How To Tell If Solar Panels Need To Be Cleaned

Special attention should be given to pv arrays situated in dustier areas if they are near farmland or next to a main road.

How to tell if solar panels need to be cleaned. These arrays have far more dust and dirt to contend with and will require a more frequent clean. In winter you may need to clean your panels after a heavy snowfall. They have the appropriate safety equipment for navigating the roof. But remember generally cleaning your solar panels isn t something you need to bother with.

These options can permanently damage your panels roof and electrical elements causing more harm than good. Dust dirt pollen bird droppings and if you live on the west coast forest fire ash can reduce the amount of solar power you are able to create this is calling soiling. So as long as your solar panels don t sit completely flat rain will be enough to get your panels clean. Some monitoring systems will alert you when you need to clean your modules by informing you of any obstructions or loss in efficiency.

One of the best ways to determine if your panels need cleaning is to keep an eye on your power. If you re using water to clear the snow away make sure it s lukewarm. The good news is the study showed a pitch as slight as 5 degrees did the trick. If it is a light layer of snow it will likely slide off cleaning your panels in the process this isn t applicable for flat panels when cleaning your panels never.

However unless you live somewhere with high amounts of smog dust dirt or sand blowing around solar panel cleaning is generally not necessary. Spray hot water on cold panels. All you really need is a leaf blower or a quick spray with a garden hose and your panels will be clean and in top condition. You can also use a squeegee with a long handle.

What you should know. The best way to figure out if your panels need cleaning is to assess the above conditions. The panels pitch in order for the rain to properly clean your system the panels need to be pitched. While having zero moving parts solar panel cleaning is one aspect of solar panel maintenance that should not be forgotten.

If you notice a decrease in efficiency it could mean your panels are in need of a cleaning. If you can t clean your panels from the ground hire a company. A visual inspection is the first method if you see noticeable dirt pollen bird droppings or other debris on the panels you should give them a clean. Your solar panels need to be exposed to sunlight in order to produce power.