Solar panels are an amazing way to save on energy bills and be friendly on the environment. However, you need to be aware that solar panels need regular cleaning in order to function at an optimal level. Cleaning your solar panels of dirt and debris can help them last longer and avoid the need for costly repairs.
Cleaning solar panels require a lot of care and attention due to the sensitive nature of solar panels. Here are some tips that can help make cleaning solar panels a bit easier. At the end of the article, we will recommend what we think is the best way for you to get your solar panels cleaned.
Turn off the power
Before you do any sort of cleaning, you need to ensure that the power system for your solar panels is switched off. This is essential to guarantee both your safety and also the integrity of your solar panels. Therefore, always remember to push the shutdown button before cleaning. Let members of your household know that you are doing cleaning works – so that they do not accidentally switch the power back on!
Use a soft sponge or brush
Yes, the glass on solar panels may look strong and can withstand the elements of the weather. However, do not forget that abrasive materials can still easily scratch the solar panels! To avoid permanently damaging your solar panels, use a soft-bristled brush or a soft sponge to do the cleaning. Be careful when rubbing into the panels as debris or small pebbles could scratch the surface of the glass.
Do not use high pressure
High pressure cleaners are excellent when it comes to blasting away stubborn dirt – but not on your solar panels! Using a high pressure cleaner can force water into parts of your solar panel where it should not be. If you must use a high pressure cleaner on your solar panels, put your hose on a low setting to minimise the pressure. You can also further reduce the pressure by creating a fanned-out sheet of water at the nozzle instead of a single high-pressure jet.
Use a gentle cleaning soap
When it comes to cleaning your solar panels, you want to use a detergent that does a good enough job of getting the panels clean, but is not so strong that it will cause damage. For a DIY job, all you really need is some dishwashing liquid mixed with water to clean your solar panels. Stay away from laundry detergents or strong chemicals as these could interfere with how your solar panels work and cause problems down the road.
Use the right type of water
It is recommended that you use distilled or de-ionised water to clean your solar panels. This is because water with high mineral content may leave deposits that could interact with the glass of your solar panels. Moreover, make sure that your water is not too hot or not too cold to prevent your glass from cracking due to a sudden change in temperature.
Hire a professional
As you can see, solar panels can be quite sensitive and you need to take a lot of extra care to make sure that they are not damaged during cleaning. Therefore, the best thing that you can do is hire a professional solar panel cleaner who will have the right skills and equipment to clean your solar panels the right way. Moreover, if your solar panels are placed on your roof, you should refrain from trying to do the job yourself due to safety concerns. Get maximum peace of mind by hiring a high access cleaner in Adelaide instead.
With three decades of experience in the industry, O’Shea’s is the perfect choice when looking for a professional cleaning company for your solar panels and high access cleaning. Get in touch with our friendly and dedicated team who will be happy to answer any enquiries today!