Solar panels are exposed to harsh weather conditions, so cleaning is an essential part of maintaining your system and making sure you’re getting the most out of your investment. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your panels in tip top shape.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR SOLAR PANELS?
Dirty solar panels can lose 20% of their energy output at a minimum, so whilst there’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to cleaning frequency, the general rule of thumb is at least once a year to ensure they’re working as efficiently as possible. Different factors like location, weather conditions and the type of panels you have can impact how often they end up with grime, mould, lichen and even moss on them.
For example, if you live in a rural area, you may need to clean your panels more frequently due to the build up of debris and dust. Whereas if you live in a region with frequent rain or snow, your panels may not need quite as much attention due to the somewhat rinsing effect of the rain and snow.
As mentioned earlier, it’s also important to consider the type of panels you have installed. If you have older, textured panels, they may require more frequent cleaning due to the build up of dirt and debris in the grooves. Newer, smooth panels are easier to clean and may require less frequent cleaning.
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