24 Oct How Often Do Solar Panels Need To Be Cleaned?
Solar panels are a wonderful way to make use of clean, renewable energy from the sun. Because your panels face upward to absorb the sun’s rays, they are also continually exposed to the elements. Your panels will come into contact with rain, dirt, dust, all kinds of debris, and bird waste. How often is solar panel cleaning necessary?
While solar panels are generally low-maintenance and self-sufficient, our team at Energy Saving Pros recommends routine cleaning to keep them working for you for years to come. Regularly cleaning your solar panels keeps them in optimal condition and working efficiently, so you can save money on energy costs!
When To Clean Your Solar Panels
The frequency of solar panel cleaning depends on where you live and how your solar panels are positioned. While flat panels tend to collect more debris than tilted panels, both can benefit from routine cleaning. If you live in a city, near factories and highways, close to farms and fields, by an airport, or in an area with dust storms, you will need to pay special attention to the debris collecting on your panels.
Fall leaves and winter snow may also require removal, though snow typically melts quickly on solar panels, temporarily cleaning the panels naturally as it slides off. Snow and rain will not effectively clean your panels in the long term, however, and can ultimately leave a film that reduces efficiency. Check them periodically for a visible film. If you can see a film forming on your panels or notice a reduction in efficiency, it is time to clean them. A minimum of one annual solar panel cleaning is recommended in order to keep your panels functioning efficiently, though cleaning twice a year is recommended. Cleaning your solar panels twice a year typically increases efficiency by 3-5%.
Give us a Call!
Keeping your solar panels clean will ensure you get the most out of your investment! Routinely cleaning them will protect your warranty, ensure their optimal efficiency, and will lengthen the lifespan of your solar panels. Energy Saving Pros is an industry leader in solar energy and solar panels for Norcal. For more information on solar panel cleaning and maintenance, contact one of our Energy Advisors at 866-497-6527 or reach us online!
Image by Daria Nepriakhina from Pixabay