Do you have solar panels somewhere at your home or business? If so, you already know how useful they can be. These sophisticated pieces of technology capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. This electricity is used to power your property, reducing your dependence on public utilities and saving money. However, while solar panels have their advantages, they have their disadvantages, too. For example, you’ll have to maintain them—but how? Do solar panels need to be cleaned? What are the benefits of solar panel cleaning, and should you do this work on your own or reach out to a professional business?
Learn the answers to all these questions with Chicagoland Pressure Washing! We are a locally owned and operated solar panel cleaning business. We’d love to teach you more about the cleaning process, or better yet, do this work for you.
Why Solar Panel Cleaning Is Necessary
So, do solar panels need to be cleaned? The answer is a resounding yes. Your solar panels spend all their time outdoors, and unfortunately, the outdoor world is a messy place. Expect your solar panels to build up thick layers of debris over time. This debris includes dirt, dead insects, pollen, and even organic substances such as moss and algae. It goes without saying that this debris detracts from your solar panels’ overall appearance. In fact, it negatively affects your property’s curb appeal, too!
Did you know that solar panels also generate less electricity? As debris suffocates your solar panels, it prevents them from catching as much sunlight. This results in less solar energy produced, an increased reliance on public utilities, and higher power bills at the end of the month. With solar panel cleaning, you’ll save money. How often do solar panels need to be cleaned? We suggest one or two cleanings per year.
Required Equipment For Solar Panel Cleaning
If you’ve decided that your solar panels need to be cleaned—and if you’ve decided to do this work on your own—you’ll need to purchase all the necessary equipment. We’ve included a convenient list for DIY solar panel cleaning below. What do you already own, and what will you need to purchase at a local hardware store?
- Microfiber Cloths. These specialized cloths let you scrub solar panels without a risk of scraping or otherwise damaging them.
- Hose. It’s amazing what a little water can do. By using water and some sort of cleaning solution, you’ll be able to eliminate most debris.
- Cleaning Solution. You can find specially marked solar panel cleaning solutions at your local hardware store. They break down grime so it can be more easily removed.
- Squeegee. By drying solar panels with a squeegee, you’ll reduce the risk of streaking and ensure the best possible results.
- Ladder. If your solar panels are on top of your roof, you’ll need a ladder to reach them. Remember to always exercise caution when using it.
Disable Solar Panels Before Cleaning
Do solar panels need to be cleaned while they’re turned off? Yes, and that’s because it is dangerous to clean them while they are powered on. The risk of damaging the solar panels themselves increases drastically. Not only that, but there’s also a chance of electrocuting yourself. Avoid accidents by turning off your solar panels ahead of time. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose.
Since your solar panels won’t be powered on during cleaning, plan your project accordingly. For example, why not clean them earlier in the morning when there isn’t as much sunlight? That way, you can finish your work and reactivate them just in time for noon—when the sun is high in the sky and light is beaming down in excess.
The Solar Panel Cleaning Process
Let’s take a closer look at the solar panel cleaning process. First and foremost, if you need to use a ladder during the work, make sure you find a flat and level area to place it. Ensure there is no risk of it toppling over, and always remember the rule of three points of contact. In other words, you should have two arms and one leg or one arm and two legs on the ladder at all times. This helps you avoid falling and sustaining injuries.
Once you have reached your solar panels, begin by rinsing them and applying your cleaning solution of choice to their surfaces. Feel free to wait a few minutes for debris to break down, then scrub the solar panels with microfiber cloths to remove all grime. Finally, dry them with squeegees; perform even, parallel strokes for the best possible results.
DIY or Professional Solar Panel Cleaning?
Do solar panels need to be cleaned by professionals? Not at all—it’s perfectly feasible for DIYers to do this work on their own. However, that doesn’t mean that the work will be easy. You’ll need to invest your time and energy into the process. You’ll need to purchase the necessary equipment, too. If you don’t feel up to the task, you might find yourself seeking an alternative—and an appointment with a professional business could be exactly what you need.
We are a locally owned and operated company, and it would be our pleasure to serve you no matter where you are in the Chicago community. That way, you can take some time to relax while our experts restore your solar panels for you.
How Much Do Solar Panel Cleaning Services Cost?
If you schedule an appointment with Chicagoland Pressure Washing, how much should you expect to pay? We determine the cost of a project based on the size and number of solar panels you need us to clean. Expect an upfront quote shortly after our arrival. There are never hidden fees or surcharges.
To get started with us, contact us online and let us know that you’d like our help. We’ll give you a free cost estimate, and if you approve, you can choose a time and date for your appointment. We’ll be there to clean your solar panels shortly!
