The solar panels are considered to be one of the most useful investments UK homeowners can make to save on their energy bills and to cut their carbon footprint. But just as any outdoor installation, they are open to the elements, dust, bird droppings, pollen, tree sap, and even rain streaks. In the long run, such accumulation may slow down their performance and make your solar system not work at its optimum.
You may have been wondering how to clean solar panels, whether you can do it yourself and clean solar panels on the roof, or even how much it would cost to have solar panels professionally cleaned off by the experts of the job. The answer is this comprehensive guide.
Importance of Cleaning Solar Panels
The solar panels are most effective in cases where the sunlight is able to reach them. As they are covered with dirt and debris, they partially block the sunlight, and thus, they have fewer chances of producing power. As the literature indicates, unclean solar panels may lose up to 20 percent of their output- it is a big loss in a year.
Rain may remove some of the dust on the surface, but not the hard-to-clean grime or bird droppings, or hard water marks. Cleaning will help keep your panels in good condition and will serve as a way of saving energy and a way of increasing your system’s lifetime.
How Often Should You Clean Solar Panels in the UK?
Generally, you would not need to clean your solar panels every month in the UK, the weather is in your favor. It is however advisable to clean them once or twice a year, preferably during spring (before the sunshine of summer hits its highest) and during autumn (after the dust and pollen have settled down).
In case you are living in close proximity to a high-traffic road, industrial area, or farmland, it may be necessary to clean them more frequently since there is a lot of air pollution or dust.
Cleaning Your Solar Panels: How to know when to do it?
Dirt accumulating on the ground is something that you may not notice, but there are some indications that your solar panels need to be cleaned:
- Decreased energy production: When your system is not operating properly, without a technical reason, then there is a possibility that dirt is preventing sunlight.
- Observable dirt or stains: Panels can be hazy or even dull when seen at an angle or by a drone.
- Unbalanced creation: When there is a difference in power generation among some panels, then they may not be clean.
Following your inverter readings or solar app can enable you to notice variations in energy production.
Cleaning Solar Panels with Safety
Now to the more important part, which is to clean solar panels without breaking them and threatening your own life.
1. Turn Off the System
Adjust both the DC isolator (closer to the inverter) and the AC isolator off before you start cleaning. This will be so as not to have electricity running through the system without you working.
2. Choose the Right Time of Day
Washing should not be done during periods of sunshine. It is best at the early morning or late evening since:
- Panels are less cozy and simpler to clean.
- The water will not run away too fast, thus avoiding streaks.
3. Use Soft Cleaning Tools
You do not have to have costly equipment, just the appropriate tools to avoid scratches:
- A microfiber cloth or a sponge.
- An extendable handle non-abrasive brush.
- A warm water bucket with light cleaning detergent or solar panel detergent.
- A hose having low water pressure.
- Do not use rough chemicals, pressure-cleaners, or metal tools, which will ruin the surface of the glass or cancel your warranty.
4. The Cleaning Process
The following is a step-by-step manual on how to clean the solar equipment on the roof:
- Wipe the panels down tenderly to get off the loose dirt.
- Use the cleaning agent (mixed mild soaps with water).
- Cleanse with the soft brush or sponge to take out hard-to-clean stains.
- Rinse well so as not to leave any trace of soap.
- Air dry them; the slanted shape of the panels will cause the water to flow off on its own.
When your panels are conveniently located and reachable with ease, this is a good technique. Two-storey houses or steep roofs are, however, safer than using alternative methods or employing professionals.
How to Clean Solar Panels from the Ground
Your panels may be inaccessible or you may not be a climber of a roof but still, you can keep them in proper condition. This is because, here, it is possible to clean solar panels at ground level:
- Apply a soft-bristle brush at the end of a pole fed with water.
- Connect it to a hose or water-fed cleaning system where you can rinse and scrub at the same time.
- Always use deionised or purified water where possible – this does not leave water spots or streaks.
- Position oneself at a safe distance and angle, and clean without excessive force.
It is commonly used by the homeowner who desires to clean their panels regularly but does not want to risk falling off a ladder.
Professional Service of Cleaning the Solar Panels
You do not want to do the cleaning yourself, but you can always hire a professional to do it, it is a safe and convenient alternative.
Specialised equipment, including telescopic poles, purified water systems and soft-bristled brushes, is used by the professional cleaners to make sure that the task is completed efficiently without harm.
They are also able to check your panels for damage, loose wiring, or shading problems, which most homeowners do not consider.
What is the Cost of Cleaning Solar Panels?
It will be based on a number of factors, such as the size of your solar array, where it is located, its accessibility, as well as your region.
The UK is approximately estimated of:
- Cleaning type Average cost (UK)
- Ground-level array (small system) £25 – 40.
- Roof-mounted array (up to 10 panels) £40 -80.
- Huge residential system (15-25 panels) £80 -150.
- Commercial installations £200+
To answer the question for homeowners of how much it costs to clean solar panels, it is safe to estimate the cost of professional cleaning of solar panels between 5-10 pounds per panel.
You will find a lot of companies that provide annual maintenance contracts, which will also save money in case you have your cleaning done regularly.
DIY Cleaning vs. Professional Cleaning: Which is superior?
- Aspect DIY Cleaning Professional Cleaning.
- Expense Free to nominal £40-150 per session.
- Safety Hazardous on tall roofs. Insured and safe.
- Cleaning power: Good on light dirt, very good, cleanses every particle of dirt.
- Examination Minimal Professional examination is included.
- Safety in warranties can be invalidated by warranties in case of incorrect way.
In case of a flat roof or when the panels are mounted on the ground, you can do it yourself. It is worth a professional assistance when it is necessary to install it on sloping roofs or in inaccessible areas.
Tips to Keep Solar Panels Clean for Longer
1. Place bird repellents – Spikes or mesh would stop droppings that leave stains that are difficult to remove.
2. Prune shrubs around the house – Prevents shading and decreases the dropping leaves or sap.
3. Wash down following extended dry periods – A hose down will get rid of dust before it accumulates.
4. Post storm inspections – Intense rain or wind may leave residue behind or debris.
5. Use no severe cleaning agents – Always use environmentally friendly products.
Regular maintenance of your solar panels will help a lot in maintaining the efficiency of your panels.
Cleaning Solar Panels: Is There a Difference?
Absolutely. Depending on the level of dirt on the solar panels, clean solar panels have the capability of increasing the output by 5 to 20 percent. Although that may not sound colossal, in a year, it would be seen in your electricity bills going down.
As an illustration, when your solar system already saves you 400 pounds every year, a 10 percent efficiency increase would provide you with an extra 40 pounds in your pocket, pocket-friendly to compensate for cleaning expenses.
5 Most Popular Cleaning Solar Panel Easy Mistakes to Make
1. Pressure washer use -it may destroy seals and wiring.
2. Washing hot panels using cold water – The rapid change in temperature can crack the glass.
3. Direct standing on panels – It may lead to microcracks, which decrease life.
4. Brushes with abrasives – These may scratch the anti-reflective film.
5. Omission of the rinse – Soap residue may entice additional dirt.
Final Thoughts
It is more than just the looks of your solar panels; cleaning them keeps your investment safe and can help you get the maximum out of your investment.
It does not matter whether you clean them yourself or you call professionals; keeping it clean and doing it on a regular basis is the key. Your panels will continue to serve effectively for decades with only minor maintenance to enable you to realize the benefit of the most green energy you can.
Solar Panel Cleaning Experts in the UK?
Home Energy Guide UK assists homeowners in maximizing their renewable energy systems, both in their installation and upkeep. Search on our reliable global network of solar cleaners and locate pocket-friendly and secure, and environmentally-conscious services in your neighborhood.
