Solar panels are a great investment in renewable energy here in Southwest Florida, yet they require some upkeep to maintain their efficiency. In Florida, dust, soot, bird droppings, and even the occasional salty sea spray can accumulate on the panels, potentially diminishing their performance. Regular solar panel cleaning is essential to ensure your system continues to operate at peak efficiency, harnessing the abundant Florida sunshine to its fullest.
When to Clean Solar Panels?
In sunny Florida, solar panels can be a fantastic investment for your home or business, harnessing the Sunshine State’s abundant energy and cut down your electricity bill. So you may be wondering: “Does solar panel cleaning make a difference in solar system performance?” The answer is yes, maintaining optimal performance involves regular cleaning, especially in Southwest Florida where environmental factors uniquely affect solar panels from fully absorbing the suns UV rays. After a storm or hurricane, it’s crucial to inspect your solar panels for any debris or damage. Prompt cleaning and repair are essential to restore their efficiency and ensure they continue to function properly, safeguarding your investment in sustainable energy. This guide will explain why solar panels get so dirty in our area and the benefits of professional cleaning, as well as why choosing the right cleaning method is crucial for optimal performance.
Understanding Maintenance in Your Solar Lease
Solar lease agreements typically include a maintenance clause; however, it may sometimes be challenging to get the leasing company to perform maintenance after the installation.
For those who own their solar panels, it’s common for companies to offer regular maintenance services, including cleaning, while others may only respond to reported damages. It’s essential to carefully review your service agreement to determine if cleaning services are part of the package. Generally, solar panels require minimal maintenance, and a simple spray-down with a garden hose can effectively remove most dust and debris.
Why Do Solar Panels Get Dirty in Southwest Florida?
Solar panels in Florida are exposed to a variety of dirt-inducing elements referred to as PV soiling, which can affect energy production efficiency. The primary culprits include:
Pollens and Organic Material: Our beautiful local trees, shrubs, and flowers release pollen and seeds that can accumulate on panel surfaces.
Salt Spray: We come to Florida for our beautiful beaches, but being surrounded by the ocean means that salt from sea spray can deposit on the panels, particularly in coastal areas like Sarasota and Charlotte County.
Dust and Sand: Florida is a rapidly developing state, with new communities and shopping centers being built regularly, and frequent winds can whip up sand and dust, covering panels and potentially scratching their surfaces.
High bird activity in our area leads to droppings that can heavily soil panels and significantly reduce efficiency.
Regular cleaning is essential to prevent these materials from reducing your solar panels’ energy output. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the energy lost each year from solar panel soiling can be as much as 7%, depending on where you are in the U.S. Ideally, solar panels should be cleaned at least twice a year, but in areas with more dirt accumulation, quarterly cleaning may be the best option for your properties location and surroundings.
Benefits of Clean Solar Panels
Solar systems are built to last, most for 25-30 years. But that doesn’t mean you can get them installed and assume they’ll clean themselves for the next two decades. The benefits of clean solar panels are:
Efficiency Maintenance: Clean panels ensure maximum light penetration and optimal power output.
Longevity of Panels: Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of materials that can etch into the glass and prematurely degrade the panels over time.
Warranty Preservation: Many solar panel warranties require regular cleaning as part of maintenance standards, which professionals like A1 Pressure Washing & Roof Cleaning can help you with.
Monitoring the performance of your solar panels is crucial; if you notice a dip in energy output, it’s likely time for a cleaning to restore their efficiency.
DIY Solar Panel Cleaning
Attempting to clean your solar panels yourself might seem like a cost-effective choice, but it comes with certain risks. Solar panels are often positioned in locations on a pitched roof that are difficult to reach safely, and using the wrong cleaning methods or tools can scratch their surfaces or otherwise impair their effectiveness.
For safe and comprehensive care, professional cleaning is recommended to ensure that your panels remain undamaged and function optimally, protecting your investment over time.
However, if you decide to handle minor cleanings between professional services, here are some safe practices to follow:
Turn off the solar panel for safety– this ensures your safety and that your equipment won’t get damaged.
Fill a bucket with water or use a standard garden hose, along with soft bristle brush to gently remove dust and debris from your solar panels.
Steer clear of strong cleaning agents, including vinegar, to avoid corroding the panels.
Avoid using a pressure washer, which can forcefully break the silicone seals and damage the panels.
Pro Tip – Best Time of day for cleaning
Avoid cleaning your solar panels during the peak heat of the day. Water can evaporate quickly in the intense sun, leading to streaks that block sunlight. Additionally, the sharp contrast in temperature between the cool water and hot panels could cause the glass to crack. For optimal results and safety, schedule your cleaning sessions for the cooler morning or evening hours.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can maintain your solar panels safely and effectively without compromising their performance or structural integrity.
The Risks of Power Washing Solar Panels
While it might be tempting to use high-pressure washers for cleaning, this method poses significant risks to solar panels:
Surface Damage: High-pressure water can cause micro-cracks in the solar panel glass.
Water Intrusion: High pressure can force water into panel frames and junction boxes, leading to electrical issues.
Residual Water Spots: Without proper treatment, hard water can leave deposits and spots, which can obscure the panel’s surface and reduce efficiency.
Our Cleaning Process – Using a 3-Stage Purification Water Fed Pole System:
At A1 Pressure Washing, we utilize an advanced 3-stage purification water fed pole system for cleaning solar panels. This system includes:
Filtration: The water goes through a rigorous filtration process to remove minerals and impurities, ensuring it is completely pure.
Deionization: Water is then deionized, which makes it leave no residue or spots on the panels after drying.
Soft Brushing: We use soft brushes attached to telescopic poles, allowing for gentle but effective cleaning that reaches all corners without the need for ladders or scaffolding, giving us the ability to safely clean hard to reach panels from the ground on steep pitched roofs.
This method not only protects your investment but also ensures that the panels are left spotless, maintaining their efficiency and extending their lifespan.
When cleaning solar panels, especially on pitched roofs, safety is paramount. It’s crucial to use the right safety gear, including harnesses, ropes, and proper footwear to prevent slips and falls. We are trained in the safe use of ladders and at-height equipment, and all safety protocols are rigorously followed to protect the cleaners, structural integrity of the roof, and solar system. Additionally, electrical safety is a major consideration; ensuring that all equipment is properly grounded and that technicians are aware of the risks of electrical shorts or shocks is essential. Using tools like telescopic poles allows for cleaning from a safer distance, minimizing the need for direct contact with the roof and reducing the risk to both personnel and the panels themselves.
Professional services you can trust!
Keeping your solar panels clean in Florida is crucial for their efficiency and longevity. Avoiding harsh cleaning methods like power washing and opting for professional cleaning services using advanced, safe technology like our 3-stage purification water fed pole system can make a significant difference. Contact us today to schedule your solar panel cleaning service and ensure your solar investment is protected and productive.
Choose A-1 Pressure Washing for professional solar panel cleaning!
We want your solar panels to operate to their maximum potential, on a continual basis, year after year. With a little maintenance, you can ensure your system does just that. We understand the importance of professional, prompt, and reliable service, saving you time and money. As your local husband and wife exterior cleaning team, A1 Pressure Washing is the trusted choice in Venice, North Port, Port Charlotte, Englewood, Punta Gorda, Rotonda West, Osprey, Nokomis, Sarasota, and Wellen Park for solar panel cleaning. We are fully licensed and insured, providing a hassle-free experience with exceptional results. Contact us today for a free quote and ensure your solar panels are operating at peak performance!
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