Make the most of the sunshine with a solar clean
We service a lot of things in our lives – cars, boilers, alarms – and solar panels are no different. Cleaning your solar panels can increase efficiency by 10-20% and prolong the lifespan of your system.
If you’ve invested in solar technology at home or for your business premises, it’s important to look after and nurture your investment. In today’s blog we discuss why your solar panels should be cleaned, how they should be cleaned and maintained, and how often.
Why do solar panels need cleaning?
If you leave your car parked outside in a car park or driveway it can get dirty quickly. The same is true for solar panels. Dirt, dust, grime and bird droppings all contribute to making your solar panels dirty. If dirt is left to accumulate and build up on the panels surface, you are likely to see a 10-20% reduction in the output and efficiency of the system. For Solar panels to achieve maximum output they need to be clean.
How should solar panels be cleaned?
When cleaning a solar system, de-ironized water should be used with a soft brush to maximise efficiency. It is important to note that pressure washers and chemicals should be avoided as they can create differences in the panel surface which can alter the efficiency of the system.
Cleaning your solar panels also gives you the opportunity to inspect your system for other issues which could be affecting efficiency, such as small cracks created from failing objects, problems with the fixings of your panels from general wear and tear, and faulty invertors.
When cleaning and checking your system, you should always try to avoid putting pressure or walking on your panels. This type of pressure can cause cracks, dints and discrepancies in the flat surface.
How often should solar panels be cleaned?
At Norcroft Energy we would recommend you check and clean your solar system every 12 months as a minimum. More regular cleaning will only benefit the efficiency of the system.
Why it’s important for a professional team to clean your solar panel system
Getting on your roof can be a risky business, but a professional team are trained and experienced on the best way to access your solar panel system, safely. A professional team will also be able to check your system for faults and assess any problems that may be affecting the performance of your system.
Norcroft Energy are your local solar PV specialists. Read more about our solar maintenance packages, or contact us on 01226 763127 to discuss your systems maintenance.