Non-renewable energy sources are depleting and in this scenario, the need for using renewable energy is gradually increasing. And when it comes to using free energy conveniently, solar energy tops the list. Solar energy is one of the most popular renewable sources of energy and photovoltaic cells (PV cells) are used to convert the heat energy from the sun and convert it into electrical energy. You can easily install a PV cell in your office or residential place and enjoy electricity for free.
However, these cells can accumulate dust and dirt over time and it’s then that the efficiency of these PV cells tends to decrease. In this scenario, cleaning your solar panels usually restores the capacity of the solar cells. So, solar panel cleaning is an essential part of maintaining the efficiency of solar cells.
Cleaning solar panels is easy and you can use the DIY method conveniently. However, if you do not feel comfortable doing it yourself, you can reach out to any solar company in Sydneyto do the job for you.
Here is a brief guide on how, when, and why to clean solar panels.
Why Clean Solar Panels?
Once installed, solar panels do not need much maintenance. However, dust and dirt can accumulate over time and decrease the efficiency of the panels. All you need to do then is use water and a sponge to clean the panels. The cleaning procedure helps clean out all the dirt and dust and this helps the PV cells to absorb sunlight properly.
Apart from dust and dirt, particles like leaves and bird droppings too can block the panels from absorbing the sunlight fully and thus reduce the efficiency of the solar panels. So, cleaning them is the only option to restore the capacity of the PV panels.
When to Clean Solar Panels
Solar panels are installed in open spaces where they can receive full sunlight. Therefore, dust and dirt can accumulate over time and the panels can get dirty, thus reducing the efficiency of the PV cells.
However, the cleaning will depend on several factors such as your area, exposed time, weather conditions, and solar design. Thus, you may not have to clean your panels at all during the spring and summer seasons. Frequent cleaning of solar panels is required in the winters when sunlight is less available throughout the day. It rains less in the winters, so it’s advised to clean the solar panels at least once a month.
Checking your solar panels from time to time is a good practice. Whenever you see excessive dust, it is time for cleaning. As for the timing of the day, you should clean your solar panels in the morning or in the late afternoon. In the afternoon, the sun falls directly on the panels which can make the water evaporate quickly and the dirt might remain on the surface.
How to Clean Your Solar Panels?
As mentioned, cleaning your solar panels requires just some water and a soft sponge. You can also use a mild detergent to clean the surface of the panels. However, make sure you do not use water pressure because it can cause damage to the panel’s surface. Use a sponge instead to scrub away any dirt or leaves or bird droppings from the surface of the panel.
Also, make sure you do not use strong detergents and chemicals because they can again damage the PV cells. Also, follow safety measures when cleaning your panels. For example, use a long-handled tool to clean your panels while you stand on the ground.
You can use a bucket of water and use a soft sponge to clean the dirt and any other materials off your solar panels. You can also use a garden hose to clean. However, make sure you do not use water pressure.
That was everything about cleaning solar panels. As you can see, cleaning solar panels is very easy and you can do it yourself. If however, you are not feeling confident about cleaning them yourself, you can always connect with a trusted solar company in Sydney that will have the expertise and experience to clean and maintain your solar panels properly.
