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How to Maintain Healthy Solar Panels

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To absorb as much energy as possible, solar panels must be positioned in direct sunlight and routinely kept clean. While occasional rain showers will help wash away any accumulated dust, dirt, or bird droppings, a regular, thorough cleaning will ensure that your solar panels remain operating at peak efficiency for many years. Here are some maintenance tips for keeping your solar panels clean and healthy.

Solar Panel Cleaning Frequency

In general, solar panel cleanings are recommended once or twice a month depending on the type of system you own and the environment around your home. For example, ground-mounted solar panels on a farm that gather large amounts of dust and dirt will require more frequent cleaning than a rooftop solar system on a one-story suburban home. Your solar panel cleaning schedule may also increase during severe weather seasons — particularly pollen or hurricane season — when wind-blown debris can blanket your panels and keep them from receiving maximum sunlight.

Solar Panel Cleaning Tips

After turning your system off, be sure to follow these steps before cleaning your solar panels.

Don’t clean during the heat of the day

Solar panels are designed to absorb heat, so attempting to clean a hot panel will only cause the water to evaporate and muddy the panels. For a more effective cleanse, clean early in the morning, later in the evening, or on an overcast day when the panels are cooler.

Use the right cleaning tools

For best results, use a high-pressure hose with an extended-reach soft brush or squeegee pad tip. Also, add soap-holding and water-softening attachments to remove damaging hard water minerals and chemicals that can leave hard-to-remove water spots.

Clean from the ground whenever possible

Safety should always come first when attempting to clean a rooftop solar panel system. If your solar panels are located atop a two-story home or in a hard-to-access location, be sure to secure yourself with a sturdy ladder, thick rubber-soled shoes, and a safety harness.

If you don’t have the proper equipment for elevated solar panel cleaning, it may be best to have them professionally cleaned.

Rely on Solar Panel Professionals

Specialists in residential and commercial solar panel installation and maintenance, Professional Electrical Services is experienced in providing quality services that will help prolong the life of your solar panel system. To keep your solar panels clean and generating money-saving energy, contact PES today at [company_phone].

Austin Miller

Austin Miller

With over two decades of experience in the solar and electrical contracting industry, Austin Miller brings a wealth of expertise to the table. As the proprietor of PES Solar, his profound understanding of solar energy and its cost-saving potential is unmatched. Austin's unwavering passion for the solar sector drives his mission to help businesses and homeowners maximize their savings while embracing renewable energy solutions.