Last Updated on September 18, 2022 by Kravelv
With the recent rise in solar panel installations, pressure washing companies must know how to clean them properly. Solar panels are crucial to going green and reducing your carbon footprint, but they can be delicate and require special care when cleaning. In this blog post, we’ll explore the dos and don’ts of solar panel cleaning to help you avoid costly mistakes.
The Importance of Regular Solar Panel Cleaning
Solar panels are a great way to save money on energy bills and do your part for the environment. However, they require regular maintenance to function correctly. So one of the most important things you can do for your solar panels is to keep them clean. How often should you clean them? And what’s the best way to clean them?
You should clean your solar panels at least once a year. Depending on where you live, you may need to clean them more often. If you live in an area with a lot of dust, pollen, or other particles in the air, you’ll need to clean your panels more frequently. If your panels are exposed to a lot of wind and rain, they won’t need to be cleaned as often.
Consider a Company’s Service Area and Scheduling Capabilities
When hiring a pressure washing company to clean your solar panels, you’ll want to consider their service area and scheduling capabilities. Make sure the company you choose services your area and can accommodate your schedule. In addition, you should inquire about their cleaning methods and whether they use environmentally-friendly products. Although some solar panel cleaning services are available nationwide, it’s recommended that you look for regional service providers.
After you have selected your state or general geographic location, the next step is to inquire about scheduling. Although many pressure washing companies are flexible with scheduling, some may require booking an assessment appointment before confirming a cleaning appointment. You should ask whether there is an assessment fee and if the service is included in the final cleaning costs. Let’s say you’ve decided to try solar panel cleaning on your own; we have some advice that could save you time and money.
How To Clean Solar Panels Safely
You can clean your solar panels yourself or hire a professional company to do it for you. If you decide to do it yourself, make sure you follow these safety tips:
- Use a ladder that is tall enough for you to reach the top of the panel without having to stand on the very top rung.
- Make sure the ladder is stable and will not slip.
- Wear gloves and long sleeves to avoid getting chemicals on your skin.
- Use a soft brush or cloth so you don’t scratch the panel’s surface.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. These can damage the surface of the panel and reduce its efficiency.
- Work from the top down, so you don’t accidentally step on wet cleaning solutions and slip.
Aside from safety, there are some habits you should avoid when cleaning your solar panels; if you aren’t careful, you will damage them.
Solar Panel Cleaning Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
Use a soft brush, cloth, or sponge to avoid scratching the panel’s surface. Generally, warm water and detergent are enough to clean your solar panels correctly.
Don’t:
Use stiff bristle brushes; we understand if there is persistent dirt, but these can damage the solar cells. Stiff brushes could scratch the panels and reduce efficiency.
Do: Hire a Licensed and Insured Company
When hiring a company to clean your solar panels, it’s essential to ensure they are licensed and insured. This will protect you in case any damages occur during the cleaning process. A reputable company will have no problem providing you with proof of insurance.
Don’t: DIY
We know what we said, but cleaning solar panels is a risky DIY job. It requires specific knowledge and tools that most homeowners don’t have. Therefore, attempting to clean them yourself is a risk and could result in expensive repairs if you damage them. Depending on the company that installed them, it could even void your warranty.
Do: Use Gentle Cleaning Methods
Solar panels are delicate and require gentle cleaning methods despite the materials used to construct them. Pressure washing is not recommended as it can damage the panels. Instead, companies will opt for a soft brush and mild soap solution, as we mentioned.
Don’t: Use Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals can damage solar panels and should be avoided at all costs. If you use harsh chemicals, it could void your warranty or cause permanent damage.
How Much Can Solar Panel Cleaning Cost?
The average annual cost to maintain solar panels ranges from $450 to $780, with most homeowners spending about $630 per year. This includes the typical solar panel inspection cost ($150 on average) and solar panel cleaning cost ($15-$25 per panel). Typically, American households have about 20-25 panels installed in their homes.
The frequency at which you need to have your solar panels cleaned depends on the location of your home and the pollution and debris in the air. For example, houses near factories or with many trees will need to be cleaned more often than homes in rural areas with little air pollution. During your inspection, the inspector can tell you how often a company should wash your panels if they notice any build-up. Generally, one cleaning a year during whole house pressure washing services is enough.
Hire A Professional Company
If you’re not comfortable cleaning your solar panels, hire a professional company like Curb Appeal Power Clean to do it for you! We have years of experience cleaning all types of solar panels safely and effectively. We use eco-friendly solutions and tools that won’t damage your panels. Plus, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee to ensure you’re happy with the results! Curb Appeal Power Clean is a pressure washing company dedicated to providing top-quality services and complete satisfaction to its customers throughout Los Angeles county.
We perform a wide range of pressure services, but we believe it’s necessary to offer pressure washing services for solar panels. Families are adding solar panels to their homes at an increasing rate, so we want to ensure they are adequately maintained. If your panels are left dirty and unchecked, it could lead to decreased efficiency and, in some cases, permanent damage or power loss. Curb Appeal Power Clean is here to help keep your solar panels clean and working correctly! Call us for a free estimate today!