Solar Panel Cleaning

2011-10-10T05:31:00.000-07:00

Why do solar panels need to be cleaned?

While the installing of solar panels in the UK is relatively new, in other parts of the world, solar panels have been used for a long time. It has been found that solar panels need cleaning regularly in order to maintain their efficiency. Most panels have a glass surface like the windows on your property. Therefore, solar panels are prone to a build up of grime in the same way as your windows. In fact, due to your solar panels facing upwards, they are more prone to bird droppings and a build up of general dust and dirt that does not wash off with just rain. If your solar panels are not cleaned regularly, they will not run at their optimum performance. Recent university research has shown that a dirty solar panel can lose 50% of it's efficiency compared to a clean solar panel. It is important to protect and maintain your investment.

Can a window cleaner clean my solar panels?

Yes. Because the solar panels themselves are covered with glass, the principles for window cleaning apply to solar panel cleaning. Within the solar panel installation industry, it is recognised that solar panel cleaning is not a DIY job. It can be both dangerous working at height, and you may end up damaging the solar panels. It is recommended that you hire a cleaning company that provides a solar panel cleaning service and who know how to clean photovoltaic solar panels properly.

Who should I choose to clean my solar panels?

With over 15 years in the window cleaning industry, SK williams window cleaning services in a prime position to offer a professional solar panel cleaning service. We have over the years expanded to become a complete outdoor property cleaning service. We have all of the necessary equipment for solar panel cleaning and are fully insured. Obviously, the solar panels have been installed at height. Therefore it is imperative that whoever cleans your solar panels is able to do so within health & safety regulations. We hold an IPAF cherrypicker license which enables us to hire access machinery up to a height of 110ft. We are able to safely reach and clean any solar panel.

Because we have the latest pure water cleaning equipment, we do not need to use chemicals to clean your panels. Using detergents to clean solar panels leaves a sticky microscopic film on the solar panel which actually attracts dirt and grime. Again, this will lead to your solar panels not running efficiently. IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED THAT ANY CLEANING CHEMICALS OR HARD WATER BE USED FOR CLEANING SOLAR PANELS.

How often should I have my solar panels cleaned?

It is recommended by solar panel installers that you should have your solar panels cleaned at least twice a year, but preferably, once a quarter.

Will Rain clean my solar panels?

Rain will wash off the surface dirt to a degree, but will also leave behind dirt of its own, in the same way as the roof of your car looks dirty after a rain shower. Also, photovoltaic solar panels produce the most power during the summer, when it (hopefully!) rains less. Therefore, regular cleaning of your solar panels is advisable.

Is there any way to prevent my solar panels becoming dirty?

There are a couple of alternatives available. There is an automated spray system that regularly hoses down the solar panels. There is also a system that uses an electric charge to lift the dirt from the panel and there is even a solar panel cleaning robot! However, all of these systems come at an expensive premium, so the best tried and tested method is regular cleaning.

To arrange a free, no obligation quote for your solar panel cleaning, please click here.

Telford Window Cleaner

Solar Panel Cleaning