Tuesday, 17 March 2015

How To Keep Your Solar Panels Clean

By Leslie Ball


Solar technology is a less costly method of power generation within a homestead or even commercial building. Those who own buildings need to have them well powered so that they can serve the residents as required. The same should be done to your solar panels. Most times you will find dust, grime, and bird droppings on the surface of the panel. This has a negative effect on the overall performance of the panel. For those of you who need of services in solar panel washing Collingswood is the best place to look for competent professionals.

The external surfaces of your panels are designed to capture sunlight and convert that to usable electricity. Therefore, anything that hinders the ability of the panels to capture sunlight will decrease the amount of electricity generated. This decrease will without a doubt cut into your energy savings. Unlike a car that can be left dirty for months with no impact, your panels will perform less efficiently.

Panels are also affected by moisture at night. The moisture causes dirt to accumulate easily on the panel. There are also insects that might be attracted to the solar panels at night. Ensure you check the panels regularly for such dirt.

You can decide to clean the panel yourself by first inspecting it to find out if there is need for cleaning. The need for regular inspection might be necessary if you live in a desert or dusty area. During inspection, you must ensure that loose wires are properly tightened and cracked cell are well cleaned.

One option for keeping your panels clean is to roll up your sleeves and getting a good cleaning kit to help you in the cleaning process. The frequency of cleaning depends on your neighborhood and how quickly your panels get dirty. In order to clean your solar panels, you will require a bucket of water, a sponge and a dry towel to dry the water away from the panel after you finish cleaning. All you need to do is dip the sponge into the water and scrub away the dirt, grime, or other substances covering the panels.

To actually perform the solar panel cleaning, all you need is mild detergent, warm water and a soft sponge and a soft drying cloth. Cleaning these sun catching cells is just like cleaning a window. You do not have to worry about the electrical components, since they are protected by the glass outer covering. Simply pour the warm water and detergent on the surface and carefully scrub off the grime with the sponge. Use a little more warm water to ensure all the soap is removed before drying. If you do not ensure the soap is removed there could be streaks that will keep the cells from performing at their best. You may be able to use some cleaners on them but make sure to check instructions from the manufacturer before you use any chemical cleaners.

You can also engage the service of a professional to help you with the job. The professional should use the finest quality window mops to clean the panel. Such mops reduce the risk of scratches while cleaning. Professionals in this field usually work with property property owners to ensure that the right cleaning procedure are being followed.

Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a company to come in and clear away the dust and dirt, the important thing is for you to take the time and make sure there is nothing left between the sun and the cells. By following the above mentioned tips, your panel will at any time be functioning at optimum capacity.




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