Are Solar Panels Clean

Most solar panel providers will recommend that you clean your solar panels with water and a hose.

Are solar panels clean.

We ll get to the best way to clean your solar panels in a minute. Keeping them clean also ensures they will last as long as possible in some cases 20 to 25 years. Solar panels are generally self cleaning but in particularly dry areas or where panel tilt is minimal dust and other substances such as bird droppings can build up over time and impact on the amount electricity generated by a module. The most effective way to clean your solar panels is with a hose and a bucket of soapy water.

Grime and bird poop doesn t need to cover an entire panel to have an effect. However unless you live somewhere with high amounts of smog dust dirt or sand blowing around solar panel cleaning is generally not necessary. According to the clean energy council 2018 also saw a 45 per cent growth in commercial solarpower systems. In most cases occasional rain will be enough to naturally and safely keep your solar panels clean and free of debris that could lower production.

There are some instances where solar panels might need cleaning but most of the evidence says solar panels are self sufficient and low maintenance. Solar panel cleaning is a great chance to check your panels over and make sure they are in good condition. The best way to clean solar panels is through professional help as of may 31 2020 australia now has more than 2 43 million solar power systems installed across rooftops. Conversely the environmental benefits of installing solar panels will be greater in china than in europe as the clean power they produce replaces electricity that would otherwise be generated.

Because you don t want to scratch the panels in any way it s best to use just water and a non abrasive sponge to apply soapy water. Most solar panels are made of silicon and glass. In the southwest region of the u s where rainfall is limited for several months at a time the accumulation of dirt is far greater. But first let s look at when and why you might need to invest in solar panel cleaning equipment or hire a professional cleaning service.

Solar panels that are cleaned once and twice a year produce 3 5 and 5 1 more electricity respectively than those that are left uncleaned. Cole said solar panel wash is especially helpful in arid locations where dust is high and water is scarce because the wash allows for less water to be used in cleaning. You don t need a lot of fancy equipment to clean your panels. H however some places do require extra attention.

Many homeowners opt to clean their own solar panels. Think of it this way.