Solar panels are one of the most trustworthy, efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly sources for generating electricity. They work by transforming sunlight into electrical energy. The more sunlight that reaches a panel, the more solar energy it will generate. Solar panels are more vulnerable to bird droppings and a build-up of general dust and debris that doesn’t wash off with just rain due to solar panels’ upward angle. It decreases the amount of light that reaches the panel and decreases its output. It is because of the same reason that solar panels for your home require proper maintenance and care.
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When to Clean the Solar Panels?
The decision to clean your solar panels is determined by the area where you live. If you reside in a region where there is heavy rainfall, you will be required to clean them less frequently. However, when leaves fall during autumn, it becomes important to clean your solar panels so sunlight is not blocked.
Ideally, you can check for dirt, dust, bird droppings, and leaves once or twice a month and clean it accordingly.
There are few tips and tricks that you must follow to keep solar panels for your home clean and tidy.
- Go Through the Solar Panel Guide Thoroughly
It is always advisable to read the solar panel guide thoroughly as it provides you an insight into how to clean, maintain, and look after the solar panels properly.
Sometimes, there are specific pointers written in the manual guide, which should be considered. The guide will also tell you whether you are required to switch off the system before you start with your cleaning.
- Clean the Panels Early Morning or Evening
Solar panels can get heated, especially during hot summer months; therefore, it is very important to choose the right time for cleaning the panels. It is always a good idea to clean the solar panels early morning or evening as it is cooler.
- Shut Off the Main System
While cleaning the solar panels for your home, it is extremely important that you are taking all the essential steps and safety measures to ensure your safety. Whenever you are cleaning the solar panels, it is best to shut the main switch of the panel in order to avoid any kind of electric failure in the near future.
- Brush Away the Dirt and Dust Particles
You might notice that leaves, dust, and dirt particles accumulate on your solar panels. This can reduce the performance efficacy of the PV panels. Clean the panels with a cloth to brush off the dirt before washing it away for proper maintenance.
- Avoid Using Non-Abrasive Detergents
Non-abrasive detergents react negatively with the surface of the solar panels, and it can affect the quality and the overall functioning of the solar panels. It is always better to use plain water to clean solr panels.
- Use A Gentle and Soft Brush for Cleaning
To get rid of any bird droppings on your solar panels, make sure that you are using a gentle and soft brush. A sponge is also a great way to clean your solar panels because they won’t scratch.
- Do Not Spill Off the Soapy Water on The Solar Panels
Suppose you plan on cleaning the solar panels for your home at daytime. In that case, it is advised that you should not spill off the soapy water on the solar panels as the water will evaporate quickly, leaving behind the residue, which can impact the panels’ overall effectiveness.
The thought of cleaning and maintaining the solar panels might seem complicated. However, if you will follow these tips diligently, you’ll see that the process is fairly simple, and you will have clean solar panels in no time. If you haven’t switched to solar panels yet, then now is the right time to do so. You can choose solar panels for your home from trusted brands like Luminous. They offer two types of panels: polycrystalline solar panels and the monocrystalline solar panels. Their solar panels have advanced features such as PID Resistance Technology, Severe Weather Resilience, Advance EVA Encapsulation, and more. So, check your requirement and switch to solar panels today for a sustainable future!
Sources-
https://westcoastsolarenergy.com/solar-panel-cleaning-tips/