Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular as home and business owners look to decrease their energy costs and have a better impact on the environment. To keep solar panels working at their best, they need to be periodically cleaned. Today, our solar experts are talking about the difference between professional solar panel cleaning and DIY cleaning. We’ll also give you tips for how to clean solar panels yourself.
Professional vs. DIY Solar Panel Cleaning
Just like everything else outside, solar panels get dirty. Leaves, dust, dirt, bird droppings, and other debris buildup on solar panels over time. This can block sunlight and make them less efficient. So if you want to get the most out of your solar panels, you need to clean them periodically.
You have a couple of options for solar panel cleaning. You can hire professionals to do it for you. Or, if you know how to clean solar panels, you can also clean them yourself. Here are the pros and cons of these two different solar panel cleaning routes:
Professional Solar Panel Cleaning
Pros:
- Stay Safe: Solar panels are often installed on the roof, making cleaning them potentially dangerous. Trained solar panels cleaners have the best equipment and training for cleaning solar panels safely.
- Expert Cleaning: Professionals have specialized equipment and experience that makes them experts at cleaning solar panels. They know how to clean efficiently without causing damage to your solar panels.
- Warranty Protection: Some solar panel warranties require regular professional cleaning to remain valid. A professional cleaning service can provide proof that you’ve maintained your panels correctly. If you ever need to file a warranty claim, this will be important.
Cons:
- Cost: Hiring professional solar panel cleaners can be expensive. The cost may be a challenge if you are on a limited budget.
- Requires High Levels of Trust: You’ll need to find and schedule a reputable service. Anytime you hire outside contractors to perform home services, there is always the risk that you will have a bad experience.
DIY Solar Panel Cleaning
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: When you know how to clean solar panels, doing it yourself can eliminate the cost of hiring professionals. You may still need to buy some supplies, but you can avoid labor costs.
- Convenient: You can clean your solar panels whenever you feel it’s needed. You don’t have to wait for an appointment.
Cons:
- Safety Risks: Climbing onto your roof can be dangerous, especially when you don’t have the right equipment or experience.
- Poor Cleaning: Solar panels can be easily scratched or damaged if they are cleaned incorrectly. You may not be able to achieve the same level of cleaning as professionals.
- Time-Consuming: While DIY solar panel cleaning can save you money, it costs time.
How to Clean Solar Panels the Right Way
If you choose the DIY solar panel cleaning route, here are some tips for how to clean your solar panels:
- Prioritize Safety: Always prioritize safety. Wear shoes that help you avoid slipping on the roof. Follow proper ladder safety and do as much of the cleaning from the ground as possible.
- Clean While Cool: In the middle of the day when it’s hot outside, solar panels can be hot, making water evaporate quickly and leaving behind streaks. Try to clean during cooler hours.
- Pick the Right Tools: Use a soft brush or a sponge, a squeegee, mild dish soap, and clean water. Do not use abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals. A garden hose with a spray nozzle can also help rinse off dirt.
- Clean Gently: Gently scrub the panels with soapy water to remove dirt and grime. Then, rinse away soap residue with clean water.
- Watch for Damage: While cleaning, check for signs of damage like cracks or loose wiring. If you notice any issues, contact a professional for repairs.
Solar Panel Professionals
If you or a contractor notice damage to your solar panels while cleaning, reach out to a professional for solar panel repairs. At Attyx, our solar panel experts install and service solar panels. We are also happy to provide advice for proper solar panel cleaning techniques to avoid damaging your solar panels. We’re here to help you make the most of your solar energy system.
