How to Clean Solar Panels—Everything You Need to Know to Maximize Solar Production

Overall, solar panels are mostly a hands-off addition to your home. Once they’re installed and connected to the grid, you can trust that your panels are working with the sun to produce energy. While wintry conditions and sudden storms may potentially result in lower solar production, our monocrystalline solar panels are built to endure all kinds of weather and extreme temperatures. Let’s review what kind of debris or precipitation you may see on your solar panels, and how you can keep your panels producing as much solar energy as possible.

How Often Do My Solar Panels Need Cleaning? 

To maximize your solar panels’ efficiency year-round, they should remain clear. While leaf litter, snow, salt residue and animal debris can collect over time, rain will take care of most of the cleaning of your panels. However, we do recommend hiring a professional to address any leftover buildup once or twice a year because it can be dangerous to climb to your roof to reach your panels. This may be especially important for homes in drier environments with limited rainfall, as well as homes with flat roofs.

It’s important to remember that your solar panels are intricate electrical devices. Cleaning products you may have at home, like harsh scrubbers and chemical cleaning solutions, can damage the surface of your solar panels. When cleaning is necessary, trust a professional to maintain the proper safety precautions while navigating and cleaning your solar system.

How Do Different Seasons Impact My Solar Panels? 

Our premium panels are designed to maximize solar production, no matter the season or climate. Let’s discuss the debris you may see on your solar panels throughout the year:

Spring

Pollen and other plant particles are most likely to build up on your panels in springtime. Some pollen stains may remain after rainfall, so contact a professional to remove tougher residue in preparation for summer sunshine, especially if you live in a dry climate. 

Fall

Falling leaves and dead plant matter during the later months of the year can potentially impact your solar panels’ ability to produce a high output of energy. Again, a steady rainfall should push much of the leaf litter off your roof, but a powerful leaf blower directed at your roof from the ground can help clear leftover debris. We recommend addressing any remaining concerns with a professional.

Winter

In climates where snow and ice are frequently in the forecast, solar panels may become temporarily covered and solar production may be limited. Fortunately, the sun and rising daytime temperatures mayhelp melt much of the snow and ice obstructing your panels. Do not attempt to chip any residual ice away from your solar panels, as this could leave surface scratches on the panel glass. Eventually, the ice will melt, leaving your panels exposed and able to produce solar energy for your home.

Year-Round Solar Energy For Your Home

At Pink Energy, we’re proud to offer premium solar panels designed to meet your energy needs, rain or shine. If you’re interested in adding a durable, top-of-the-line solar energy system to your home, contact your local Pink Energy and its team of experts today for a free quote.