Maybe you’re a first time installer. Maybe you’ve had your panels for a while. Either way, It’s not uncommon to believe solar PV panels are a ‘set and forget’ investment. This is not the case but do not worry as the maintenance is fairly minimal. To get the most out of your solar however, it is advised to clean them regularly. Therefore it’s not going to hurt to know how.
You may have done your research. In which case, you already know that the performance of your solar panels is heavily impacted by environmental factors. Any factors limiting the sunlight reaching your panels will impact the amount of energy they generate. One of these is soiling. Soiling occurs when excess dust, dirt or foliage are collected on your panels. In turn this reduces the amount of sunlight absorbed. Bird droppings and fallen tree leaves are other common factors to bear in mind. As a rule of thumb, you should clean your panels every six months. However, this may vary more or less for your panels, depending on the factors listed above.
Most home solar systems are fitted with string inverters. This means, when one panel is affected by shading or one of the factors above, all of the panels are affected. For example, if 50% of one panel is covered by dirt or dust, your entire system will only produce 50% of its output. This is where micro inverters come in. Each panel is fitted with its own inverter. This means if a panel is covered in any way, it affects the output of only that panel. Read our article String inverters vs Micro inverters for more information.
1. Disconnect power – before you do anything, disconnect your panels from their power source. This will ensure your safety and avoid any risks.
2. Only ever use a dry or wet sponge to clean your panels and do not use any cleaning solutions or chemicals as these can be abrasive and damaging.
3. Try to use de-ionised, alkaline water where you can. Using water with a high mineral content will attract more dirt particles to your panels.
4. Don’t ever use a gurney or high pressure hose to clean your panels.
5. Try to avoid cleaning your panels with water that’s either too hot or too cold compared to the temperature of the panels. For example, don’t use boiling water on a cold day, and don’t use cold water on a hot day. The best rule of thumb to follow is to use room temperature water.
6. If your panels are cracked or have exposed wires, do not attempt to clean them. You could risk getting an electric shock or cutting yourself. Call your installer for advice on repair and clean other areas.
7. To reduce the energy output you lose whilst cleaning your panels, plan to clean them either in the early morning or late afternoon.
You shouldn’t need to clean your panels any more than once every 6-12 months. If you’re concerned about the health of your solar panels, contact NGSS using the button below and one of our expert staff will be in touch.
For more tips on how to get the most out of your solar investment, check out our article on Maximising your Solar.