Buying and installing solar panels for your home is an unquestionable investment for years to come. Unfortunately, what most people do not know is how cleaning your solar panels is essential to help you keep saving money for the long run. Like all such investments they need to be cleaned and well-maintained, in order to continue functioning in an optimal manner.
Soiling: The most common maintenance problem of solar panels and skylights
The most common maintenance problem in relation to solar panels is known as “soiling” which is defined as “the collection of pollution on solar panels that ultimately impedes the sun’s rays deeply affecting efficiency” and it is one of the main reasons why people constantly lose money. “Soiling” is caused by a number of factors, such as pollen, bird droppings, dirt, acid rain and sand, always depending on the climatic and environmental conditions of a given area. Like many coastal areas, Ventura County has high levels of wind which carries dirt and debris, and salty sea air which causes metals and glass to oxidize and break down. Therefore, if your business or home in Ventura County has solar panels, then those panels are more susceptible to deterioration caused by the local environment than inland areas with more mild conditions.
It is important to also note that it is a quite usual phenomenon on skylights as well. After installation, skylights indeed require only limited maintenance. Due to their slope and shape, rains tend to wash away most of the dirt. Cleaning any plastics, taking good care of the frame and usual quality chemicals to preserve all materials are unquestionable necessities though.
What happens to solar panels which aren’t cleaned regularly?
Let’s take a closer look at the numbers: Soiled solar panels lose an average of 20% of their energy production, on an increasing basis of 0.3% per day (according to Atonometrics). In Ventura County for example, the average money saved by installing solar panels in 25 years is 55,000 USD. If solar panels are not cleaned regularly, you would lose around $11,000 over 25 years or $440 per year. Depending on your location, your power consumption, and the condition of your solar panels, that figure could be significantly higher. Seamus Curran, Associate professor of physics at the University of Houston and Director of the Institute for NanoEnergy says “a dirty solar panel can reduce its power capabilities by a 30% in high dust/pollen or desert area”.
How to clean a soiled solar panel or skylight?
Solar panel cleaning is similar to cleaning a window but extra care is required not to damage the fixtures. We are extremely careful while cleaning the solar panels and make sure to clean the surfaces very thoroughly without scratching or blemishing the panels. We’re experienced with these cleaning jobs so you’re solar panel system is in good hands.
Contact Us For Information About Our Solar Panel Cleaning
It is always better to let experts clean your solar panels by using the proper tools and techniques since regular water or improper chemicals can end up damaging the panels. Give our friendly team of experts a call at (805) 232-7003 to provide you with a free estimate or Contact Us.
