Knowing how to clean solar panels is necessary to take advantage of all its benefits. Read on and learn how to do it the right way.
Switching to solar power is a good idea what benefits the environment. But it is also a great investment that needs special care. You should learn how to clean your solar panels, as dust and dirt can cause them to produce less.
Fortunately, cleaning solar panels is very easy. You just need to take certain precautions and you can do it yourself, without the need to seek professional help. If you want to learn how to properly clean your solar energy equipment, keep reading.
Why do solar panels get dirty?
Being installed outdoors, at the mercy of external factors, Solar panels get dirty easily. Whether it’s because of tree leaves, pollen, bird droppings, pollution or plant debris.
These impurities generate lower productivity. Hence the importance of regular cleaning of the equipment, since dirt prevents more light from reaching it to transform.
So if you’ve never cleaned your solar panels since installation, it’s time you consider doing so. Well, you are wasting much of the energy that could be produced.
Is it necessary to clean the solar panels?
Most photovoltaic panels have a glass surface that covers and protects them. This is the space that we must try to keep free of dustsince the accumulation of dirt will only weaken the power with which the panels receive the sun’s rays.
A large amount of dirt on the surface of the panels prevents the sun’s rays from bouncing freely, reducing the energy generated.
For our solar equipment to work perfectly, it is necessary to provide them with simple maintenance that you can carry out yourself. Fortunately, it’s a simple cleanup that takes just a few steps.
Materials to clean solar panels
Giving our photovoltaic panels a complete cleaning is easier than you think. You just need to be very careful, since for safety you should never step on the panels.
It is for the same reason that most installations require a crane, so try to use comfortable and safe equipment. The only materials you need to clean the solar panels are the following:
- Demineralized water.
- Microfiber cloth.
- Ladder or crane.
Although cleaning is usually a simple and easy procedure to perform, it is necessary to take certain precautions so as not to damage the equipment and have to reinstall it. Keep in mind the following recommendations:
- You must turn off the solar panels before you start to clean them to avoid possible setbacks such as burns or shorts.
- It is recommended not to clean the equipment when there is intense sun or in the afternoon. You can wash before 9 in the morning or after 6 in the afternoon.
- Do not stand on photovoltaic panels for any reason And don’t apply too much pressure when you’re cleaning the dirt.
- Pay attention that there are no loose wires or broken glass on the surface.
- Try to rinse the microfiber cloth frequently and keep it clean. This helps keep the dust from spreading to other places.
How to clean solar panels correctly?
This simple guide will help you clean solar panels easily and without damaging them. Remember that these teams are very delicateso try to be careful.
1. Lower the switch on the electrical board
At the time of placing the solar panels in your home, the installer had to connect them to the electrical panel that supplies power to the entire house. In a correct installation, panels should have their own switch on the dash.
This can be raised or lowered when required by the owner. So before you start cleaning your photovoltaic equipment, it is necessary to remove the power.
2. Carefully check all equipment
Solar panels have a glass cover over their entire surface. Before you start removing the dirt, you need to look carefully at all the equipment in search of broken glass or exposed cables.
This step is of vital importance, since shorts can be generated when using water to clean the dust. In these types of cases it is best to stop and seek help from the installer.
3. Use plenty of water
Since we made sure that the solar panels are disconnected and do not have any type of problem, it is time to start the cleaning process. With the help of the ladder or crane, climb up to the height of the panels and Moisten them with plenty of water.
Remember that you must use demineralized water to prevent patches from forming when the panels dry completely. This will remove most of the dust.
4. Clean all panels
With the help of a microfiber cloth, begin to clean the solar panels carefully and gently. Don’t put too much pressure and try to make the movements in a linear way, always towards the same direction.
The previous step of the water should have removed most of the accumulated dirt, so it is only enough to go over the entire surface of the solar equipment with the microfiber cloth.
5. Go over and carve the surface
At this point, your solar panels should be mostly clean. But if you want them to be shiny, you can use another clean, damp microfiber cloth for the finishing touches.
You can use a glass cleaner to give the panels a shine. Nevertheless, be careful that it is not corrosive and is suitable for use on surfaces in direct sunlight.
How often should solar panels be cleaned?
One of the great advantages that the investment and installation of solar panels in the home brings (in addition to the benefits to the environment), is that they do not need maintenance during the first 25 years, which is the useful life of the photovoltaic panels. So you shouldn’t worry about calling a technician, unless a major problem occurs.
However, solar panels should be cleaned 2-3 times a year. It all depends on the area where we are. If you live in the city, once every 6 months is enough.
This will prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt that prevent the equipment from working with the same performance. If you don’t have time to do it, don’t worry. at affordable prices There are companies specialized in this type of work.
Go ahead and clean the solar panels in your home
Now that you know the step-by-step guide to cleaning solar panels properly, it’s time for you to break out your favorite microfiber cloth and get to work. Remember that this kind of equipment does not require professional maintenance if the necessary precautions are followed. Just try to keep it free of dust and dirt. to get the most out of your benefits.
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