Solar panel cleaning is something of utmost interest these days because of the increased use and demand for regular maintenance. Some people have the wrong idea about cleaning solar panels because they think it does not affect energy production, well, if you have ever kept your solar panel untidy, you must be familiar with the resulting energy reduction.
An unclean solar panel reduces the solar output by 20-30%, so it is essential to keep it clean for prolonging life and maximum efficiency. However, solar panel cleaning services cost a lot these days. You must have $300-$500 for a one-time professional solar cleaning. Therefore, people look for cheaper ways to do it but somehow end up cleaning solar panels in the wrong way.
But do not worry anymore because we are bringing you the ultimate right ways of solar cleaning at a home that can save you money and keep your panel out of dusty trouble.
Material Required for Solar Cleaning at Home
The first thing you need to consider before starting your DIY solar cleaning is the equipment needed. Cleaning the panel also help also a part of solar maintenance You must spend a little and buy an extension leader, water hose, spray attachment, and brush attachment with an extension pole, soft brush or sponges, and the right reagent.
These things will only cost you 100$-150$ and you can spend 2-3 hours cleaning your solar panel. You can use an extension leader for cleaning solar panels on roof or on the ground to reach the far side of the panel and frame.
The right reagent means less soapy solutions such as vinegar or deionized water.
If you have solar cleaning equipment, you can start the work by following one of the below-mentioned methods.
- Washing with a Water Hose
The simplest way of solar panel cleaning is by using a water hose. It is useful when the solar panel is cleaned regularly and does not have a pile of dust and dirt.
Washing solar panels with a water hose is also useful because you can control the pressure.
As too much water pressure can damage the panel, keep the pressure normal to low to wash up the dirt. Rain is also a source of solar panel cleaning but you must practice washing it yourself once in a while.
- Scrubbing with a soft cloth
A soft cloth or a microfiber cloth is the best solution for scrubbing off dirt from solar panels. People often combine it with soap solutions which is not a great option because soap tends to leave behind streaks.
Moreover, soapy detergents leave a residue that can attract further dust to the surface of the panel. Therefore, we never recommend soap or detergent for cleaning solar panels. However, you can scrub the panel with a commercial window cleaner which is more reliable.
- Cleaning with Toothpaste
Toothpaste is another magical material for cleaning solar panels. Cleaning solar lights with toothpaste is a more popular idea but you can also do it with solar panels.
It works well for a squeaky clean solar panel.
All you have to do is apply the paste on the panel and spray some water, you can scrub the dirt from the solar panel with a microfiber cloth. It will turn the solar panel polished as new because the toothpaste has an adhesive property that just buffs away the stained area.
- Use Vinegar for Solar Cleaning
Solar panels cleaning with vinegar is a great option. It is better than most chemicals available in the market and is easily available. Vinegar is a natural cleaner with the ability to rinse any kind of stain. Moreover, it does not damage your solar panel like other harsh chemicals, so it is a very good option for those looking for cheaper solar cleaning options.
However, you must keep in mind that not all types of vinegar are yours to use. Some types of vinegar have more acetic acid than others so they have a higher potential to damage the photovoltaic cell of the solar panel.
Therefore we recommend using cleaning vinegar with a lower amount of acetic acid than the commercial one which is much acidic. To get an ideal vinegar reagent for solar cleaning all you have to do is mix vinegar with water to dilute it a little and spray it on the panel followed by some scrubbing with microfiber and then rinse the vinegar solution with water.
- Deionized Water
Deionized water does not have any minerals in it so it is the best option to clean the solar panel as it never leaves residual streaks. You can also use it to dilute vinegar and this mixture will save your professional solar panel cleaning cost. Most solar panel cleaning service providers use deionized water and it is highly beneficial. You can purchase it and use it in your solar cleaning routine.
- No Harsh Chemicals and Pressure Washing
Harsh chemicals are the worst enemy for cleaning solar panels as they damage the photovoltaic cells. Harsh chemicals are available in the market for solar cleaning but always stay away from them to keep your solar panel working.
Moreover, always monitor the pressure of the water while cleaning your solar panel because it can create scratches.
- Solar Panel Cleaning Kit:
In case you want much more convenience regarding solar cleaning, you can always buy kits for cleaning solar panels. They are readily available in the market and have all the essential tools.
You will get a solar cleaning brush, non-abrasive soap, and a wiper. You may also get instructions with these kits for additional precautions. The instructions are very simple, you just have to mix the soap in water, spray on the solar panel, and clean gently with a brush.
Some Important Solar Cleaning Tips
Even with the methods we have mentioned earlier, you will need some precautions to clean your solar panel without any self-harm or panel damage. Therefore, must keep in mind the following tips.
- Switch the solar system off before cleaning because it can lead to electrical shock as water is involved in the process.
- Always clean the solar panel on the roof with a safety harness or leader to avoid any falls.
- Brush off the dry dirt before washing the panel as it will make the washing easier. Moreover, if there is any animal habitat in the panel, remove it before washing the panel.
- Always clean the edges and frames because that’s where water and dirt get deposited, you can use a hard brush on the frame and the junction between the panel and frame.
- Use a nylon bristle solar cleaning brush instead of plastic because it is soft and leaves no scratches.
- Use nonabrasive soap, high-quality squeegee, and microfiber for scrubbing the solar panel.
- Clean your solar panel after every storm or rain so the debris does not accumulate.
- Set a regular weekly or monthly solar cleaning routine.
Final Analysis
Solar panels can cost a fortune to an average man so it is only wise to keep them clean for utmost output. Solar panel cleaning is as important as cleaning your clothes, if not washed regularly they can accumulate too much dirt and dust which affects their quality regardless of the cost.
Therefore, if you want your solar panel to work at its maximum output, you must keep it clean. You can use any of the above methods for cleaning solar panels, but we always suggest going with deionized water and nonabrasive reagents. If you still have doubts about DIY solar panel cleaning, hire a professional.
FAQS
Does cleaning solar panels make a difference?
Yes, it definitely makes a difference because a solar panel covered with dust and dirt can never produce maximum energy, therefore, clean your solar panel regularly for maximum efficiency.
Can I clean the solar Panel with toothpaste?
Yes, you can use toothpaste to clean solar panels because it is not very abrasive and does not dim the shine of the solar panel.
Is Vinegar safe for cleaning solar panels?
Yes, vinegar is safe to use for solr cleaning in the right amount and diluted with water, especially deionized water. You can mix ¼ cup of vinegar with 2 cups of water for solar cleaning. Using white vinegar with 5% acetic acid is safer than more more the one with more acetic acid.
Can I wash Solar Panels in the sun?
It is advised to clean solar panels in the evening or early morning when the sunlight is low because you can get burned by the hot panels if you are cleaning them on a sunny day.
How long it takes to clean a solar panel?
It depends on the size of your panel and can take from 1 hour to 3 hours of your time. For instance, a 32-panel system takes 2-3 hours of professional cleaning but it will take a little more of your time.
