As a homeowner or business owner who has invested in solar panels, you know that they can be a great source of clean, renewable energy. However, to ensure that your solar panels are functioning at their best, it’s important to keep them clean. In this blog post, we’ll go over some tips on how to keep your solar panels clean and maintain their efficiency.
Why Clean Solar Panels Are Important
Before we dive into the how-to of cleaning your solar panels, let’s first talk about why clean solar panels are so important. Essentially, the purpose of solar panels is to absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. However, dirt, dust, and other debris can block the sun’s rays and prevent your panels from working at their full potential. This can result in a decrease in energy production and, in turn, a decrease in your energy savings.
Additionally, dirty solar panels can be less efficient in other ways. For example, if your solar panels are covered in bird droppings, it can be corrosive and cause damage to your panels. Similarly, if your panels are covered in debris, it can lead to water pooling on the surface, which can cause water damage and make your panels less effective.
So, in short, clean solar panels are important for maintaining efficiency and ensuring that your panels are working at their best.
How Often to Clean Your Solar Panels
Now that we’ve established the importance of clean solar panels, let’s talk about how often you should clean them. The general rule of thumb is to clean your solar panels every 3-6 months. However, this can vary depending on your location and the type of panels you have. For example, if you live in an area with a lot of dust, pollen, or other debris, you may need to clean your panels more frequently. On the other hand, if you live in a more rural area with fewer pollutants, you may be able to go longer between cleanings.
It’s also a good idea to check your panels after any major weather events, such as a storm or hail, as these can cause debris to accumulate on your panels.
Taking Care of Your Solar Panels
You should clean your solar system early in the morning, late in the evening, or on an overcast day to prevent the panels from becoming too hot. Most solar panels can be efficiently cleaned by brushing off any loose debris, using clean water, and scrubbing with a soft cloth or sponge.
But this may be easier for those who have ground-mounted solar systems.
You may be able to reach your solar panels with a garden hose if you live in a single-story home with a roof solar system. The majority of dirt and dust may be washed away with this method. If you can’t reach your panels with the hose, we don’t recommend climbing on your roof to clean them. The potential danger isn’t worth it.
Roof-mounted systems should be cleaned by a professional in this case. In addition to being safer, you can be sure the job is done correctly. Your solar panels will operate as designed for years if you take good care of them.
Currently, Michigan Solar and Roofing does not offer solar cleaning services, but we anticipate adding them in the near future. Be the first to know about it by keeping an eye on our website and social media!
Michigan Solar and Roofing: Your Hometown Solar Experts
Among Michigan’s solar companies, Michigan Solar and Roofing is the best. We are your local Michigan solar panel installers. You will be able to determine whether solar system specifications are suitable for your home or business after scheduling a no-pressure site visit.
