Adding solar panels to your home is a beneficial way to save money and achieve energy independence. Owners of solar panels can save anywhere between $10,000 to $30,000 in energy costs over the course of the year.
If you’re interested in installing residential solar panels, you must keep in mind that these products will need to be cleaned regularly to maintain optimal performance. However, the good news is that cleaning solar panels isn’t a time-consuming process. In fact, it’s a relatively simple process.
In this article, you’ll learn everything there is to know about cleaning the best solar panels.
Check With Your Solar Panel Manufacturer
Before you start cleaning your solar panels, it’s best to check with the manufacturer first. There may be some specific instructions to properly cleaning them. If you installed your solar panels yourself, check the documentation that came with the product.
If you can’t find any instructions there, find their website and see if you can locate any cleaning specifications. There may be a chance that the contractor you hire to do the job may have the information you need. Another option is to hire a solar panel cleaning company based in Seattle to perform the job.
All of this information is applicable for both residential and commercial solar panels.
Clean Your Solar Panels on a Cool Day
Solar panels are made of silicon and other metals, which are excellent conductors of heat. For this reason, you should avoid climbing on top of your solar panels during hot days. In fact, it’s highly recommended to clean your solar panels in the early morning before the sun fully rises.
Check your local weather report before doing any work. You could be in for a harsh surprise if the temperature increases while you’re still on the roof.
You Can Use a Garden Hose for Small Stains
If you are already regularly cleaning your solar panels, you don’t have to continually climb your roof. You can just use a garden hose instead to do all the work.
If possible, you can throw a bucket of soap water on your solar panels and rinse them with a garden hose. This will save a lot of time, especially if you have a fear of heights.
Soap and Water is All You Need
Refrain from using any harsh cleaning chemicals to clean your solar panels. Fortunately, all you need is a bucket of warm water and dish soap to do the job.
Harsh chemicals may cause residue to form on your solar panel, preventing them from working their best.
Use a Sponge or Soft Cloth
If you do plan to climb your roof and clean your solar panels, you should use a sponge or soft cloth. This will make sure that you don’t damage the surface of your solar panels. Also, you don’t have to clean the wiring underneath the solar panels.
Water and soap should not be in contact with this wiring for safety reasons.
Need Help With Cleaning Solar Panels on Your Home?
It may be best to hire a professional if you want to start cleaning solar panels on your home. To learn more about how we can help, contact us today at blueravensolar.com/missouri/ to speak to a member of our sales team.