Photo courtesy of MAX Energy Window Cleaners/Before and after solar panel cleaning on the True South Solar office system
When should you clean your solar panels? Read on!
Solar panels can accumulate dirt, dust, pollen, bird droppings and ash in summer in Southern Oregon. Typically, the rain and snow will naturally clean your solar array in the winter and spring months. That is one of the reasons we always recommend installing panels with even a modest tilt angle. However, summers of smoke and ash or heavy soiling due toust or bird droppings can affect the production of your array if enough build up occurs and you may find it necessary to clean the solar panels more often.
For your safety, we strongly recommend hiring a local window washing company. Both Serene Window Cleaners and Max Energy Solar Cleaning are reputable solar panel cleaners here in the Rogue Valley.
If you do it yourself, please stay on the ground. Never get up on your roof without a secure ladder and proper fall-protection equipment. Please contact us at True South Solar if you have any other further questions about cleaning or productivity of your solar panels.
Recommendations:
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Turn off your system before cleaning.
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Consult your True South Solar manual to see how to turn off your system to protect it. If you are unsure, please call our office at 800-947-1187.
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Clean early in the morning or in the evening when the panels are cool.
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During the heat of the day, water and soap can evaporate quickly, which risks smearing the soap and dirt.
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Use a soft-bristle brush with an extended handle, soft sponge/seamless cloth or soft squeegee.
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DO NOT use abrasive brushes, pads or powders.
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Use of such abrasive materials will void the product warranty.
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Use non-heated, potable water with normal water pressure, over-the-counter glass cleaner (such as Windex or equivalent) OR a 3% soap-and-water solution.
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Pressurized water up to 1,500 psi may be used when necessary.
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AVOID harsh industrial strength cleaning products
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AVOID hard, or mineral-rich, water. It can damage panels over time. If your area only has hard tap water, you can buy an inexpensive water-softening hose attachment to filter out minerals. Otherwise, you can use distilled or de-ionized water.
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Images courtesy of Serene Window Cleaners/A ground mount system after solar panel cleaning, all shiny and new!