Home solar panels are poised to play an important role in our efforts to tackle climate change. Given that solar energy systems do not produce any greenhouse gases or air pollution, they are a far better alternative to generating electricity from fossil fuels. When you add in the cost savings on energy bills, it is no surprise that more and more households in the United States are switching to solar energy.
If you are considering installing solar panels on your property or have recently done so, it is important to understand how to clean solar panels. In this blog post, we will break down how solar panels should be cleaned and how often this should be done.
How to Clean Solar Panels
The good news is that solar panels require very little maintenance in order to maintain their proper function. Most US homeowners will choose to install their solar panel system on their roof, which means that rainfall will help to clear away any debris that accumulates on the panels themselves.
During the summertime and especially if you live in an area within limited rainfall, manual cleaning is still advised. Generally, it is recommended that you manually clean your solar panels 2 to 4 times per year.
A leaf blower is a useful piece of equipment for cleaning solar panels. Alternatively, you can use a garden hose to clean off any debris such as leaves and keep your panels clean.
Solar Panel Maintenance in Bad Weather
Following heavy snowfall and storms, you should pay extra attention to the condition of your solar panels. Following snowfall, you can use lukewarm water to clean away any snow. Do not use hot water when cleaning solar panels, especially when outdoor conditions are cold.
Following storms, it is likely that there will be debris such as branches, twigs, and leaves on your solar system. Left there, they can damage the solar panels and reduce their ability to absorb sunlight. Again, either a garden hose or a leaf blower is effective at clearing storm debris from your solar panels.
We also recommend that you speak to your solar panel installer from routine maintenance checks. If you are planning to get solar panels, click here to save with Blue Raven.
Maintaining Residential Solar Panels
Solar panels have a lifespan of 25-plus years. With proper care and routine maintenance, they can last for 40-plus years and help you to save thousands on your energy bills while also protecting the environment.
In addition to regular cleanings, it is also important that you get a good warranty from the solar installation company. Reputable companies offer warranties between 15 and 25 years. Be aware of any installation companies that do not provide warranties for solar panels.
Like this blog post on how to clean solar panels? Be sure to check out our other informative articles on a wide range of interesting topics.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
