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Frequently Asked Questions About Our Solar Panel Cleaning Services
Find quick answers to common questions about our professional solar panel cleaning, maintenance, and bird-proofing services to help you get the most out of your solar investment.
Solar panels need to be cleaned because dust, dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and other debris can accumulate on their surface. This layer of grime can block sunlight from reaching the photovoltaic cells, which reduces the amount of electricity the panels can generate. This reduction in efficiency is known as “soiling.”
Cleaning removes the soiling that blocks sunlight. A clean, clear surface allows maximum sunlight to reach the solar cells, ensuring they operate at their peak performance. A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that cleaning can increase energy output by as much as 30% in some cases, though typical increases are closer to 3-5% for residential systems.
Yes, even a seemingly small amount of dirt can have a disproportionate impact. Solar cells are wired together in a series, and if one part of a panel is shaded by dirt, it can reduce the output of the entire panel. This is similar to how a single weak link can affect the strength of a chain. This effect is known as “mismatch.”
Solar panels are a significant financial investment, and regular cleaning is a form of routine maintenance that helps preserve their value and lifespan. By keeping them clean, you ensure they are always producing as much energy as possible, which maximizes your return on investment and helps you recoup the initial cost faster.
While rain can help wash away some light dust, it’s often not enough to completely clean the panels. Rainwater can contain dissolved minerals and dirt particles that leave streaks and spots behind as it evaporates. These spots can act like small magnifying glasses, potentially causing “hot spots” on the panels over time, which can degrade the cells.
Yes, cleaning can help prevent long-term damage. Allowing thick layers of dirt or bird droppings to accumulate can lead to uneven heating of the panels. This can cause “hot spots,” which are areas of the panel that become significantly hotter than the surrounding area, potentially leading to cell degradation and reduced lifespan.
Most solar panel manufacturers have warranties that require proper maintenance to remain valid. While this typically doesn’t specify a cleaning schedule, neglecting to clean panels can be seen as a lack of proper maintenance, potentially voiding or complicating a warranty claim if a performance issue arises from soiling.
Keeping your solar panels clean ensures they are operating at maximum efficiency. This means your home is using more clean, renewable energy and relying less on the grid, which is often powered by fossil fuels. By maximizing your solar energy production, you are directly reducing your carbon footprint.
The more electricity your solar panels produce, the less electricity you need to buy from your utility company. By keeping your panels clean and operating at peak performance, you maximize your savings on your electricity bill. This is especially true for homes with net metering, where excess energy can be sold back to the grid.
A clean, well-maintained solar array looks professional and cared for. A dirty array, covered in dust, bird droppings, or other grime, can detract from the aesthetic appeal of your home. It shows that the system is not being properly maintained, which could be a concern for potential buyers if you decide to sell your property in the future.
Cleaning a solar farm is critically important for its financial viability and long-term performance. While the principles are similar to cleaning residential panels, the scale of a solar farm makes the impact of soiling far more significant. Here’s a breakdown of why it’s so important to clean a solar farm:
