In the UK, solar panels are becoming more and more widespread. There will be at least one home on most streets having solar panels installed on the roof.
When solar panels are operating at maximum efficiency, they may be a very cost-effective investment that helps you become less dependent on fossil fuels. Nonetheless, a lot of individuals are unaware of the necessity of routinely cleaning solar panels.
Over time, material such as leaves, dust, and bird droppings can accumulate on your solar panels. A dirty solar panel might lose 25% of its yearly efficiency, according to research. Panels that are not cleaned for an extended length of time may get stained by modules. This will permanently lower the capacity of your panels and is usually caused by birds dropping.
Cleaning of Solar Panels
When to Scrub
Cleaning your solar panels once a year is advised to get rid of any collected dirt or debris. Consider getting your home cleaned more frequently if you live somewhere where there may be more dust in the air, like next to a construction site or farmland.
In order to maintain the smooth operation and attractive appearance of your gutters and fascia, we also advise clearing and cleaning them once a year. It’s excellent to give all of your outside surfaces a spring cleaning in order to get rid of the grime that has accumulated throughout the winter.
Cleaning panels is best done on a cloudy, colder day. Any water you apply will soon evaporate in the presence of the sun, increasing the likelihood that you will get streaks.
How to Clean
It’s always advisable to engage a professional business to clean your solar panels for safety concerns. The majority of residential solar panels are located on a building’s roof, making access challenging.
Your typical home products will serve as the cleaning tools you need if you have the proper equipment to access your roof and perform safe work there. A tiny, non-abrasive brush, a pail of warm water, soap (dishwasher soap works great), and a wiper or squeegee should all be included in your cleaning equipment.
To clean your panels, just combine a pail of water and soap. Try using rainwater that has been stored if you reside in a place with hard water.
Use the brush and warm, soapy water to gently clean the solar panels. Applying excessive pressure shouldn’t be necessary because most panels are made to repel dirt.
Use fresh, soap-free water to rinse the solar panels. Finally, to help avoid streaks, squeegee out any extra water.