Solar Panel Cleaning: Why, When, And How To Do It

by | Jan 27, 2023

 Solar Panel

Many of us have installed solar panel systems on our rooftops to not only cut down our energy bills but also reduce our dependence on fossil fuels which power most of Australia’s energy. Solar panels are now installed in as many as three million Australian homes and commercial sites, according to official government figures. Solar Systems Pty Ltd is proud to be involved with hundreds of solar panel installations in Sydney and across Australia.

Many may not know that while solar panels are super-efficient in harnessing the abundant power from the sun in Australia, they need to be maintained and kept clean for maximum efficiency. According to the Australian Government’s Clean Energy Regulator, regular maintenance is important to ensure your solar panel system operates safely, efficiently, and correctly. Employing an industry-certified professional company like Solar Systems Pty Ltd will ensure your solar panel systems are regularly cleaned and maintained, with any potential problems sorted in time, saving you time and money.

 

Why Do Solar Panels Need Cleaning?

Dust, leaves, bird droppings, and debris, made worse during wild weather, are among the common reasons your solar panels may not function at optimum capacity. Additionally, water and moisture, vermin, bugs, hail, wind and even sunlight can damage or cause deterioration to the solar panel systems over the months and years.

Think of the solar panel system as your car where regular servicing ensures it runs efficiently, with any repairs done in time ensuring it functions well and safely. That’s where Solar Systems Pty Ltd comes into the picture because we provide regular servicing and solar panel cleaning services. Solar Systems Pty Ltd is a Clean Energy Council-accredited solar panel system installer, so you can be assured of top professional services. Many homeowners like to do their solar panel system cleaning themselves, but it can be dangerous if you are not properly secured or equipped as you are dealing with electricity and rooftops.

When Do I have to Clean My Solar Panels?

When your solar panel system is installed, your provider would have given you a maintenance schedule and run you through the dos and don’ts. Make sure you follow this and keep all the paperwork carefully because some of the faults discovered while cleaning could be covered by the warranty. There is no hard or fast rule on when to clean your solar panels because this depends on the environment in your home or office is located, whether you experience regular rainfall or more pollution.

  • Many experts recommend checking and cleaning your solar panels twice a year.
  • Depending on where you live, you may need to clean them more often
  • Check regularly for any debris, dust, or damage so that you make sure your solar panels are functioning at 100 per cent capacity.

How Do I Clean My Solar Panels?

First and foremost, make sure you have switched off the solar panel system. You have to plan the cleaning of your solar panel system systemically, starting by getting a safety harness and hard hat when climbing the roof. You can use water and a soft, non-abrasive sponge or clothes to wipe away the accumulated dust and debris, especially bird droppings.

You could also use a squeegee when cleaning windows or your vehicles. Make sure to use mild or environmentally-friendly detergents so that you don’t damage the solar panels or harm your pets/plants. Picking a cooler day to clean your solar panels is also advisable. While DIY cleaning can be cheaper, it is best to call a professional firm like Solar Systems Pty Ltd to handle your cleaning. We offer free quotes and advice to our customers.

Here Are Some Of The Services We Offer:

  • Solar system monitoring
  • Site assessments for system design
  • Entire maintenance, repair and upgrade if required.
  • Grid-connected solar power solution
  • Battery-connected, off-grid solar power solution.

If you need advice on how to keep your solar panel systems clean and efficient, please call our friendly team on 1800 975 270. We supply free quotes. Our after-sales support is very impressive, and you are also covered by our rock-solid warranties.

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