Solar power can be a great way to cut down on your energy bills and protect the planet at the same time. Renewable energy is a great choice for both residential homes and businesses, but how do you keep your solar panels in peak functioning condition year after year?
Solar Panel Cleaning
Over time, you may notice your solar panels aren’t generating as much energy as before. Since a quality solar panel properly maintained should last 25 years or even longer, seeing a drop in energy output after only a few years isn’t likely because of mechanical breakdown. What’s far more likely is your solar panels are simply dirty and you need to schedule solar panel cleaning.
Think about the windows of your house. Even if you don’t have small children decorating them with fingerprints, over time, dirt, pollen, soot, and other particles will gather on the glass, making it difficult to see clearly. Solar panel cleaning operates on the same principle. If dirt and pollen have built up on your panels, they can’t receive as much light and won’t be as efficient at generating energy. By investing in regular solar panel cleaning, you can get the full benefit of the energy savings and even extend the lifespan of your panels.
So How Do You Get Started with Solar Panel Cleaning?
While you might be tempted to get solar panel cleaning done yourself by taking a hose or pressure washer to your roof, you should always leave solar panel cleaning to a professional. Solar panels are delicate and can easily be damaged by incorrect cleaning methods, reducing their efficiency and leading to expensive repairs in the future.
How often you should clean your solar panels depends on your local environment. If you’re in a high pollen area or your roof is shaded by trees and often covered by fallen leaves, you may need solar panel cleaning more often. Experts recommend a general rule of solar panel cleaning at least once every six months, but you can get a more exact recommendation from one of our qualified roof cleaning experts at Pristine Safe Roof and Exterior Cleaning after we take a look at your specific situation.