Can You Power Wash Solar Panels

Yes you have to clean your rooftop solar panels and you have to clean them regularly.

Can you power wash solar panels.

According to the clean energy council 2018 also saw a 45 per cent growth in commercial solarpower systems. Soaps can leave a film or residue that not only shades panels like the dirt that was just washed off but it can also encourage dirt to stick and build up faster said daniel green bland marketing director. If you have dirty solar panels you could be loosing up to 30 efficiency out of your system. The best way to clean solar panels is through professional help as of may 31 2020 australia now has more than 2 43 million solar power systems installed across rooftops.

Some of the sunniest places also don t get much rain which does a good job cleaning panels. Solar panels become hot. Performing solar panel cleaning is the best way to keep your solar power system performing it s best as well as receiving the maximum lifespan out of your solar panels. Some say panels need an annual scrub others say quarterly.

A basic temperature gun is good for checking surface temperature before cleaning. Most snow will melt fairly quickly as the dark solar panels attract heat and sunlight. Because you don t want to scratch the panels in any way it s best to use just water and a non abrasive sponge to apply soapy water. Companies specializing in cleaning solar panels generally say.

One company selling an automated washing system says panels should be washed every couple of weeks. Over time that can reduce much of your savings by using solar power. And snow actually cleans your panels as it melts taking any dust and dirt with it as it slides off the slick module surface. Pressure washers are too powerful to safely clean polar panels and can end up causing scratches or other damage.

Essentially in the same manner you would wash your car at home. If your solar panels are dirty it s best to use a non abrasive sponge and soapy water. One has to be extremely careful not to crack solar panels by washing them when they are too hot. Many homeowners opt to clean their own solar panels.

Read more about solar and snow here. Once the panels reach 140 150 f the risk of cracking is much greater.