It’s no secret that when it comes to making the most of solar energy, solar panels, optimally placed and maintained, are the key to harnessing its benefits. Yet while cleaning your panels is an essential component of this maintenance and may seem like a simple task, damaging mistakes are all too common.
Potentially reducing their effectiveness, voiding warranties or even creating the need for solar panel repair or replacement, this is one job that is best left to the professionals. In this guide, our experts highlight the top eight mistakes to avoid when cleaning solar panels to ensure they remain in optimal condition.
Why Rain Isn’t Enough…
While it’s true that rain can wash away some dirt and dust from solar panels, it’s not enough to rely on rain alone for proper cleaning. Rainwater can leave behind mineral deposits and other residues that reduce the panels’ performance.
Additionally, areas that receive little rain or are prone to pollution, such as those close to a major road or under trees may experience significant buildup that rain cannot fully remove. Just like your car’s exterior that cannot be properly cleaned by rain, regular manual cleaning is necessary to remove stubborn grime. This will ensure that all of your panels can operate at their full potential.
Solar Panel Maintenance Cleaning – Common Errors
If your panels are ready for a deep clean, here’s what to avoid to achieve a great result, remain safe and protect your panels from unnecessary damage.
1. Using Abrasive Materials
One of the most frequent mistakes made by inexperienced individuals when cleaning solar panels is the use of abrasive materials or harsh chemicals. While robust enough to withstand constant exposure to the weather, solar panels have a delicate surface that can be easily scratched or damaged.
Using everyday scrapers, brushes or scouring pads to remove lichen or other build-up can create tiny, scratched grooves where dust and dirt can more easily accumulate and become trapped.
This then reduces the panels’ efficiency over time and compromises the overall integrity of the panel’s surface. To avoid this, only soft, non-abrasive cloths or sponges and specially formulated PV panel cleaning solutions should be used during cleaning.
2. Ignoring Safety Precautions
Cleaning solar panels typically requires working at heights, especially since most panels are installed on rooftops. For anyone inexperienced with working at heights, cleaning solar panels involves some serious hazards. From fall risks to windy conditions, water creating slip hazards and the risk of electrocution from exposed wires – solar panel cleaning is not for the faint-hearted.
Proper safety gear, such as a harness, non-slip shoes and a sturdy ladder is strongly recommended. As most homeowners do not have this equipment or training to work at heights, it is advisable to hire a professional solar cleaning service.
3. Using High-Pressure Water
We get it, outdoor cleaning can seem a cinch if you have a gurney and what Aussie homeowner doesn’t enjoy the satisfaction of removing grime with high-pressure water? However, while this is an efficient and safe method for cleaning some outdoor surfaces, when it comes to solar panels it should be avoided.
This is because the strong force of the water can damage the panel’s surface or dislodge the seals, allowing water to get inside the panel and potentially cause electrical issues. Instead, low-pressure water from a garden hose or similar is recommended to clean panels without risking damage.
4. Not Checking the Manufacturer’s Guidelines
Every solar panel manufacturer provides specific cleaning guidelines that should be followed to avoid voiding the warranty. Ignoring these guidelines is a mistake that can lead to costly repairs or replacements.
Before cleaning, check the manufacturer’s instructions regarding recommended cleaning methods, solutions and tools. You may even find that only professional cleaning is approved to uphold the warranty. Following these guidelines ensures that your panels are cleaned safely and that they will remain covered by any warranties.
5. Failing to Inspect Panels During Cleaning
The cleaning of your panels also represents an excellent opportunity to inspect them for any signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or loose wiring. Conducting a visual inspection during cleaning ensures that any potential issues can be caught early on and repaired.
Early detection of problems can prevent more significant issues down the line and ensure that your solar system continues to function efficiently. Should you notice anything unusual, it’s essential to contact a professional for a more thorough inspection and repairs.
At Spotless Solar Care, we perform this inspection as a component of our cleaning service and list any areas of concern on our post-cleaning report, along with pictures of any obvious damage for your records.
Overlooking The Importance of Regular Maintenance
Not a mistake made during cleaning, but related nonetheless, some people make the mistake of thinking that solar panels are largely maintenance-free and only need to be cleaned when they are visibly dirty.
However, dust, pollen, bird droppings, sap, lichen, pollution and other debris can accumulate gradually and may not always give a noticeably dirty appearance. Reducing your solar system’s efficiency, these deposits can also be acidic in nature and eat into the panel’s surface if not removed.
Regular cleaning, ideally every 6 to 12 months depending on your location and environment, helps maintain peak performance. Overlooking regular maintenance can lead to a gradual decline in energy production or damage to your panels – something that can be easily avoided with routine care.
Professional Proficiency & Peace Of Mind
Ultimately, the best approach to caring for your solar panels is to engage a professional cleaning service to oversee the removal of all dirt and grime.
At Spotless Solar Care, we possess all the required training, equipment and expertise necessary to ensure your panels are protected from damage during cleaning and left performing optimally
As your trusted solar panel cleaning service in Sydney, our careful, professional approach will ensure that your solar investment continues to pay off for many years to come.
