Is Cleaning Solar Panels Worth It?

1. Is cleaning solar panels worth it?

A solar panel is a device that directly or indirectly converts solar radiation into electrical energy through the photoelectric effect or photochemical effect by absorbing sunlight. Some people think cleaning solar panels is too much of a hassle to even consider, but this leads to a drop in efficiency levels as more and more dirt accumulates on the surface of the panels. Over the course of a few years, it may drop by a few percent or a lot. Solar panels have a protective layer on them that protects them from bad weather. Over the course of several years, the accumulation of dust and other materials can reduce overall efficiency.

Dust collection on solar panels does make a difference in performance, but in some places it's not a big enough factor to warrant cleanliness. If the drop in power output is small and the home's electricity consumption is still covered by the panels, cleaning may not be worth the further investment. For larger commercial roof systems, the financial loss will be greater if the solar panels are not at optimal levels. However, it's still enough to justify the cost of cleaning the panels, especially since it doesn't happen very often.

2. The method of cleaning solar panels

After you've inspected your solar panel system (and found it's dirty) and found that you need to clean your panels, there are several ways to do this, some easier than others, and some less expensive than you might expect.

The first, and perhaps the most obvious option, is to clean the panels yourself. The surface of each panel can be easily cleaned with regular products you find at home. For example, warm water and dish soap can remove dirt that has built up over time.

The second is to opt for a professional service, in fact, you can rent a solar panel cleaning service. The main problem is actually finding a good and reputable one. Your installer is the best person to ask for advice, as they can also advise you on how much it should cost and how often your panels need to be cleaned, preventing you from wasting money. If you do use cleaning services, be sure to insure them in the event of any mishaps.