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How to Clean Your Home’s Solar Panels

Want to know how to clean solar panels easily and safely? Here are some tips from J Ferg Solar! Solar panels are designed to hold up to even the elements. They withstand hail up to 1 inch in diameter and 140 mph winds. Solar panels are built to last, which may minimize the need for cleaning or care. If you notice accumulation of dirt and debris on your solar panels, you could see an efficiency hit of ~ 5%. Fortunately, learning how to clean solar panels is quick and easy. Here are a few simple ways to get rid of the grime.

How Dirty Are Your Solar Panels?

Look at the how dirty your solar panels are. It may be that you just have a little bit of dug in the crevices, or some droppings from animals or birds. Depending on how long it’s been since you cleaned your solar panels and how much dust is accumulating, you may be looking at anything from a quick rinse to a deep scrub. Here are a few things to consider:
  • Do you live in a dusty area with little rainfall?
  • Have you noticed the buildup of dirt and debris?
  • Are your solar panels lying flat, or are they slanted?
  • Have you ever cleaned your solar panels?
Consider the performance of your solar panels. If you’re not noticing efficiency issues, you may not even need to worry about cleaning them. As you gauge efficiency, you can easily put into place these simple tips on how to clean solar panels if dirt and grime ever affect your output.

What Is the Simplest Way?

If your solar panels aren’t actually that dirty, you can use a hose to spray down your solar panels. You can make a few passes with the spray to get the most stubborn dirt and grime. This option is most effective if you have a hose with a power sprayer to ensure you get the most out of your cleaning efforts.

What About Oily or Tough Stains

You might notice the oily stains if you live near an airport, under the direct flight path of planes, near factories or manufacturing areas, or near a major roadway frequented by trucks. You can use isopropyl alcohol with a soft, non-abrasive cloth to clean your solar panels. If the stubborn stains still won’t budge, you can use non-abrasive scrubber with a bucket of water and mild soap. When your panels are squeaky clean, rinse them off with a hose. If you want to be extra thorough, you can squeegee the excess water off to prevent water streaks.

Next Step:

The great thing about solar panels is they are relatively maintenance-free, so it’s likely you won’t even need to worry about cleaning them. If you have any questions, call J Ferg Solar! If you qualify, your first 12 months of payment could be on us!

The First Step Is To Connect With Us.

Give us a call or use the contact form here to get in touch with a member of our team. From there, we will figure out the best course of action to get your needs taken care of.