In 2022, the uptake of solar panel domestic installations increased dramatically. With climate concerns and a dramatic increase in energy costs, many homeowners are starting to view solar as something very tangible and a way to make a drastic difference. One of the suppliers of solar reported a massive increase of 830% in association with enquiries over the past year in comparison to the previous year. This has made the maintenance of solar panels something that is even more important to consider. To ensure that solar panels perform reliably, they will require regular cleaning, which can be done through a pressure washing service.

What Happens When A Solar Panel Is Dirty?

Similar to windows around your home, dirt will stop light from passing through the glass. This results in two primary problems for solar panels.

Performance

For all intentions and purposes, dirty solar panels will be in shade constantly. This clearly impacts the solar power amount that these cells are able to capture. This ultimately means that the panels will perform poorly and yield far less electricity.

Sites for residential solar panels are up by 21% in yields according to reports after these panels are properly cleaned. If you have started noticing a decrease in your solar panel yield, it might mean they need a cleaning.

Maintenance

Solar panels that are dirty are also more prone to faults. The accumulated dirt causes friction which can cause tiny cracks and over time this can lead to permanent damage to your panels. Leaving the panels dirty for an extended period can result in the system performing less efficiently as well as shortening its lifespan. It is also worth your while to set up a maintenance schedule to make sure your solar panels continue to operate optimally.

How Should You Be Cleaning Your Solar Panels?

The primary challenge involved in keeping solar panels clean for both commercial and domestic settings is having to work at a height. This is the reason why you should rather opt for a professional service by teams that have experience in safety and health precautions.

Here at CJH Cleaning, our services involve a pole system that is water-fed and cleans solar panels to a height of 60 feet. Our team of cleaners also uses power-assisted platforms for reaching further heights if necessary. Our cleaning tools are non-abrasive which means your solar panels are cleaned thoroughly while keeping our team safe and taking care of the overall condition of your solar panels.

How Often Should Your Solar Panels Be Cleaned?

Some suppliers suggest cleaning your solar panels at least every six months. Accumulation of grime and dirt on your solar panels could affect the product’s warranty, which is why it is essential to check on the guidelines from your supplier.

In most cases, regularity will be important when looking at cleaning your solar panels as a type of maintenance procedure. Similar to office windows or domestic glass, the glass will be easier to clean if it has not fallen into disrepair.

What Are Some Of The Common Problems With Solar Panels?

Multiple factors can contribute to why the condition of your solar panels has declined. Some are preventable through regular cleaning sessions, while others will require monitoring for keeping everything in check.

Pollution

Airborne pollution often depends on the area and where the panels are positioned. Or, as an example, whether your home is located close to industrial settings or close to an airport. Man-made airborne pollutive particles seem to be more effective when it comes to blocking sunlight out when compared to ordinary dust or dirt. This means this type of pollution is more damaging and should be an important reason to stick to a regular cleaning schedule.

Tree Sap

Hard to remove and sticky tree sap can also turn out to be a major problem for solar panels. Solar panels close to nearby or overhanging trees that seasonally drip sap can really damage your solar panels. This sticky sap attracts a lot more dust and dirt when it adheres to the solar panels.