By /

Solar Panels

Solar Panel

Solar panels–to clean, or not to clean? That is the question. This is a very controversial topic among solar panel afficionados. Many say it’s a waste of time, money, and energy. Others claim that you can lose up to 50% of your panels’ efficiency in three years if not cleaned.So how do you know what to do?

A 2009 study by Google, in Mountainview, California, found that flat panels could double their output after cleaning. But, they also found that panels tilted at a 30 degree angle or more showed no significant output after being cleaned.

Of course, solar panels in different parts of the world are affected differently, depending on climate, rain, nearness of trees, and other factors. In desert environments, like here in San Miguel de Allende, pollution, dust buildup, bird droppings ( the worst for panels,) and stuck leaves in the frames, as well as lack of rain, cause panels to get dirty, thereby reducing their output. Frames on panels also trap dirt and leaves, causing a buildup of debris that lowers efficiency.

Do it yourself cleaning of solar panels is not particularly difficult, if you can get on ladders and walk the roof. Good luck with that, as there were 500,000 people injured last year from ladder falls, and who knows how many more injured from falling off the roof. If you choose this direction, here are a few tips:

  1. Check your contract with the dealer, and make sure service calls are not included. If they are, lucky you!
  2. Do not use a pressure washer. Your regular garden hose will be good enough.
  3. Use no chemicals and no soap. Soap leaves a residue, which clouds the panel and is a good landing place for more dirt and dust.
  4. Only clean in the morning or evening, after the panels have cooled off. They become very, very hot in the Mexican sun.
  5. No hard bristle brushes, only soft bristles. They can mar the surface.
  6. Spray water on the panels, let it sit a few moments, then use a soft bristle brush to agitate the surface to loosen dust and other contaminates. For bird droppings, use some isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth to rub on, then rub off.
  7. Rinse again completely. Scrub twice with the brush if necessary. Deionized water works great for not leaving spots, but if you can wipe the water off with another cloth before it dries, that might prevent any water deposits.

So, what to do? Only you can answer that question. If your panels are flat, you probably will need to have them cleaned. Twice a year is best. But, with no rain for so long a time, even properly tilted panels may need to be cleaned and checked, even if only to be sure there is no unnoticed damage to the panels.

If Do-IT-Yourself is out of the question, call us at +1 2317428211, and visit lakeshoreexteriorcleaning.com on Google.