One of the biggest myths about solar panels is that they don’t require any maintenance. Solar panels are low maintenance, but they need some upkeep, especially cleaning. Regular cleaning keeps your solar panels free from dirt, dust, pollen, bird droppings, and other grime that blocks the sun and reduces their output.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about solar panel cleaning, including why you should clean them, how often they need to be cleaned, and why it’s best to hire a professional for this particular job.
Need help with solar panel cleaning in Davis, Dixon, or Vacaville, California? Call Element Electric at 707-693-1651. We’re the solar company locals trust for solar panel maintenance and cleaning.
Why Solar Panel Cleaning Is Important
You will get more out of your investment in home solar panels if you keep them clean.
- Maximize Electricity Generation – Dust, dirt, and other debris can accumulate on solar panels, blocking sunlight. Regular cleaning ensures they can absorb the maximum amount of sunlight and generate optimal electricity.
- Electric Bill Savings – Clean solar panels operate more efficiently, leading to increased energy production and more savings.
- Aesthetic Appeal – Dirty solar panels can detract from your home’s overall aesthetic appeal. Keeping your panels clean makes your entire house look well-maintained.
- Panel Longevity – Keeping your solar panels clean can prevent damage and help your system last longer.
How Often Do Solar Panels Need to Be Cleaned?
Most residential solar panel systems only need to be cleaned once or twice a year. But cleaning frequency depends on several factors, including the local climate and the surrounding environment. In rainy areas, you may be able to get away with cleaning your solar panels less frequently, because the rain will wash away most of the dirt and grime that accumulates on them. In Northern California, regular cleaning is more important since we don’t get a ton of rain, especially during the summer.
It’s also important to think about the environment surrounding your house and your panels. If you live near a busy road or in an area with high levels of dust, pollen, birds, or smog, you may require more frequent solar panel cleaning—think every 3-6 months. Wildfires are another factor to consider. Ash and other fallout can accumulate on your solar panels and, during a bad wildfire season, you may need to schedule an extra cleaning for your solar panels.
Can You Clean Your Solar Panels Yourself?
Solar panel cleaning might sound like an easy DIY job, but it’s more complicated than it looks. Getting up on your roof to clean your solar panels is dangerous, not just for you but for the panels themselves. A rough sponge or the wrong cleaner could leave you with thousands of dollars of repair work on your hands. The cost to hire a professional is nothing compared to what it will cost to replace your panels if you scratch them up, or accidentally step on one and shatter it.
If you’re committed to doing it yourself, there are some important tips to follow.
- Be Gentle – Solar panels are durable. They can withstand heavy rain, snow, and even hail. But they’re not indestructible. A rough sponge or chemical cleaner can cause serious and expensive damage. Always be gentle when cleaning solar panels and check with the manufacturer to make sure the cleaning products you choose are safe for your panels.
- Never Powerwash – If you decide to clean your solar panels yourself, don’t pull out the powerwasher. And if you hire a solar panel cleaning company that brings one, stop them right away. Powerwashers put way too much pressure on your solar panels and will crack them.
- Don’t Wash Hot Solar Panels – The best time to clean your solar panels is when they are cool. Soapy water can quickly evaporate in the heat, leaving a hard-to-see residue on your panels that can block sunlight. You could also crack your panels if you wash them with cold water while they’re too hot—the sudden temperature change can crack them.
Professional Solar Panel Cleaning in California
Element Electric offers professional solar panel cleaning services in Davis, Dixon, Vacaville, and the surrounding areas. Our cleaning services protect your solar panels from the damage built-up grime can cause and maximize electricity generation so you can save more money on your electric bills. We are a highly experienced solar company and we will clean any system, even those we did not originally install.
