Do you use solar panels for your home or farm?
Then you know for sure that once they are put into operation, you only have to ensure they are regularly cleaned of dirt and dust.
Cleaning the solar panels is a very simple process and can be done by yourself. All you need is a great solar panel cleaning kit.
A solar panel cleaning kit is essential for maintaining clean solar panels. It will maximize the efficiency of your solar energy system and capture as much solar energy as possible.
Without regular cleaning, dust and dirt can accumulate on solar panels over time and cause a decrease in power production.
Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to create your own solar panel cleaning kit with basic tools.
Contents
- Why To Clean Solar Panels
- Why Do Solar Panels Get Dirty
- How Often You Should Clean The Solar Panels
- How To Properly Clean Solar Panels
- The Complete Solar Panel Cleaning Kit
- Protection Measures For Cleaning Solar Panels
- Turn Off The Switch On The Electrical Panel
- Check All Equipment Carefully
- Use Lots Of Water
- Clean All Panels
- Lightly Polish The Surface
Why To Clean Solar Panels
Cleaning solar panels is an important process that should not be overlooked.
Over time, dust and dirt accumulate on the solar panels and will prevent them from working at maximum capacity.
In affected areas, no sunlight or only a little sunlight can be absorbed and converted into electricity, which reduces the overall efficiency of the system.
That is why it is advisable to clean the solar panels. Thus, they will produce more electricity.
Why Do Solar Panels Get Dirty
Solar panels get dirty easily because they are installed outdoors, making them exposed to all kinds of factors that can produce dirt and dust. Tree leaves, pollution, pollen, bird droppings, or other various debris can reduce the productivity of solar panels.
How Often You Should Clean The Solar Panels
Each photovoltaic system comes equipped with a user manual that you can consult to find out how often the solar panels need to be cleaned. However, sometimes the frequency with which the solar panels must be cleaned depends on the area where you live.
If the area is one with more pollution, then the solar panels must be cleaned once every 4-5 months. If you live in a greener area, then you can clean them once a year.
However, you can always check the solar panels regularly and see how dirty they are. Depending on the level of dirt deposited, you can decide for yourself whether they need to be cleaned or not.
Finally, it is important that the solar panels be cleaned once a year!
How To Properly Clean Solar Panels
The process of cleaning solar panels is quite simple and easy. You just have to be careful not to step on the panels and have the necessary tools.
Careful! The equipment and solar panels are very delicate, so try to be careful.
The Complete Solar Panel Cleaning Kit
With some skills and the right tools, you can clean solar panels by yourself in a very short time. So what equipment do you need to clean solar panels?
In order to achieve a high yield and finish in a short time, your solar panel cleaning kit must contain the following tools:
Ladder
– ladder to climb up to the height of solar panels
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Garden hose
– a long, garden hose to wash the surface
Solar panel cleaning brush
– solar panel cleaning brush with a telescopic shaft that will help you clean a larger area of panels
Or you can choose a cheaper solar panel cleaning brush:
A simple bucket
– a simple bucket in case the dirt is more extreme and you have to use a solution
Distilled water
– distilled water because it will reduce the chance of mineral deposits left on your solar panels after cleaning
Microfiber cloths
Cleaning solution for solar panels
– a special cleaning solution for solar panels. Do not try other solutions because they may be corrosive or not suitable for using the surface exposed for a long time in direct sunlight.
Gloves
– gloves to protect your hands from the effect of the window cleaning solution
With all that being said, you just have to acquire these tools, create your solar panel cleaning kit and get down to business.
Protection Measures For Cleaning Solar Panels
Although cleaning is a simple and easy procedure, it is necessary to take certain precautions for your safety and not to damage the equipment:
- Turn off the solar panels before you start cleaning them. In this way, you will minimize the risk of possible accidents.
- Do not clean the solar panels when the sun is intense. It is best to schedule the cleaning of solar panels until 9 o’clock in the morning or after 6 o’clock in the evening.
- Do not step on the solar panels. Do not exert pressure on the solar panels when trying to remove the mess.
- Pay attention to weak or misplaced wires.
- Rinse the microfiber cloth frequently. This helps prevent dust from spreading to other places.
Turn Off The Switch On The Electrical Panel
Panels should have their own switch. So, before starting to clean the solar panels, it is necessary to turn off the power.
Check All Equipment Carefully
Before starting the cleaning, inspect the surface of the solar panels. Solar panels have glass on the entire surface, which can sometimes be damaged. If you find breaks, cracks, or exposed cables, it is better not to continue the cleaning process. First, ask for the help of a professional to solve the identified problem.
Use Lots Of Water
After checking that the solar panels are disconnected from electricity and that the entire surface is intact, you can proceed with the cleaning process.
If the layer of dirt is very thin, the best way to clean them is to use a garden hose and lots of water.
Do not use a pressure hose, but the one you use to water the flowers. Moreover, do not use tap water! To clean the solar panels, use only distilled water. In this way, you will prevent the formation of limescale.
If a lot of dirt has accumulated, then the operation will be a bit more difficult, but not impossible. You need a bucket in which you add the cleaning solution and water. With the help of microfiber cloth or a soft sponge, clean the surface of the panels, but without pressing to avoid scratches.
Be sure to move in a circular motion when wiping to ensure that all dirt is removed. You can also use the cleaning brush with a telescopic handle.
Once done, rinse the solar panel completely with water.
Clean All Panels
After you cleaned them with water, you can use the microfiber cloth and clean the panels carefully, gently, and without applying pressure during the movements. It is recommended to make the movements in a linear way, always in the same direction.
Lightly Polish The Surface
At this point, the solar panels should be mostly clean. For a brilliant shine, use another clean, damp microfiber cloth.
Have you ever cleaned your solar panels yourself? Is the operation easy or not for you? What other tools do you have in your solar panel cleaning kit? Please share your knowledge & tips with our community.
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