Tips for Cleaning Solar Panels

Installing solar panels on your home provides renewable energy for years to come. Solar panel maintenance, however, is necessary for them to remain efficient. Here's what every solar energy owner should know about proper cleaning so the panels will stay in tiptop condition.

Why Solar Panels Need To Be Cleaned

As a general rule, solar panels require little maintenance. That said, the elements pose a hazard to their performance. They stand up well against wild precipitation such as hail and hurricanes, but windswept organic material can still interfere with their performance. Examine yours for the following:

• Branches

• Dirt

• Leaves

• Snow

When extreme weather in San Jose blows these natural nuisances onto your rooftop, it's time to engage in a bit of solar panel maintenance.

How To Clean Solar Panels

Cleaning solar panels is a more common necessity in the dry seasons, as rain is usually enough to wash away minor obstructions. When the elements fail to handle the job for you, grab a leaf blower. Alternatively, spray solar panels with a garden hose. In the winter months, use lukewarm water. Avoid water that's too hot, as that can cause them to crack.

Read your solar panel monitoring system and note how much energy they're producing. When your system starts creating less, perform another wash and see if that improves results. Your monitoring panel will also notify you if something is broken and needs repair.

Even the best cleaning and monitoring efforts aren't always enough to prevent solar energy systems from getting damaged. Under such circumstances, contact a solar panel repair service to return your system to working order. It's a better decision than trying to replace or fix it yourself, which can be less than optimal in addition to violating your warranty.

Solar panel maintenance is vital for every owner. Make sure your panels are in top order so that you're as green as possible and save the most on your energy bills.