How To Tell If Solar Panels Need To Be Cleaned

Dust dirt pollen bird droppings and if you live on the west coast forest fire ash can reduce the amount of solar power you are able to create this is calling soiling.

How to tell if solar panels need to be cleaned.

If it is a light layer of snow it will likely slide off cleaning your panels in the process this isn t applicable for flat panels when cleaning your panels never. If you re using water to clear the snow away make sure it s lukewarm. If you notice a decrease in efficiency it could mean your panels are in need of a cleaning. Second if your solar panel has turned yellow and that is that the solar panel now has a slightly yellow look that can be seen inside the glass then it means that you have an issue with the ethy vynil acetate eva layer of the module.

What you should know. So as long as your solar panels don t sit completely flat rain will be enough to get your panels clean. Spray hot water on cold panels. Special attention should be given to pv arrays situated in dustier areas if they are near farmland or next to a main road.

Some monitoring systems will alert you when you need to clean your modules by informing you of any obstructions or loss in efficiency. But remember generally cleaning your solar panels isn t something you need to bother with. A visual inspection is the first method if you see noticeable dirt pollen bird droppings or other debris on the panels you should give them a clean. The good news is the study showed a pitch as slight as 5 degrees did the trick.

Not keeping your panels clean will cost you money in the long run and can put the lifespan of your panels at risk. All you really need is a leaf blower or a quick spray with a garden hose and your panels will be clean and in top condition. You can also use a squeegee with a long handle. These arrays have far more dust and dirt to contend with and will require a more frequent clean.

In winter you may need to clean your panels after a heavy snowfall. However unless you live somewhere with high amounts of smog dust dirt or sand blowing around solar panel cleaning is generally not necessary. The best way to figure out if your panels need cleaning is to assess the above conditions. These options can permanently damage your panels roof and electrical elements causing more harm than good.

They have the appropriate safety equipment for navigating the roof. If you can t clean your panels from the ground hire a company. While having zero moving parts solar panel cleaning is one aspect of solar panel maintenance that should not be forgotten. One of the best ways to determine if your panels need cleaning is to keep an eye on your power.