Cleaning Dust From Solar Panels

Attempt to spray off the first layer of loose dirt dust and debris with a regular garden hose.

Cleaning dust from solar panels.

First try if your garden hose. How to clean those dusty dirty solar panels 1. They might have specific recommendations. Solar panels can become incredible hot in sunshine.

In most cases occasional rain will be enough to naturally and safely keep your solar panels clean and free of debris that could lower production. Essentially in the same manner you would wash your car at home. Dust adhesion on solar panels is a major challenge to energy harvesting through photovoltaic cells and solar thermal collectors. New solutions are necessary to maintain maximum collection.

How to clean solar panels the first thing you want to do is to check with your solar panel manufacturer. The most effective way to clean your solar panels is with a hose and a bucket of soapy water. Be sure to check your panel manufacturer instructions for shutting down the system before cleaning if necessary. Fill a bucket with warm soapy water or cleaning solution designed for solar panels.

In some cases this will be enough to get them clean but sometimes you ll need to do a more thorough cleaning. Your solar panels need to be exposed to sunlight in order to produce power. Solar panel wash modifies the surface tension of the water so instead of water beading up it will form a continuous film across the solar panels to lift dirt and debris. However unless you live somewhere with high amounts of smog dust dirt or sand blowing around solar panel cleaning is generally not necessary.

Either clean your solar panels in the morning afternoon or pick a. Brushing any loose dirt off before spraying them with water will make the squeegeeing process quicker and easier. 3 more thorough cleaning. If there is anything remaining you might need to clean more thoroughly.

Remember that solar panels can become extremely hot in the sun so schedule your maintenance session in the early morning at dusk if possible or on a cloudy day. Because dust and dirt will come off easily first try if your garden hose is enough for the task. Use a soft cloth or sponge and wipe them down with the soap solution and then rinse them with the hose. Cole said solar panel wash is especially helpful in arid locations where dust is high and water is scarce because the wash allows for less water to be used in cleaning.