How to clean and maintain solar panels

Solar panels won't work at their full potential after a period of use. Dirt, such as dust, leaves, or bird droppings, will cling to the panels. These things will affect the flow of electricity, causing damage to the solar panels and even causing them to burn. Therefore, we should have a cleaning tool for solar panels. However, cleaning solar cells incorrectly can reduce their efficiency. So, let's take a look at how to clean and maintain solar panels.

How do you clean solar panels?

1. Thoroughly clean the solar panels.

Spray water over the solar panels thoroughly with a hose to remove any dust.

2. Use safe materials for cleaning the solar panels.

You must choose soft tools that will not damage the solar panel surface, such as sponges and cloths. Avoid using chemicals that contain corrosive ingredients, as this can damage the solar panel. Use plain water or water mixed with a small amount of dishwashing liquid to thoroughly clean any stubborn grease or stains on the solar panels.

Using hard tools or detergents to clean the panels can damage, crack, or scratch the panels, reducing their ability to absorb light and generate electricity.

3. Check for proper operation.

• Check that all solar panel connection devices are in working order.

• Equipment connected to the solar panels, such as the inverter or control box, must be regularly inspected to ensure they are in good condition and ready for use.

When Should We Clean Solar Panels?

We generally clean during low sunlight hours, in the early morning or evening.

1. In the morning, 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM

2. In the evening, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Why should we clean solar panels during these times? Because panels exposed to water while hot can damage the glass surface, creating shadows and affecting electricity production. Furthermore, this prevents the operator from harming the panel. During the morning or evening, solar systems have low electrical currents, and if a broken wire is damaged during the day, it could be dangerous.

How often should we clean solar panels?

We usually clean solar panels 2-3 times a year, depending on the surrounding environment and how much dust there is. For example, if it's a house, there might not be a lot of dust. Washing the solar panels 2-3 times a year is sufficient. However, if it's a factory, such as a cement factory, which has a lot of dust, the panels might need to be washed more frequently, like once every two months or once a month.

Does rain help clean solar panels?

Many people may think that rainwater will help clean or wash solar panels. But in reality, after the rain stops, it often leaves dirt on the panels, just like when a wet car gets dusty. The same goes for solar panels. Therefore, we should still wash the panels. We may even wait until the rainy season has passed before cleaning them.

Advantages of cleaning solar panels

1. Improves solar panel energy production by up to 20%.

2. Helps solar panels last longer than their stated lifespan.

3. It also checks for damage to solar panels and other connected devices.

	However, cleaning solar panels should be done by a professional, as it can be dangerous if your roof is steep or difficult to maintain.

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