’t have to be time-consuming or boring. Just beginning a routine of regular solar panel cleaning will make a significant impact on your system’s solar efficiency. It’s probably not the most exciting topic, but cleaning solar panels is one way to mitigate maintaining or losing solar efficiency over time.
You may not realize that all the dust, pollen, grime, pollutants, and yes, even bird droppings, will build up over time, blocking sunlight from reaching the cells underneath.
Many people are unaware that dirty solar panels can reduce solar efficiency by as much as 20% in a dusty or industrial environment! This isn’t just lost sunlight, it is lost savings. It doesn’t matter if you have solar installed at home or for a commercial unit; neglecting regular maintenance will erode long-term energy returns insidiously over time.
In this blog, we will show you energy-efficient tips for cleaning your solar panels based on safety and cost-effectiveness, go through how dirt impacts performance, and mention easy maintenance tips to keep your system operating gracefully.
Why Is Solar Panel Cleaning So Important?
While solar panels are built to be low-maintenance, they are not completely low-touch. Just like outdoor lighting or any outdoor equipment for that matter, your solar panels are also exposed to the elements!
Dirt, pollen, leaves, bird droppings, pollution, etc. All these things form a layer of grime that acts as a barrier to sunlight, preventing the photovoltaic cells from receiving sunlight and efficiently converting that energy into usable energy.
In fact, if solar panels are not cleaned over time, they can lose up to 25% of their energy capacity! And as seen in places like the Northeast in India, where dry weather and dusty conditions are common, this 25% loss is very apparent.
This is why solar panel cleaning is so important! It is not just about disinfecting surfaces and keeping things clean; it is also about using your system to bring you savings and sustainability. It is just part of smart solar panel maintenance and allows your panels to perform efficiently for years to come!
How Often Should You Clean Your Solar Panels?
If your panels are located near trees, or there is a dusty road, or multiple birds in the vicinity, you can expect to clean them every 2-3 months. Most residential situations, however, if properly oriented and tilted, would not require cleaning any more than every 6 months to maximize solar efficiency.
Just pay attention to your energy output, and if you notice a drop in output, you may be due for a wash! With some regular attention and care, your solar panel maintenance will be easy and effective!
There is no perfect answer here! The frequency of cleaning depends on many factors:
- Location: Locations near highways, industrial sites, or agricultural areas will accumulate more dust and pollutants.
- Weather: Rain often improves dust issues, but in dry periods, dust buildup is quicker.
- Birds: Do your panels get used as a perch by numerous pigeons? You will need to do more regular cleaning anyway.
General Guideline:
- Most residential installations can be cleaned twice a year.
- For commercial (or high-dust) applications, cleaning at quarterly intervals is appropriate.
Most solar installations have performance monitoring metrics to check – simply track energy generation. If the amount of energy decreases unexpectedly, you could have a dirty panel or a malfunctioning inverter.
Can Dirty Solar Panels Really Affect Efficiency?
Absolutely! Think about it this way: you will receive a little bit of sun through a dirty window. But if your window is dirty, it is going to block some of the sun from reaching the solar cells, and not produce power.
Even a thin layer of dust can affect the overall performance of the system over time. Cleaning your solar panel is not just for looks. Cleaning is one way to improve solar efficiency and ultimately save you money.
Effect on Solar Efficiency:
1. Light blockage: Less sunlight = less power.
2. Hotspots: Dirt can cause uneven heating, which affects the lifetime.
3. Inverter stress: Reduced output can stress your inverter.
Neglecting solar panel cleaning over time not only affects performance but also shortens the life cycle of your system.
Safe Solar Panel Cleaning Tips You Can Trust
The good news is that you don’t need any kind of special equipment or fancy instruments. Most of the time, a good rinse with clean water and a clean soft cloth or sponge is all that is required.
Just remember: Solar panels are rugged, but they are still fragile as well. Avoid using abrasive scrub pads, brushes, or cleaners that will potentially damage the solar panels. If you are going to clean them on your own, it is preferable to do it early as the sun is coming up, or later as the sun is going down, so that the surface of the panel will not take on the thermal expansion and thermal shock when you rinse the panels with cool water.
Rinsing when the panels are cooler will also be beneficial for removing dirt from the modules. Also, please do not try to be a hero if you do not believe you can safely access the solar panels without putting yourself in an unsafe condition (high angles, etc); just call in the professionals!
1. Use Soft Tools Only.
Avoid any abrasive items. Microfibre cloths, sponges, or a soft-bristled brush are just fine. Do NOT use steel wool or any kind of rough scrubbing pad.
2. ALWAYS Clean in the Morning or Evening.
Why? The panels will heat up during the day. By exposing hot glass to cold water, you could create thermal shock, which could cause the glass to crack and fail. The morning dew will also soften some dirt, making cleaning easier.
3. Only Use Plain Water (or mild soap).
Usually, a good rinse with clean water is all that is required. If there is particularly bad grime, a little mild dish soap with lukewarm water is sufficient. Don’t use pressure washers; they can damage the panel seals.
Bonus Tip: If you have hard water, rinse with distilled water to avoid mineral stains.
4. Safety First with the Appropriate Gear
If your panels are installed on a roof, always use:
- A ladder that is stable
- Harnesses (if necessary)
- Non-slip shoes
If you aren’t confident working up high, you may want to call a professional.
5. Don’t Walk on the Panels
It can be hard to resist if you’re tempted. Just don’t. Walking on panels will cause them to micro-crack, which won’t show until much later, but will reduce performance over time.
Cost-Effective Maintenance Tips Beyond Cleaning
Cleaning your solar panels is one thing. Maintaining them for the future is another. Here are some ways to help you keep your investment for longer.
1. Buy a Monitoring System
Monitoring systems will assist with identifying drops in efficiency sooner, so that you can notice if there is dirt build-up or faulty equipment.
2. Trim Trees with Overhangs
The shade created by overhanging trees leads to much lower performance, plus it allows leaves and bird waste to accumulate.
3. Install Bird Deterrents
The areas running around the edge of the panel can be covered with wire mesh or spikes to deter nesting and roosting.
4. Schedule an Annual Inspection
An annual inspection with a technician can reveal issues before they lead to larger problems. For example, they will inspect connections for loosening, look for issues with cracks, or detect issues with the inverter.
Should You Hire a Professional Solar Panel Cleaner?
If your array is on a high or steep roof, or it covers a large area (i.e., in a school, factory or farm) it can be safer and more efficient to hire a professional cleaner.
Advantages of Professional Cleaning:
- They use de-ionised water to stop streaking
- They have telescopic tools, so they don’t have to step on the panels
- They will offer inspection services as part of the service
While it will cost more than doing it yourself, it will also save time, risk and typically the efficiency of the solar will pay for the cost.
DIY vs Professional: What’s the Cost?
When it comes to cleaning your solar panels, you have the option to do it yourself or hire a professional. DIY cleaning can be simple and inexpensive if your panels are accessible and you are comfortable doing it safely. You will need a few simple tools like a soft cloth, a bucket of water, and a bit of spare time.
Professional cleaners offer expertise, specialized equipment, and safety measures, and they may be the best choice if you have a large system or your panels are difficult to reach.
You can do a good job with DIY for regular maintenance, but having them professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months can help keep your system operating at optimal solar efficiency and keep it in good condition.
Eco-Friendly Solar Panel Cleaning: Yes, It Exists
If you are transitioning to solar for a sustainable future, then ensure your cleaning practices align with that vision.
Eco-Considerations:
- Only use biodegradable soaps when there are no other options available.
- Recirculate used rinsing water if you are using large quantities.
- Stay away from chemical cleaners that run off into your garden or local storm drainage.
When NOT to Clean Your Panels Yourself
There are times when safety and efficiency dictate a hands-off approach. Here are some conditions that warrant stepping away:
- You are uncertain about your footing or personal protective equipment.
- You can see damage to the panel (cracks, chips).
- Your system is under warranty and has clauses about cleaning.
- You note a sudden reduction in output, despite clean-looking panels.
In these cases, professional assistance is not an option – it is a must.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are there any restrictions in cleaning solar panels in monsoon?
A: No, light rain will help rinse the panels; however, during times of heavy dust before and just after the monsoon season, you may need to do a manual clean.
Q: Could cleaning my panels void my warranty?
A: Only if you use improper cleaning techniques. Only use soft brushes and no chemicals. Read your manufacturer’s guidelines and use common sense.
Q: Is it worth the hassle to clean?
A: Yes! You wouldn’t wait months to wash your car. A clean solar panel may save as much as 20 percent of energy compared to a dirty one.
Conclusion
Do you want your solar system to perform well year after year? Or maybe you are considering options to upgrade to a more effective solar system? Regardless of your position, whether you are a solar customer or on the verge of looking into solar options, Solar Prabha is here to help.
We believe solar energy should be simple, reliable, and accessible to all. That’s why we provide honest advice, meaningful solutions, and effective support. Whether that support is to clean your solar panel or upgrade to a new solar system, we can be helpful!
Don’t hesitate to give us a call at +91-7099030047. We would love to chat with you and help you maximize your solar investment! At Solar Prabha, we do not just sell panels, we power brighter, greener futures!
