The cleaning frequency for solar panels depends on the location, climate, and environment. Environment plays a big role in how often you need to clean solar panels. If you live in an area with dust, pollen, or pollution, you’ll need to clean them more.
Near farms or industrial regions, panels might get dirty faster because of more particles in the air. Climate and weather also matter a lot. Places with heavy rain or snow get less dirty because nature helps clean the panels.
But, areas with dry spells or strong winds might need more cleaning to work well.
Signs That Your Solar Panel Needs Cleaning
Higher Electricity Bills
Look at the electricity bills you get now and compare them to the bills you received right after you installed your solar panels. If your current bills are higher, it might be a sign that your solar panels need cleaning.
There are a couple of reasons why your electricity bills might go up. If you are using more electricity now than before, your bills will naturally be higher.
If you haven’t changed how much electricity you use, but your bills are still higher, it could be because your solar panels are dirty.
When solar panels are dirty, they can’t produce as much electricity, so you could end up using more power from the grid, which makes your bills go higher. If you haven’t been using a lot of electricity lately, the problem is likely dirty solar panels.
Mould/Mildew Growth
Tilted or slanted solar panels usually don’t get mould or mildew. This is because rainwater runs off them easily, washing away dirt. If your solar panels are flat, rainwater can collect on them. This can lead to mould and mildew growing over time.
It can also spread to your ceilings and walls. This can cause patches of mould on your walls, ceilings, or the solar panels themselves. If you see these patches on your walls, ceiling, or solar panels, it’s important to call professionals to clean your solar panels.
Read More: An Ultimate Guide on Cleaning Solar Panels without Water
Drop-In Electricity Production
If your solar panels generate less electricity than before, it might be time to clean them. Dirty panels can’t soak up enough sunlight to generate a lot of electricity.
They can’t absorb as many photons (tiny particles of light) from the sun. This means they can’t make as much electricity as they should meaning getting less efficient.
Because the dirty panels aren’t working well, they produce less electricity. This can lead to higher electricity bills because you have to use more power from the grid.
As you clean the panels, they can absorb more sunlight again. This helps them make more electricity so that your power generation goes back to normal.
Discoloured Panels
Sometimes, you can see when your solar panels need cleaning because they look dirty or discoloured. It’s a clear sign that they need cleaning.
When dust stays on the panels for a long time, it can cause overheating to the panels. This overheating can damage the panels and make them stop working properly.
If the panels get damaged from too much heat, they might not be able to generate electricity anymore. This damage can be permanent, and the panels won’t work again even if you clean them later.
So, it’s important to keep your solar panels clean and ensure they are working well and don’t get damaged. If you notice any of these signs it’s high time to get professional help cleaning the panels.
Read More: Tips to maintain your solar battery
Ways To Clean Your Solar Panels
Clean solar panels are key to making them work well & be more efficient. In this section, we will list out some ways you can use to clean the solar panels.
Manual and Automated Cleaning
Manual cleaning means you clean the panels by hand with tools like a squeegee or brush. It will help you get into every corner. But, it takes a lot of time, and effort, and can be dangerous if the panels are hard to reach.
Automated cleaning uses robots or sprinklers to clean the panels. It’s faster and keeps the panels clean without much effort from you. These systems can also reach high places, which is great for big solar setups.
Read More: Top 10 Robots for Cleaning Solar Panels & Things To Consider Before Buying One
The cleaning schedule for solar panels changes with the weather, seasons, and location. In summer and spring clean the panels every 3 to 6 months to remove pollen and debris.
Clean the panels more often every 2 to 3 months in the autumn season to tackle the increased leaf litter. In the winter season, cleaning can be done less every 4 to 6 months since there is very little dust and environmental contamination.
| Season | Recommended cleaning frequency |
| Spring and Summer | Every 3-6 months |
| Fall or Autumn | Every 2-3 months |
| Winter | Every 4-6 months |
Professional Cleaning Services
Hiring professional cleaning services is a good choice. They bring specialized equipment and knowledge to make sure your panels are cleaned well and safely.
With the right tools, training and experience they can efficiently clean panels. Some of the equipment used by them are water-fed poles and high-powered, low-pressure washers that make it easy to clean areas that you cannot reach when cleaning manually.
Regular cleaning by professional services can make your solar panels last longer and work better. By choosing an experienced professional you can make sure your solar panels are cleaned well and safely. This helps them work better and last longer. This can lead to more energy and savings over time. If you are using professionals for cleaning your solar panels, you should clean solar panels at least once a year.
DIY Solar Panel Cleaning
If you want to clean your solar panels yourself, we will provide you with the right information, tools, and materials you need to clean safely and well.
These tips are great for homeowners or business owners who want to keep their solar systems running well and save money over time.
Cleaning solar panels doesn’t need expensive gear. You can do it with basic tools and items you might already have at home or in the garage. Here’s what you all need.
- Soft-bristle brush or microfiber cleaning pad
- Mild, pH-neutral soap or specialized solar panel cleaning solution
- A bucket or spray bottle filled with clean water
- Squeegee or clean, lint-free cloth
- Step ladder or extension pole (if needed to reach higher panels)
- Safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection
It’s crucial to use the right tools and materials to avoid damaging the solar panels. Don’t use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or harsh substances as they can lower the panels’ efficiency and lifespan.
Some Safety Precautions For Solar Panel Cleaning
Cleaning solar panels can be risky, as it involves handling dangerous materials. The following steps help those who maintain the solar panels safe.
Firstly, safety must come first when cleaning them. Many panels are installed high up, which can lead to falls and injuries. It’s important to always wear safety gear like harnesses, safety lines, and non-slip shoes.
Panels also have sharp edges and fragile parts that can hurt you. Wearing protective gloves and eye gear is a must. You must be careful not to damage the panels or hurt yourself while cleaning them.
Cleaning panels can also mean dealing with chemicals or other harmful substances. It’s crucial to know how to use cleaning solutions safely. Getting the right training is key to avoiding risks. Here are some things you should be extra cautious about and do whenever you clean it by yourself.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including harnesses, gloves, and eye protection.
- Maintain a stable and secure footing when working at heights.
- Use caution when handling cleaning solutions and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Ensure adequate ventilation and take breaks to avoid fatigue or heat-related illness.
Cost Of Cleaning Solar Panels
Regular solar panel cleaning can greatly improve your solar energy system’s performance and save you money over time. By keeping your panels clean, you’ll see big benefits that add up the value for money.
Investing in regular solar panel cleaning is one of the most cost-effective ways to maximize the performance and longevity of your renewable energy system.
Generally, the cleaning cost of solar panels in India is between ₹500 to ₹2000 per panel. This can depend on the size of the panel, the level of the dirt, and the location.
So many companies provide cleaning solutions to your solar panels based on the number of panels. So if you have a total of 10 panels and the company is charging ₹1000 per panel you have to pay ₹10,000 for the service.
At the same time, some companies are charging flat rates for the whole service. For example, a company will charge Rs 5000 for 20 panels irrespective of location and dirt levels. This is more lucrative from a consumer perspective.
Conclusion
Keeping your solar panels clean is key to making them work well and last longer. Knowing what affects the panels, and how often you should clean them, helps you make a cleaning plan. This plan keeps your solar energy working great for years.
Whether you do it yourself or hire experts, using the best cleaning methods keeps your panels in great shape. Regular checks and thinking about costs and benefits help you decide how and how often to clean. This leads to more energy savings and a greener choice for your place or business.
Taking good care of your solar panels is important for getting the most out of solar power and helping the planet. By being careful and proactive with your solar panel care, you can enjoy clean, renewable energy for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cleaning solar panels increase efficiency?
The straightforward answer to this question is “Yes”. When you clean the solar panel surface, the panel begins to work more efficiently as the cells get to absorb more sunlight. The thin film of dust the solar panel surfaces gather over time restricts optimal sunlight absorption slowing down the electricity generation process.
Do I need to turn off solar panels to clean?
You should turn off the solar panels before cleaning them and complete the cleaning process after the sun is down. This way you can minimize the risk of potential electric shocks.
What is the best time of day to clean solar panels?
Try to clean your solar panels early in the morning. After an entire night, the panels stay cooler during the dawn. Plus, after cleaning, the dirt-free solar panels can absorb more sunlight throughout the day. Alternatively, you can also clean them in the early evenings.
Can I clean my solar panels myself?
Yes, you can! Turn off the panel and follow the steps mentioned above.
Is it OK to clean solar panels with water?
It is completely fine to clean the panels with water. However, do not forget to turn off the panels before cleaning them.
Can you walk on solar panels to clean them?
It would be best if you could avoid walking on solar panels while cleaning them. Walking on panels might damage the PV cells.
How often should I clean my solar panels?
Cleaning your solar panels should be done every 6-12 months. This depends on where you live and how much dust or debris builds up. Keeping them clean helps them work better and produce more energy.
