Solar panel owners often forget the importance of regularly cleaning & maintaining their solar panel systems. If you ignore this chore for long periods of time you risk degrading the efficiency of their energy output along with potentially experiencing other negative outcomes.
Here we have 6 of the most important reasons why you should routinely clean your solar panels
1.Improves Efficiency
Year-round cleanings keep your solar energy systems up & running at peak performance every month. When you don’t keep your solar panels clean a layer of gunk will begin to build up which has a negative impact on your panels ability to absorb sunlight & convert it into the electricity your household needs.
According to many studies regular solar panel cleaning can improve efficiency by up to 40%. Regular cleaning and maintenance ensures you get the most output & efficiency out of your investment.
2. Warranty
Many solar panel manufacturers have explicit terms on their warranties including the obligation to clean your solar panels yearly. Failing to meet this requirement could result in your warranty becoming void which will make any future repairs to your solar system much more expensive than it otherwise would be.
Most solar panel manufacturers provide warranties of 10-15 years. Don’t let your warranty get cut short by neglecting the necessary maintenance solar panels require.
3. Increased durability
The elements of the weather can subject your solar panels to constantly being beat down by dust, debris & other particles that will harm them. Regularly cleaning them will prevent any potential build up from degrading your panels & increase their durability.
4. Aesthetic Appeal
For residential solar panel owners the aesthetic appeal may be of greater concern. After all they do cover nearly your entire roof & nobody wants to look at dusty solar panels.You’re investment in state-of-the-art renewable technology was likely an expensive one, treat your investment with care not negligence.
5. Rainwater is ineffective
It is not true that relying on rainwater is an effective solution to keeping your solar panels clean. There are several reasons why you shouldn’t rely on rainwater to clean your panels but the top 3 include evaporation, inconsistent weather & bird poop.
5a. Once rain evaporates dirt is still left behind
It may seem like the rain cleans your solar panels but most of the dirty & grime is still left behind once the rainwater evaporates & all is said and done.
5b. Rain is inconsistent in some areas
Rain is too inconsistent to rely on to regularly clean your solar panels, especially in regions that experience little annual rainfall such as southern california & arizona.
5c. Rain doesn’t wash off dried bird poop
Rain Showers don’t clean off the harder to remove pollutants that cover your panels sch as bird poop. Once bird poop dries the only way to move it is with a brush, a pressure washer or by hiring professional solar panel cleaners.
6. Faster ROI
You will see a faster ROI in your investment into solar energy production when you regularly clean your solar panel systems. They won’t ever experience diminishing energy output that occurs from soiling which is even more pronounced at the commercial scale.