Many homeowners or business owners wonder if they can pressure wash solar panels. When cleaning solar panels, it’s crucial to understand whether pressure washing is appropriate and how to use it without risking damage.
Solar panels are highly efficient when clean, as dirt, dust, and debris can block sunlight and reduce energy output.
While pressure washing can be used carefully for cleaning solar panels, it’s important to handle it with the right precautions and understand alternative methods.
Can You Pressure Wash Solar Panels?
The short answer is yes but with restrictions. Never use sopa to clean dirty solar panels, it is not good. Soaps can leave a residue or film, much like the removed dirt. It shades panels and even causes dirt to accumulate more quickly.
Pressure washing solar panels isn’t generally recommended because high-pressure water can potentially damage the delicate glass surfaces of most solar panels or cause water to enter the panel itself, leading to long-term issues.
If you choose this route, using a low-pressure setting and avoiding spraying at close range is essential to protect the glass surface and internal wiring.
Why Cleaning Solar Panels Matters
Keeping your solar panels clean enhances their efficiency, particularly in areas with high dust, pollution, or regular bird activity. Dirty panels can lose up to 25% of their efficiency.
Cleaning solar panels regularly ensures optimal energy absorption and maintains your investment in renewable energy. So, go ahead and plan to clean your panels regularly.
Risks of Pressure-Washing Solar Panels
Pressure washing, if done improperly, can lead to:
- Cracks in the Glass Surface: Excessive pressure might cause micro-cracks that reduce the efficiency of PV panels.
- Water Seepage into Panels: High-pressure water could potentially breach panel seals, leading to internal damage.
- Safety Risks: Pressure washers can cause accidents, especially on roofs. It’s critical to take precautions, such as turning off the power and wearing protective gear.
Sources advise using a gentle spray with a wide nozzle at a low setting. To further protect your solar panels, opt for an early morning or late afternoon wash to avoid sudden temperature changes that can harm hot glass surfaces.
Alternative Ways to Clean Solar Panels
If pressure washing doesn’t feel safe or suitable, there are several alternative cleaning methods:
- Garden Hose with a Soft Brush: A soft spray from a garden hose combined with a soft-bristle brush can often be enough to remove dirt and grime.
- Professional Solar Panel Cleaning Services: Some companies specialize in cleaning solar panels and use tools and techniques tailored for this purpose. They may offer “premier solar cleaning” services that protect your panels from damage while ensuring they stay clean.
- Deionized Water Systems: This system uses mineral-free water, which cleans without leaving residue and avoids using detergents that may harm solar panels.
Cleaning Tips and Best Practices
If you do choose to clean your solar panels yourself:
- Turn Off the System: Avoid electric hazards by deactivating your solar setup.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Only use water or mild soap to prevent corrosion or streaking.
- Angle of Spray: Aim the water at a 90-degree angle to avoid buildup under panel edges.
- Frequency of Cleaning: Biannual cleaning may be necessary in dusty or polluted areas; annual cleaning could suffice in clean environments.
Benefits of Regular Cleaning
Clean panels boost the efficiency of your renewable energy setup, maximizing energy production. Even light shading from dirt or dust can cause significant drops in power output, which is why keeping panels clear of debris is so important.
Regular maintenance helps avoid shading effects, which, due to interconnected panel systems, shade panels and reduce the efficiency of the entire array.
Choosing Between DIY and Professional Cleaning
Hiring professional services might be the safest option for larger installations or rooftop arrays. They can access hard-to-reach areas and employ safe methods, such as robotic cleaning solutions.
Although more costly, professional services can prevent the risks of DIY mishaps and often come with specialized tools designed for solar panel wash
In conclusion, while pressure washing can be part of solar panel cleaning, it requires a careful approach with low-pressure and safe methods. Regular, gentle cleaning maintains panel efficiency and longevity, keeping your renewable energy investment performing at its best.
Judge Mobile Wash can help you clean your solar panels. Our skilled and trained professionals are ready to help you. So, can you pressure wash solar panels? With careful consideration.