Did you know that roof solar panels could save you thousands of dollars? Installing a solar system has many perks besides the environmental benefits of being a greener home and becoming more energy efficient. Not only will it lower your monthly energy bill, but you’ll also be able to save money tax-free. The question is, do solar panels need cleaning? If so, what can you expect from the process when hiring a professional cleaner? Let’s start by defining the topic and then answer the questions above.
What is a roof solar panel?
A roof solar panel is a part of a photovoltaic system. It is located on the roof of a home, designed to collect the energy generated by sunlight. It converts sunlight into usable electrical energy.
Solar panels come in a variety of shapes and sizes. From large panels that take up a large area of the roof to small ones that can fit any roof size. If you want to know more about solar panels, you can visit Blue Raven Solar.
Do the roof solar panels need cleaning?
Yes, each roof solar panel requires cleaning and maintenance to ensure longevity. That is just like any other home system.
Do NOT try the following steps at home. Instead, use a solar panel professional to clean the system. This guide can provide you with the information to instruct the cleaning service on how to clean rooftop solar panels to prolong their lifespan.
Knowing this info will give you the background knowledge to ask appropriate questions of the company you hire and know that they are following proper procedures.
Why hire a pro to clean and maintain solar panels?
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your roof solar panels will deliver increased benefits in the long run. A clean solar panel can generate up to 20% more electricity than a dirty one. That’s all the more reason to get regular servicing.
If not removed, dirt, dust, and debris may create a thin, dark layer surface which could lead to lower energy production. In addition, cleaning helps to get rid of bacteria, fungi, and algae. All of which increases the possibility of damage to the solar panel.
How professionals clean roof solar panels
Cleaning solar panels is not something to do yourself, given the danger of it. The high elevation of the panels on the roof can mean an accident falling off, especially if you have bad balance.
Below is what you can expect from a solar cleaning company as they maintain the system.
1. They will prepare the cleaning supplies
The first step you will see the expert do when coming to your home to clean a roof solar panel is to gather the necessary supplies. This typically includes a soft-bristled brush, outdoor broom, ladder, gentle cleaner, squeegee, and water source.
A bucket of warm water mixed with mild dish soap, a sponge or soft cloth, and a soft brush to gently loosen dirt and debris are all must-haves. They are trained to wear appropriate protective gear, such as rubber-soled shoes, protective eyewear, and gloves.
For tougher stains, they may use a stronger mixture. Special solar panel cleaning solutions are a go-to if their cleaning is intense.
2. Inspect the solar panels
You can do this by visually inspecting the system from the ground. If its surface is uneven or if any dark spots are visible, immediate attention is necessary.
Ask the service provider you hire to check for any loose or damaged wiring, cracks in the panels, or other signs of wear. If there is any damage, note what kind it is and where they say it is located in case a similar event happens in the future.
If any damage is found, a certified technician can do the necessary repairs. Never attempt it yourself.
3. They prepare the area
The professional cleaner will need to prepare the area before they start. You’ll notice them wearing protective clothing and safety glasses. They will turn off the electricity supply to the panels.
It’s vital to check the weather conditions, too, before booking your appointment. Cleaning should only be carried out on a calm and sunny day.
Once they are on the roof (you stay on the ground and leave it to the experts), they will begin by removing any dirt or vegetation from the surface of the solar panel by using a soft broom. Next, they will rinse the panel with a hose to remove any excess dirt.
4. The professional will use a mild detergent solution
They will fill a bucket with a mixture of water and a mild detergent solution or an ammonia-free cleaner. Using lukewarm water helps to avoid staining and drying the panel too quickly.
Ask them if they are using a soft, non-abrasive sponge, as that will prevent damage to the system. Also, ask the service company to thoroughly clean the frames, gutters, and mount.
Finally, inquire if they can check a second time for streaks or clumps of dirt that got missed the first time around. A reputable business will do so. That way you get the clearest finish at the end of the job, plus optimal functionality.
Schedule regular cleanings
Regular cleanings of roof solar panels by professionals are key for maximum efficiency. Depending on the area, you should, at minimum, hire a company to clean the panels twice a year.
You may need to schedule more frequent cleanings if you notice dirt or debris accumulating quickly. That could happen if you live in a rainy climate, for example, or have several large trees around your property. Regular professional cleans are vital to keeping the roof and solar system in peak condition.
The key to cleaning roof solar panels
Properly cleaning the roof solar panels by hiring a professional company to do so; this will help keep the system in top operating condition. Contact a local solar panel service expert for more information. Different surfaces require different levels of care, and they will know what is best for your solar panel system, given their training and experience in the industry.
It is NOT safe for you to go on the roof to do this yourself. We do NOT recommend that. Hire a professional instead who knows what they are doing and follows safety protocols.
Wish we had solar panels. Our building is over 100 years old, and is cost prohibitive to install a solar system.
Also, it is a heritage building, and would be ruined, in that sense.
My home is being left in the past.
Oh, we have heritage homes in our city and they are lovely. I’m in awe of some of the designs of the past.
We don’t have any but some of our neighbors do and I was curious about how they would be cleaned and maintained.
You might see a company over at your neighbors’ homes once or twice a year cleaning the panels. It’s great that solar energy is becoming more common to see in residential neighborhoods now
Thanks for the tips! We moved in our new home in October, and we have two large panels that supply our electricity. I must contact the previous owner and find out who cleaned them!
Hi Dorothy, congrats on the new home! Good idea to contact the last owners. When we moved a few years ago, we reached out to the prior owners to find out details about our heat pump and other things we weren’t familiar with. They were happy to help. I’m sure you’ll find that they’re happy to recommend a company and share other knowledge from when they lived there. That’s wonderful that you have solar energy in your home.
Most months, all we pay the electric company is the service charge!
Wow, that’s terrific!