When to Clean Solar Panels?

My south-facing roof is equipped with solar panels because I've discovered that this orientation produces the most electricity. However, I didn't know when to wash solar panels. I did some online research and discovered that it needs to be cleaned in the spring once or twice a year. I have mentioned more information below that I found regarding the cleaning time of solar panels.

When is the Best Time to Clean Solar Panels?

I also found that it is usually best to clean solar panels at the beginning of the day or late evening when the temperature is lower. The lower temperature reduces the possibility of water evaporating too fast and leaving debris or marks behind.

Furthermore, it may be beneficial to wash solar panels following a period of intense rain. Rainwater can assist in clearing away some of the debris, dust, and bird droppings that may build up on the panels. 

Apart from these, I found a few more cleaning suggestions for solar panels:

• On hot, sunny days, try to avoid cleaning solar panels. 

• Avoid using a hard brush or pressure washer. 

• Use fresh water to completely rinse the panels.

• To keep your solar panels performing at their best, clean them on a regular basis.

Ultimately the best times to clean solar panels are in the morning, in the evening, or in the spring. Regular maintenance can optimise the performance of your solar panels and guarantee a steady energy output over an extended duration.

I hope you get an idea of the best time to clean solar panels. 🙂

I used to hire an expert cleaner and follow their solar panel cleaning mechanism thoroughly. I realised that it was not as hard as I thought it would be. You can do it yourself as well but before that you should be aware of how to clean it and also when to clean solar panels. Let me share what I observed and how the cleaner cleaned our solar panel.

How to clean solar panel?

The cleaning process will depend on how you are cleaning your panels, as for example, you are cleaning them using machines, manually, or using some other method. Let me share the mechanisms accordingly-

This method involves physically cleaning the solar panels using water, a soft brush or sponge, and mild detergent if needed. It requires accessing the panels and gently scrubbing away dirt, dust, and debris.

Some solar installations incorporate automated cleaning systems. These systems can use brushes, wipers, or sprayers to remove dirt and debris from the surface of the panels. They can be programmed to clean the panels at regular intervals or triggered based on sensor readings.

Water sprinklers or sprayers can be installed near the solar panels to periodically spray water and rinse off dust and dirt. This method is effective in areas with sufficient water availability.

Robotic devices designed specifically for solar panel cleaning can autonomously move across the panels, using brushes or microfiber pads to remove dirt. These devices often incorporate sensors to detect the level of dirtiness and navigate obstacles. But yes for small panels these are not used as they are very costly. Extensive solar panels need this type of cleaning. 

The next question is how often do you clean your solar panels. You cannot opt for solar panel cleaning either weekly or monthly. So let me share when you should clean it.

How often do you need to clean solar panels?

Solar panels need to be cleaned every 6-12 months. The cleaning will depend on how well the panels are performing. If they work well, you can delay the cleaning; if they do not, you need to clean them immediately. But yes, if you are trying to know how often do you have to clean your solar panels, let me tell you that on average, after 8 months, you must clean your panels. 

So this is the solar panel cleaning mechanism and time gap you should try to maintain. 

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