How Often Should Solar Panels Be Cleaned? + Why It Matters
Solar panels are a worthwhile investment for many residential and business properties, but their high-quality demands constant maintenance to keep the system running at peak efficiency. Even the most premium panels require thorough cleaning to keep them in the best condition possible, lengthening their lifespans even further and increasing their resistance to future degradation.
Do Solar Panels Get Dirty?
Solar panels are exposed to the elements and the outdoor environment, so it’s easy for them to become dirty. Dust, moss, debris, bird droppings, and even filthy rainwater can compromise their capabilities and make them less efficient. How dirty the panels get depends on the country, city, and region, and this will affect how regularly they need to be cleaned.
How Often Should Solar Panels Be Washed?
As a general rule, solar panels should be cleaned at least once per year, although this may go up to twice or even thrice a year depending on the local climate. Dry, dusty climates are more likely to make solar panels dirty than wet climates, so it’s prudent to clean them more often. The energy output of the panels acts as a good indicator of how dirty they are because they cannot work at maximum efficiency with dirty surfaces blocking the sunlight.
The best time of year to schedule an annual solar panel cleaning procedure is during spring, as the weather won’t be too hot, which makes it easier to clean the panels without the water evaporating. Early morning or late evening are prime times for cleaning because the sun will have either not fully risen or have set for the day. Strategically planning to clean solar panels this way gets them clean and ready for summer, when the days are longer and there is more sunshine to be converted into energy.
Why Solar Panel Care Matters
Nothing works to its full potential when it is dirty, and solar panels are no exception. They’re an expensive investment, so it’s vital that they are properly taken care of. Premium panels can last upwards of 30 years, but if they’re neglected, they’re more likely to become damaged and need to be replaced. Even the smallest amount of damage can greatly compromise their ability to do their job.
When dirt, dust, and debris accumulate on the surface of solar panels, they create a thick layer that blocks the photovoltaic (PV) cells from absorbing sunlight. Some may be able to get through, but the dirtier the panels, the less sunlight is taken in. This subsequently causes the panels to produce less energy after conversion, reducing their overall performance.
Over time, the solar panels become even dirtier and may become completely unable to absorb any sunlight. As a result, the property loses its renewable energy source and must rely on other outlets for electricity, likely at a higher cost. The panels may also take long-term damage to their most integral components if debris manages to penetrate them, making them more likely to struggle and even completely fail in the future.
What Happens if Solar Panels are Never Cleaned?
If solar panels are never cleaned, they will absolutely not live out their full lifespans. Panels are sensitive, which is what makes them such a good renewable energy source, but it also puts them at risk. Even the slightest degradation can impact their performance and make them less productive, exposing them to further damage in the future. As they are typically installed on the roof, they’re in a prime position to be hit by anything that falls from the sky or is carried on the wind.
Refusing to clean solar panels can also void their warranty due to a lack of maintenance. Even if they continue to perform to a decent standard, they will be less effective and have no protection in the case that they do completely fail. Experts recommend annual solar panel cleaning for precisely these reasons. Dirt and grime can be stubborn, and it’s not worth risking the efficiency of the panels after getting them installed.
How to Maintain Solar Panels
The best way to ensure the best quality solar panel maintenance is to hire a professional cleaning company, like House Washing Perth. Though clean rainwater may remove some of the dirt and debris, it’s best to thoroughly clean the panels to keep them fresh and fully functioning. It’s difficult to clean solar panels on the roof if you aren’t equipped or experienced enough, so the job is best left to a professional.
Many people refuse to hire professional solar panel cleaners because of the cost, but the panels themselves are an expensive investment that requires the highest level of care and maintenance. The cost of repairing or replacing panels that were damaged due to a lack of cleaning will be much higher, as well as more time-consuming and inconvenient. It is also typically only a once-a-year expense, which makes it easier to factor into a budget.
Some people may attempt to clean the panels themselves, but leaving any soapy residue can be just as disruptive to the panels’ efficiency, and using a scratchy cloth or brush can also cause damage to the surface of the solar panels. It also takes a lot of time and effort to clean the panels yourself with fewer professional resources, and can be quite dangerous if you aren’t experienced at going up ladders and climbing on roofs. In most cases, a professional cleaning company is the best option for safe and thorough maintenance.
Choosing Premium Solar Panels in Perth
Middle Swan Solar provides premium solar panels in Perth from a range of excellent manufacturers. There are many benefits to choosing premium panels, including better efficiency, durability, and longevity. More and more home and business owners are turning to solar panels for guaranteed, renewable energy, helping to lower electricity bills and make properties more self-sufficient.