Keeping up with the maintenance of your solar panels can significantly improve the efficiency of the energy collection. Dust can build up on your solar panels over time, preventing sunlight from reaching the cells to collect energy.

This is an Energy Efficiency Task!

When dust gathers on solar panels, it hinders the gathering/storing of energy. Dirty solar panels have reduced efficiency and will result in reduced energy savings.

Tasks can be done by: Homeowner, solar panel cleaners, or handyman

How To Clean Your Solar Panels Properly | Task Steps

Step 1 – Inspect solar panels

• Determine how long it has been since you’ve last cleaned your solar panels. If you don’t have that information, you can wipe the panel with a cloth or finger to conclude if they need to be cleaned.
• You can always check your energy absorption report. If you see it trending downward, it could mean that it needs to be cleaned.
• If the panels are on a roof and you are uncomfortable with heights or climbing ladders, consider hiring a professional to clean the panels.
  • Supply List & Costs: cloth

Step 2 – Clean solar panels

*HomeManager strongly urges Homeowners to stray away from getting onto roofs to do maintenance because falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury within the home.*

• If you have roof solar panels and decide to climb to your roof to DIY, practice good ladder safety and exercise caution while climbing onto and exiting the roof.
• It is important to clean solar panels regularly to get rid of dust buildup and ensure the best efficiency.
• Many people use a garden hose to rinse off their solar panels, but that may not always be an option.
• Use a soapy sponge to gently clean off the solar panels and a clean cloth to dry them completely.
• If you have a squeegee on a long pole that you can use to reach the solar panels (efficiently and effectively), that is a viable cleaning method.
  • Tool List: Ladder – extension, hose, bucket, squeegee
  • Supply List & Costs: dish soap, sponge, dry cleaning cloth

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Also, check out another interesting article- How To Inspect Your Roof!