Solar panels are also known as photovoltaic (PV panels) and have become an essential part of green construction projects worldwide. Home and business owners install solar panels that convert photons from sunlight into electricity that can power various systems. This clean, renewable energy can even be stored and resold back to the ‘grid’ for electricity credits or money.
As they grow in popularity, people typically wonder if they need to invest in solar panel cleaning, and if so, how often? Better yet, underlying questions might include how and who is best suited to handle solar panel cleaning. We’ll first discuss how solar panels work and then delve into answering those questions, so your solar panel installations will operate optimally.
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How Solar Panels Work
Photovoltaic panels contain multiple singular solar cells composed of silicon layers, positively charged boron, and negatively charged phosphorus. When the solar panels absorb photons from the sun, an electric current is initiated, resulting in energy generation. The resulting energy forces electrons beyond their atomic orbits, releasing them into the solar cell’s electric field. These free electrons reverse their directional current to produce energy in a process known as the photovoltaic effect.
Cleaning Solar Panels: Is it Necessary and Why?
In short, there will likely be times that your panels require professional solar panel cleaning. Environmental pollutants, dirt, salt spray, animal droppings, dust, and road grime are just a few types of debris that attach to solar panel installations. While a small amount of residue remains after solar panel cleaning, it doesn’t tend to cause many problems. Once a good layer of debris has formed, the performance of the solar panels can be negatively impacted.
Obstructions on your solar panel can prohibit the sun’s full rays from penetrating the panel’s surface, lessening both the energy they absorb and produce. Cleanliness is essential as accumulations occur, and the time between cleanings will depend on their location, angle, and the amount of debris around their placement.
However, experts in the field recommend having the system inspected bi-annually, at which time an assessment can be made as to whether cleaning is needed. Inspections are often overlooked until the system has problems, and solar panels can develop issues over time, not noticeable by an untrained eye. Cracks in panels and parts of racking can come loose, and these are problems that can compromise the entire setup, so don’t skip those professional inspections.
Cleaning Solar Panels: DIY or Call in the Pros?
Solar panel cleaning can be a tricky process, even those that are on the ground level. A significant risk is present should owners choose to take on solar panel cleaning as a do-it-yourself project if the panels are located on the roof or placed high up on a structure. They are sensitive and should be cleaned gently and with great caution to avoid cracking or scratching the glass.
Using abrasives or the wrong cleaning materials can damage the panels or even cause more buildup on the solar panels themselves. Tap water shouldn’t be used to clean solar panels, especially hard water. Hard water can result in mineral buildup such as calcium and limescale that leave behind a filmy residue that often impedes suns penetration. Unless you have access to a water purification or reverse osmosis system, time on your hands, and no fear of heights, it’s best to call a professional solar panel cleaning company to clean your solar panels for you.
The Perks of Choosing Professional Solar Panel Cleaning
Professional window and solar panel cleaning companies will have all of the right tools necessary to successfully clean these Eco-friendly systems. They will have the training and expertise required to efficiently and effectively remove grime and accumulations from residential and commercial solar panels. Using a deionized water system is essential in providing a thorough cleaning, and these costly systems often aren’t worth the initial investment for the average home or business owner.
Deionized water doesn’t leave a residual film, only a spot-free finish that is more dirt and film-resistant after the solar panel cleaning is complete. There’s also the matter of safety when cleaning solar panels above ground, but highly trained solar panel cleaning crews overcome these challenges. Additionally, a professional solar panel crew will spot flaws, damage, and potential challenges within the solar panel system during a routine inspection of the site. Essentially, time and money are saved with professional solar panel cleaning.
Looking for Professional Solar Panel Cleaning Near You? Call the Squeegee Squad!
If you need professional window cleaning, solar panel cleaning, pressure washing, or similar services, there’s likely a Squeegee Squad near you. Our solar panel cleanings can are performed with a four-stage purified reverse osmosis and deionized water process with the proper cleansers to give you ideal results. Find the nearest solar panel cleaning crew for you and call today!