Companies specializing in cleaning solar panels generally say.
Do solar panels need regular cleaning.
This is because if your solar panels efficiency does start to decrease you ll need professional maintenance that can potentially cost you thousands of dollars over the years.
How to clean solar panels.
When someone gets a new rooftop solar installation the second question they always ask is how often do i need to clean my solar panels we ll answer that question on today s show taking into account the different effects of rain dust and electric rates btw the first question people always ask is how do i read my electric bill but that s a topic for another show.
Some of our favorite solar panel cleaning.
Thankfully solar panels are extremely durable.
Most panels are made of tempered glass anodized aluminum and aside from tracking arrays have no moving parts.
If you do decide your solar panels need to be cleaned there are two main ways of doing it.
One company selling an automated washing system says panels should be washed every couple of weeks.
A common question asked by those who have had new solar panels installed is how do i clean my solar panels solar panels especially the modern pv panels don t usually need to be cleaned.
Not keeping your panels clean will cost you money in the long run and can put the lifespan of your panels at risk.
So conveniently they require little to no maintenance.
If you notice a decrease in efficiency it could mean your panels are in need of a cleaning.
However unless you live somewhere with high amounts of smog dust dirt or sand blowing around solar panel cleaning is generally not necessary 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.
Hire a professional or do it yourself.
Cleaning your solar.
However over time dust bird droppings and other debris can build up which can have a negative effect on solar panel efficiency if you don t.
Your solar panels need to be exposed to sunlight in order to produce power.
Some say panels need an annual scrub others say quarterly.
In the uk the vast majority of domestic solar panel arrays don t need regular heavy duty cleaning thanks to the high levels of rainfall.
Yes you have to clean your rooftop solar panels and you have to clean them regularly.
In other parts of the world where rainfall levels are lower build up of dust and dirt can present more of an issue and panels may need to be cleaned more often to prevent a significant drop in output.