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Solar panels should be cleaned once a year. However, cleaning them every 6 months is best.
The frequency will depend on external factors. If you live near factories or roads, or in an area that is dusty, you will need to clean them more often. In dry climates dirt can easily accumulate, but rain will naturally keep the panels clean. Dust storms and other weather conditions can increase the need to clean. The season can affect the amount of cleaning required. For example, in spring and in summer, bird droppings tend to accumulate, while in autumn, fallen leaves may cause a mess.
Maintain your panels by checking them visually every month. You should also perform a thorough cleaning at least twice a year. It may be time to clean your panels if you notice that energy production has dropped. You can monitor energy production and detect issues with most systems using an app.
Cleaning solar panels is best done in the morning or at night when they are cooler. Cleaning solar panels during the midday hours can result in damage from the thermal shock that cold water causes on hot panels. The seasons of spring and autumn are the best because they do not experience extremes in temperature. To avoid stains and prevent soapy water from evaporating quickly, choose cool, cloudy days to clean. Avoid windy, snowy or rainy days as they can make the cleaning process more difficult and dangerous.
Solar panels are affected by dirt when it blocks sunlight from reaching photovoltaic (energy-producing) cells. The amount of dirt on a panel can affect its efficiency by up to 30%. Animal droppings in particular can cause serious damage to panels if they are left on them for too long. These can cause damage to the surface, and even shorten the lifespan of the panel.
To clean solar panels, collect the required materials and ensure your safety by disabling the electrical grid. To remove dust, rinse the panels in water. This will soften any stubborn dirt. Gently scrub the surface using a sponge, brush, or cloth with neutral soap, paying special attention to the dirtier parts. After scrubbing the surface, rinse it with clean water. Then dry with a cotton cloth and a squeegee.
