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Whether you have only recently installed solar panels on your property or you’ve been the owner of a solar system for some time already, you’re probably wondering about the best way to take care of your solar panels.
If you’re unsure of why they need to be regularly cleaned or how to go about cleaning them, you’re not alone. Solar panels are fantastic additions to any home.
They add significant value and are a great way to save thousands of dollars on your future electricity bills. They do, however, require some upkeep to ensure they stay in tip-top shape and continue to perform well into the future.
If you’ve never had them before, it can be a little overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. Take a look at our top tips on why and how to clean your solar panels here.
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Why should you clean your solar panels?
There are many reasons why you would want to consider regularly cleaning your solar panels. As with any new system in your home, you will want to ensure that you’re taking good care of them so that they last long into the future and continue to function at their best possible capacity. Here are just some of the benefits of keeping your solar panels clean.
They’re more efficient
Clean solar panels are more efficient. If your solar panels are covered in debris such as dirt, dust, bird droppings or grime from salty coastal air, they are unlikely to be functioning at their best.
If direct sunlight can’t get to the solar cell, your system will not be producing as much electricity as you might need. Keeping your panels clean of the debris that blocks light can help your system to function correctly.
Keeping the glass panels clean will also maximise your system’s ability to produce electricity, which can help to save you a lot of money on your electricity bills.
Your panels will last longer
It goes without saying that if you take care of your solar power system, it is likely to last much longer than if you leave it to be impacted by the harsh environment. Taking the time to give your panels a regular clean and inspecting them to ensure they are in good condition will go a long way towards extending the life of your system. Solar panels are a long-term investment and should be treated as such.
Protect your warranty
This may come as a surprise, but some solar power manufacturers require regular cleaning of your solar panels to protect and honour your warranty. If something were to happen to your system and you were unable to show proof of regular cleaning and maintenance, your warranty may be voided which can result in a loss of a lot of money on your part.
Most manufacturers will provide a significant warranty length for your solar power system. Solar panels are designed to last a long time, even in the harsh sun and environment of Australia. Indeed, it’s suggested that with regular cleaning and maintenance, your solar panels should last well past the warranty that is provided when your system is installed.
How often should you clean your panels?
How often you need to clean your solar panels will depend on a couple of different factors.
If your house is surrounded by trees and receives a lot of bird droppings, is in a particularly dusty part of Australia or on the coast, you may need to clean your panels more often than someone in another area if you want to get the maximum benefit from them.
We recommend giving your panels a quick clean off with water at least once a month. While this doesn’t need to be a full clean, even just giving them a quick spray with your garden hose to wash off any accumulated dust will help a lot.
For more thorough cleaning, it’s recommended you get a suitably qualified professional every six months or so. If you’re unsure of how often to get your system professionally cleaned, have a chat with your installers or solar power manufacturers and see what they recommend. They will be able to give you a good idea of how often you should get them cleaned.
How do you clean your solar panels?
Your solar panels will be tilted at an angle that will aid in them being naturally cleaned by any good downpour. However, this angle will also aid in you being able to give them a quick wash off with a hose from the safety of the ground.
If your panels need a more thorough clean, it is advised you get in a professional with specialised equipment as it can be dangerous for those who are untrained to climb up onto the roof.
Why you should always get a professional to clean your panels
When it comes to giving your solar panels a deep clean, it pays to hire qualified professionals. Cleaning solar panels can be a dangerous job if you don’t know what you’re doing. The possibility of slipping and falling is real, especially when working with heights, water and slippery surfaces. Rather than risk falling and injuring yourself, call in the professionals to assist.
Utilising the services of a company that deals with solar cleaning will ensure that the job gets done properly and safely. Professionals will have all the correct safety equipment, which will greatly reduce the risks of the job. They will also be able to ensure that the panels are cleaned correctly and that they’re not accidentally damaged. Rather than risking it yourself, let the experts do it.
Solar panels are fantastic additions to any house. They provide years of benefits and are a great way to produce clean energy, especially in Australia where we’re constantly bathed in sunlight. If they are taken care of properly and cleaned regularly, they will last many years into the future. For assistance in cleaning your solar panels, give the experts at Oceanside Services a call on 07 5520 7100. We’re your local experts on all things solar, electrical and plumbing on the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Tweed Coast.
