In today’s world, there is more focus on green energy than ever. People are looking for ways to cut back on their fossil fuel usage, and renewable energy sources are the answer. Perhaps one of the most popular forms of green energy is solar energy. To harvest this energy, property owners typically use solar panels—highly sophisticated pieces of technology that convert sunlight into power. But do solar panels need to be cleaned? And if so, how exactly should they be cleaned anyway?
Learn the answers to these questions with Marin Exterior Cleaning. We are Kentfield, CA’s first choice for pressure washing and solar panel cleaning services. So, if your solar panels need help, just let us know, and we’ll solve this problem for you.
Why Solar Panels Become Dirty
So, do solar panels need to be cleaned? The answer to this question is yes. Over time, your solar panels will inevitably gather debris. In many cases, this debris is carried by the wind—for example, particles of dust or mold spores. Additionally, solar panels collect rainwater, and when this water dries, minerals are left behind. This creates a residue of sorts, giving your solar panels a cloudy, unkempt appearance.
If your solar panels are not regularly cleaned, they will continue to build up debris. If allowed to happen indefinitely, this can result in more negative consequences than you might have originally thought.
Solar Panel Cleaning Improves Curb Appeal
Do solar panels need to be cleaned? If you want your property to look its best, yes. When solar panels are visibly smothered with debris, they are hardly visually appealing. This negative effect extends to your property as a whole. Of course, this is annoying for homeowners—but it’s downright disastrous for business owners. That’s because businesses need to look their best in order to attract customers.
Restore your property’s beauty with solar panel cleaning. And while you’re at it, don’t forget other exterior cleaning services, such as pressure washing and soft washing. This helps you maximize the visual appeal of your home or business!
Solar Panel Cleaning Boosts Electricity Production
It absolutely helps when your solar panels look better. However, what’s even more useful is increasing their electricity production. As it turns out, solar panel cleaning results in exactly that! This results in lower utility bills, long-term savings, and opportunities to do new, exciting things with the leftover cash.
But why exactly does solar panel cleaning boost electricity production? It’s simple. When debris is all over your solar panels, it prevents sunlight from being absorbed. On the other hand, by cleaning your solar panels, you’ll help them collect more sun rays, and in turn, produce more solar power for your property.
Reduce the Risk of Solar Panel Damage
One last benefit of solar panel cleaning that’s worth pointing out: it’s a form of damage prevention. When debris accumulates on your solar panels, it immediately begins to work against them. Particles of debris grind against solar panels, gradually eroding them. Eventually, this will cause significant harm, and you’ll have to invest your money into repairs. This can be much more expensive than you might expect.
Fortunately, you can reduce the risk of damage significantly with solar panel cleaning. Rinse away debris, keep your solar panels clean, and save money on repairs in the long run.
How Solar Panel Cleaning Works
Do solar panels need to be cleaned? At this point, you’ve learned three different benefits of solar panel cleaning. So, the answer is clear: you only have something to gain. Now, let’s take a closer look at the actual cleaning process. (Just remember: solar panels always need to be deactivated before cleaning.)
Solar panels are delicate, sophisticated pieces of technology. Because of this, they cannot be pressure washed—pressure washing will actually damage them. Instead, gentler methods must be employed. At Marin Exterior Cleaning, we use low-pressure filtered water and microfiber cloths to scrub solar panels clean. There is no risk of damage this way.
How Often Should Solar Panels Be Cleaned?
Do solar panels need to be cleaned every year? At Marin Exterior Cleaning, we highly recommend it. By revitalizing your solar panels annually, you’ll keep them in the best possible condition, helping them produce the maximum amount of solar energy for your household or business.
Some properties may even benefit from multiple solar panel cleanings per year. This is especially true if your solar panels are located near trees (a source of pollen), a highway (asphalt and exhaust particles), or a construction site (dust and construction debris). In these scenarios, consider seasonal solar panel cleaning to keep them looking sharp.
DIY or Professional Solar Panel Cleaning?
Do solar panels need to be cleaned professionally? Not necessarily. In fact, you can clean your solar panels on your own if you want. You’ll just need to purchase the right equipment for the work, and you’ll have to find enough time in your schedule for the job. Some property owners have no problem taking on DIY projects. However, others prefer reaching out to professional businesses for the help they need instead.
Why consider professional solar panel cleaning? It gives you an opportunity to skip the DIY process and use your time and energy in other ways. The payoff is that professional solar panel cleaning services cost money. Are you willing to open your wallet to avoid the work?
Cost of Solar Panel Cleaning Services
When you schedule our full-service solar panel cleaning, how much should you expect to pay? That depends on the size of your project. More solar panels (or larger solar panels) lead to higher prices. There are no hidden fees or surcharges.
Contact us online with information about your solar panels today. We will get back to you as soon as possible with a free cost estimate. Then, if you approve of our price, choose a time and date for your appointment. We look forward to meeting you on your appointment day and making your solar panels spotless again!
