Thinking of cleaning your rooftop solar panels to make them work as well as the day they were installed? That’s right! Solar panels perform most optimally when they are clean. Dirt, dust, bird droppings, and other filth will accumulate on the surface over time. This lessens how effectively your solar panels can collect sunlight, which means less energy and fewer savings. In this guide, you will learn how to clean rooftop solar panels at home safely and effectively.
If you have recently transitioned to solar or have had panels installed for decades, this solar panel cleaning guide is ideal for keeping your system running properly.
In reality, dirty panels can fall short by 15% to 25% of the amount they can make. When dust or dirt accumulates on your solar panels, it traps sunlight. It reduces the amount of solar energy your system produces. That is a staggering loss of savings.
Bird droppings are even worse. They adhere and dry, and the surface eventually becomes damaged unless removed. Many people believe rainwater is enough to clean solar panels but it rinse off only dust. That is why proper solar panel cleaning is necessary.
Cleaning solar panels ensures:
Early morning or evening is the most appropriate solar panel cleaning time. At these times, panels are cold. Hence, it is easy to clean. Water would take a long time to evaporate, and this means that there will be no stains or marks.
Don’t wash when the weather is hot. Hot glass stresses or cracks when cold water is used. Also, it dries too rapidly and becomes marked. Wash them more frequently if you are in a dusty location or near trees. Clean your solar panels every 6 months, usually. But if you see less energy output or notice dirt accumulation, don’t wait.
Have the following tools for cleaning rooftop solar panels prepared before you start:
If you want to clean solar panels installed on your roof at home, and if you don’t know how to clean solar panels, go through this easy step-by-step guide to clean them.
Switch off the main switch of your solar power system first. This is for safety. Cleaning the system on is risky since water and electricity do not work well together.
Give your panels a hasty minute examination. See if there is dust, bird droppings, leaves, or loose debris. If it is merely light dust, cleaning should suffice. If you have sticky residue or stains, you should clean more thoroughly.
Clean with a dry, soft brush or cloth to remove loose dust, cobwebs, and dead leaves. Pre-cleaning before rinsing with water prevents scratching of the glass surface.
Spray clean water from a hosepipe across the panels. Do not use a high-pressure washer because it potentially damages the panels. A light wash of surface grime and cooling of the glass occurs.
Mix mild dish soap in warm water in a bucket. Wash with a soft sponge or cloth. Don’t press too hard or scrub too hard. Soft circular motions will erase the stains without harming them.
After you are done washing, rinse the panels with fresh water. This washes away any soap residue that hasn’t dried on the surface. Dried soap on glass objects reflects the sunlight and gives a lower energy output.
Rinse off any excess water using a clean, soft microfiber cloth. This gets rid of water spots and streaks. If you can’t clean the spots that are far away, air-dry them.
Once all of this has dried, power on your system. Observe with your app or solar meter to see if there is improved performance. A clean panel tends to mean more energy output.
This step-by-step solar panel cleaning method is safe, simple, and effective. Getting your panels cleaned every few months or after a dust storm will put your solar system at its highest capacity.
Cleaning solar panels at home is easy if you do it properly. The following are some simple tips:
Don’t clean the panels when the roof is slippery or wet.
Solar panel cleaning India is particularly crucial against high pollution and dust. Monsoons naturally clean panels, but dry seasons (particularly summer) need DIY cleaning.
DIY solar cleaning of solar panels is inexpensive. It can be carried out every few months using simple tools. You can even purchase solar cleaning kits online, specifically designed for solar panel cleaning. For large installations, hire professionals to complete the cleaning once a year.
Certain Indian solar companies even provide automated solar cleaning systems for big rooftops or commercial setups. These systems minimise the effort involved in manual solar panel cleaning and save time.
Yes, if you do it the wrong way. This is how you clean rooftop solar panels without damaging them:
Rooftop Solar panels contain a special coating on the glass that traps sunlight. Scratching the coating or using harmful chemicals can ruin the coating. So handle them carefully.
There is no firm rule, but here is a simple frequency guide for cleaning rooftop solar panels:
The most significant thing to remember is that it is not necessarily time. Observe the output of energy. If you notice a decrease in performance, it’s likely time for a clean.
Timely cleaning of your solar panels keeps them strong and functioning efficiently. If panels are filled with dust, bird droppings, or leaves, they can’t receive direct sunlight, which means lower power and increased bills.
Here’s what cleaning regularly offers you:
It is just like having clean windows. Clear windows admit light. Clean solar panels produce more energy. That’s all.
It is simple to clean rooftop solar panels on your own, but there are certain situations when you must hire professionals:
Professionals use special tools made just for rooftop solar panel cleaning and follow safe steps to clean solar panels without damage. Experts are also able to inspect the panels for any problems while cleaning them.
Cleaning your rooftop solar panels puts them in top condition and saves you money. This simple rooftop solar panel cleaning guide explains how to do it at home safely.
If you are new to this and you are unsure as to what solar products or solutions are perfect for you, Solar Journal Hub is here to assist. We provide daily guides and expert advice to simplify your solar journey.
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Clean them every three to six months or when you notice dirt or energy reduction.
Only mild soap and water. Strong chemicals can destroy the surface of the panel badly.
Yes, if the roof is safe, tools are available, and you practice common safety measures.
Dirty panels produce less power, are susceptible to damage, and will end up costing you more.
Call when panels are too high, too dirty, damaged, or difficult for you to reach.
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