This is how not to clean your solar panels: The first and most important thing is never to use a power washer or harsh chemicals. You will damage your panels and void a lot of manufacturers’ warranties. With the recent heat, many homeowners’ electricity usage is increasing, and they are realizing the need to clean and maintain their solar systems.
Cleaning your solar panels the wrong way can void your warranty and can be very dangerous. Hiring a professional is usually recommended. If you are looking to hire a professional — or want to do it yourself — here are five things to consider when getting your solar panels cleaned.
HARSH CHEMICALS CAN DAMAGE THE PANELS
Never use harsh chemicals on your panels. Chemicals that are too harsh will remove the anti-reflective coating on your panels. This coating increases the capture of light and helps the solar panel perform as its peak performance.
DEIONIZED AND/OR RO-FILTERED WATER
Using normal hose water will leave calcium and other mineral deposits contained in the hard water on the glass. For example, spray your car windshield with a hose and let it dry. It will be filled with hard water spots and be harder to see out of. You want the most amount of sun to get to the panel, and these hard water spots affect performance.
THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT FOR THE JOB
You can’t use a brush that is too abrasive, as it will damage the panel. Most professionals will use a specially designed nonabrasive brush on a long carbon-fiber pole — since you shouldn’t be walking on the panels. It is not recommended to use aluminum poles or any other matter that is highly conductive while working around electricity.
NEVER PRESSURE WASH
High pressure can damage the panel’s reflective coating or break the glass. It is never recommended to use high pressure on solar panels. Also, if the pressure washer doesn’t use filtered water, you end up with hard water spots on the panels.
INSPECTION
Most solar cleaning companies will offer an inspection of your home’s solar system. Most homeowners lack the knowledge or do not have the specialized equipment to inspect the solar system.
For a free estimate or more information, call 808-454-7565 or visit cleansolarpanelshawaii.com.
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