Green energy becomes a bigger conversation each and every year. While we are still reliant on fossil fuels as a society, we have discovered many forms of renewable energy, helping us generate electricity in alternative ways. One of these alternatives is solar power. Sophisticated pieces of technology called solar panels collect sunlight and convert it to electricity. However, these solar panels also collect debris over time. Do solar panels need cleaning? And if so, how should the work be done?
Discover the answers to these questions with JayBee Pressure Washing. We are a locally owned business, and solar panel cleaning is one of our specialties. If you ever need help with dirty solar panels, remember that we’re just a phone call away.
Why Solar Panels Become Dirty
So, do solar panels need cleaning? To keep them in the best possible condition, yes. Over time, solar panels accumulate various forms of debris. Some examples of this debris include dirt, algae, pollen, dead insects, bird droppings, etc. As these unwanted substances gather, they suffocate your solar panels’ appearance, negatively affecting your property’s visual appeal. It goes without saying that worse-looking solar panels make for worse-looking homes and businesses. Solar panel cleaning helps maintain your property’s beauty!
Debris doesn’t just harm your solar panels’ appearance. It also harms their functionality. When solar panels are covered with grime, it prevents them from collecting sunlight. This means less electricity is produced, increasing your reliance on the grid and raising your utility bills. Save money on power by making sure your solar panels are squeaky-clean.
How Often Should Solar Panels Be Cleaned?
How frequently should your solar panels be cleaned if you want to keep them in the best possible condition? A general guideline is annual cleaning. This is typically enough to eliminate debris from solar panels with long-lasting results. If it has already been more than a year since your solar panels were cleaned, consider doing something about it as soon as possible! Either clean your solar panels on your own or reach out to JayBee Pressure Washing for a professional appointment.
Some properties may even benefit from more regular solar panel cleaning. This is especially true if your home or business is surrounded by trees, which leave pollen and leaf debris on your solar panels. Under these circumstances, consider two or three solar panel cleanings per year.
Avoid Pressure Washing Solar Panels
So, what’s the best way to clean solar panels? You may assume that pressure washing is the best technique, but you would be mistaken. Pressure washing uses high-pressure water to clean surfaces (hence the name). However, this high-pressure water isn’t a good match for all surfaces. In fact, it can easily damage solar panels—and the last thing you want to do is spend hundreds of dollars repairing or replacing this sophisticated technology.
Leave pressure washing to durable surfaces like concrete and asphalt. We’ll teach you the correct methods for solar panel cleaning below. That way, you can get stunning results without causing any damage along the way.
The Best Method For Solar Panel Cleaning
To clean solar panels correctly, you’ll want to make sure you have the right equipment for the work. We highly recommend that you have the following items:
- Microfiber Cloths. These gentle cleaning implements won’t cause friction or scrape your solar panels, making them the best choice for the job.
- Gentle Cleaning Solution. There are many solar panel cleaning solutions sold in specially marked bottles, but you can also use dish soap and warm water.
- Squeegee. To prevent streaking after washing solar panels, use a squeegee. This allows you to ensure the best possible results.
- Filtration System (Optional). To go the extra mile, filter water before cleaning solar panels with it. This will eliminate any impurities and reduce the risk of streaking.
Always Turn Off Solar Panels First
Before you clean your solar panels, it’s important that you deactivate them. There are two key reasons for this. First and foremost, the risk of electrical shock is higher when the solar panels are still turned on. Protect yourself by switching them off before you begin your work! Not only will this protect you, but it will also protect the solar panels themselves. The risk of electrical components becoming damaged will drop significantly.
Are you concerned about your solar panels missing out on sunshine? Plan your solar cleaning project accordingly. By doing the work in the morning or evening, your solar panels won’t be deactivated during high noon—the time of day when solar panels get the most sunlight.
Prioritize Safety During Rooftop Solar Panel Cleaning
When you need to clean solar panels on your roof, remember that your safety comes first. You’ll have to safely do this work somehow, and one of the best ways to reduce the chance of an accident is using your ladder properly. Make sure your ladder is always sitting on a flat, level surface, and remember the rule of three points of contact. (Three of your four limbs should be on the ladder at all times.) Finally, make sure you are well-rested so you can fully concentrate on the work. Solar panel cleaning, ironically, requires a lot of energy!
Do solar panels need cleaning at your property? And, if so, are you willing to do this work on your own? If not, consider scheduling an appointment with professionals. It’s the best way to ensure safe, quality results.
Our Professional Solar Panel Cleaning
JayBee Pressure Washing is the home of the best solar panel cleaning services in Atlanta, GA. We are prepared to serve homeowners, business owners, and property managers with all their solar-panel-related needs, and we also offer pressure washing services for your convenience. Contact us online and let us know how we can serve you! We will provide you with an upfront quote, and then, you can choose a time and date for your appointment.
