How to clean solar panels: Tips and suggestions

Solar panels are extremely useful devices which help you get electric and heat energy through solar energy. Generally, solar panels are self cleaning in nature but even then there are various factors which can cause dirt and dust on them which need to be removed for their proper functioning. Substances such as bird droppings etc can build up over a period of time and this can impact the quantity of electricity generated by the unit. It is thus important to clean them on a regular basis.  This article will help you learn the tips to clean solar panels in the most proper way.

Tools needed for solar panels

The tools that you will need to clean solar panels include:

• A good quality brush
• Squeegee with a plastic blade
• Cloth covered on either side with a long extension
• Hose with a proper nozzle that will allow the water to reach the panels.

1. Choose a perfect day for cleaning solar panels

The first thing to remember is to choose a perfect day to clean solar panels. Remember the following when choosing the day and time:

•  It is best to clean it on an overcast day either early in the morning or in the evening.
• Mornings work best since glass solar panels have dew settled on them which makes it easy for grime and dust to be removed easily.

2. Get prepared for cleaning

You must prepare for cleaning by following the given tips:

• The next thing to remember is to brush off any loose materials from the panels in case the panels are dry.
• Brushing off loose materials will make cleaning not just faster but also much easier.
• It is important to remember not to use any metal objects or harsh products to avoid getting any scratches on the glass of the solar panels.
• Scratches can affect the panels and lower their performance.
• Also avoid using any detergents as well.

3. Clean the solar panels

• The next step is to use water to wash down the solar panels and then scrub them with a coarse cloth covered sponge or soft brush.
• This will help remove the stubborn grime from the surface.
• It is important to remember if the water supplied by mains is hard then you should prefer using rain water, if available.
• Use rain water for the final rinse and then squeegee dry it.
• However if rainwater is not available and only hard water is there then make sure you squeegee properly to avoid deposit accumulation from the mineral rich water on the glass after it dries off.

4. Tackling oily stains

• If there are any oily stains on the solar panels then you can make use of isopropyl alcohol to remove them.
• Oily stains usually occur in areas near airports or near major roadways which are frequented by trucks.

If you are someone who wants to get solar panel cleaning done and not do it yourself, then it is better to contact a professional for this job. You can contact professionals for cleaning services by reaching out to Mr Right services.