Sometimes just water isn't enough, but everyone agrees that soap should never be used. That's why lubricant manufacturer Polywater launched its Solar Panel Wash product five years ago. The best method to clean the panels is to use a small amount of dish soap and warm water. Use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid scratching or damaging the glass.
It's also appropriate to use a common household window cleaner such as Windex, but avoid other harsh cleaning fluids that may leave scratches. In most cases, spraying the panels with a hose or a garden nozzle at low pressure will suffice.
Some companies offer a brush-like, soap-free method for cleaning solar panels.
Instead of soap, they use deionized water and a rolling system that cleans debris with a brush. Without the use of soap, residue is less likely to remain, which often attracts more dirt.These products are great because they can use natural solutions, such as diluted vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, to remove waste without damaging the system. This is the best product for cleaning solar panels when you are looking for a more natural solution to remove the film from the surface. If your solar panels are very dirty, brushing and washing them may not be enough to completely clean them. You can scrub problem spots with regular soap and water, but avoid harsh detergents and other cleaning agents.
It is recommended to clean solar panels in more populated areas that have a lot of particles in the air. This is the best option for solar panels in larger systems, such as those in a greenhouse, parking structure, or large shed. If you're not comfortable cleaning your panels on your own, contact your solar installer for professional panel cleaning services. It provides a robotic system that safely slides over solar panels and removes dust and dirt from them.
Although it's better for larger solar panel systems, it's also the best way to clean the solar panels on the roof of large structures. Discussion of solar photovoltaic systems, modules, the solar energy business, solar energy production, utility scale systems, commercial rooftop systems, residential systems, off-grid systems, and more. Washing the panels with hard water will leave a mineral layer after the water evaporates, which will defeat the purpose of the cleaning process. In the MarketWatch guide team, we only recommend cleaning the solar panels on your own if you can safely access the system from the ground or if you have a flat roof.
In any situation, the best solution for cleaning solar panels is the one recommended by the manufacturer. In most cases, that means getting the right cleaning brushes that allow you to easily clean the surface. Professional solar panel cleaners use the term “dirt losses” to describe the loss of efficiency caused by the accumulation of dust and dirt in their photovoltaic system. Due to the risks involved, it is recommended to resort to professional cleaning services if the solar panels can only be accessed by climbing the roof.
