Solar panels are a great addition to any property. They offer you the opportunity to harness the power of the sun and use it as a source of energy within your property. This clean source of energy is free too. You will save a lot of money on your utility bills and may even be able to make some money by directing excess energy into the national grid. If you have solar panels installed on your property, you may be searching the internet for information on ‘how often should I clean solar panels’. In this blog, we hope to provide you with answers to some of the most common questions people ask regarding how often solar panels need to be cleaned.
Do I Need to Clean My Solar Panels?
The short answer to this question is, yes. You need to clean your solar panels. Cleaning solar panels isn’t just important for aesthetic reasons but also as part of their maintenance. When dirt builds up on the surface of the solar panels the layer of dirt reduces the performance of your solar panels. The photovoltaic system will not receive as much exposure to UV rays as they require for the production of energy. These systems work best when there is no obstruction between the glass panel and the UV rays. When cleaning solar panels, never use a pressure washer on the solar panels. Hiring professional solar panel cleaning in San Luis Obispo County will help ensure that your solar panels don’t lose efficiency and will protect your investment.
How Often Should You Clean Solar Panels?
You may now be wondering how often you should invest in services to wash your solar panels in San Luis Obispo County. The truth is that the frequency of cleaning will vary depending on your geographical location and the climatic conditions in the area. For example, if you live in a dry climate with a lot of airborne dust, a lot of dust will accumulate on your solar panels. Your panels will therefore have to be washed more frequently than those of someone that lives in an urban area with little dust. If you live in a wooded area with lots of birds and small critters, you may also have to get your panels cleaned regularly because they will be exposed to bird droppings.
A good rule of thumb is to have your solar panels cleaned at least once every six months. However, if you notice the buildup of dirt on your solar panels before the regular cleaning is due, you should contact a professional solar panel cleaning company in San Luis Obispo County to have your panels cleaned.
Are Dirty Solar Panels Less Efficient?
Yes. The accumulation of dirt on your solar panels results in reduced efficiency. Bird droppings, dust and the accumulation of debris such as leaves will hinder your solar panels from operating at maximum efficiency.
How Dirt & Pollution Can Damage Solar Cells
The accumulation of dirt on your solar panels can also result in damage to your solar panels. In many instances, solar cells are connected in such a way that they are dependent on the surrounding cells to maintain their solar productivity. If a cell is shaded by dirt, it will behave like a resistor to the power generated by other cells. It will heat up and become damaged as a result. This in turn will damage your solar panel system.
How Much is the Output Loss Due to Dirty Solar Panels?
The output of your solar panels will decrease by between 1.5% to 6% annually as a result of the accumulation of dirt on the surface of the solar panels. This can be higher if the solar panels are not cleaned or if you live in a dusty region. You can lose up to 50% output from your solar panels.
We Can Help You
Get in touch with us, Crystal Clean A1 Window Service for professional services to wash your solar panels in San Luis Obispo County. We will help to ensure your solar panels function optimally.
