Tech
Solar Panel Companies Near Me: How To Clean Solar Panels
There are approximately three million solar installations in the United States, of which one million were built in the last two years. Solar energy is one of the fastest-growing forms of renewable energy, and it comes with tons of benefits for both humans and the planet.
If you’re considering installing some of your own, it’s time to Google “solar panel companies near me.” Of course, with solar panels comes some maintenance you’ll have to consider. Luckily for you, cleaning your solar panels is easier than you probably think, and you have a few different options.
Read on for all you need to know.
How Location Affects Solar Panels
Usually, solar panels only need to be cleaned once or twice a year. However, this greatly depends on where they’re located. Some places require many more cleanings throughout the year.
In the desert, such as in the Middle East and United States Southwest, dust, dirt, and sand can quickly accumulate on the solar panels, blocking the light and scratching the surface.
In wooded areas, debris and leaves falling on the solar panels can block the light. Wooded areas also draw in birds, and bird droppings can result in an inefficient solar panel.
Grime builds up on solar panels in more polluted areas. Therefore, people in these areas need to clean their solar panels every few months, if not monthly.
When to Clean Solar Panels
If you don’t live in the above areas, an easy way to gauge when it’s time to clean your solar panels is by their effectiveness. If you notice that your solar panels are not as efficient as they once were, chances are they just need a good cleaning.
It’s recommended to clean your solar panels during the springtime because they tend to get the dirtiest during the winter months. Don’t attempt to clean them during the summertime, except in the morning or evening, as they can be extremely hot.
Solar Panel Cleaning Methods
Before cleaning, ensure you read through your solar panel manufacturer’s recommendations. Not all solar panels should be cleaned the same way.
Also, if they’re placed in a way that would be dangerous for you to clean, it’s best to leave it up to the professionals.
In general, the first step is removing any dirt or debris. Next, gently brush off bird droppings, leaves, tree branches, and dirt using a soft brush.
Use your garden hose to clean the surface of the panels. Make sure not to use too much water pressure, as this could scratch the panels.
Scrub any problem areas using a soft cloth and clean water. Unless you know the exact type of cleaner you should be using, it’s best to leave it.
Finally, dry your solar panels using a soft towel.
Call your local professionals if you think they need a more thorough cleaning. And if you’d like to learn more about the benefits of getting solar panels, learn about Colorado solar rebates.
Solar Panel Companies Near Me: Know How to Clean Your Solar Panels
Now that you’ve read your solar panel guide, you should feel more comfortable cleaning your solar panels from here on out.
Being a homeowner requires tons of maintenance, especially when you opt for solar panels, but trust that it will be worth it in the long run. If you’re still in the browsing phase, Google “solar panel companies near me” now so you can get started on your journey.
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Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].
