What's the most effective and safest way to clean solar panels?
Soft washing solar panels is a great market. Think of the acres of panels that are popping up in farmer's fields all over the country, as well those on the roofs of houses, factories and offices.
All need professional cleaning.
Are solar panels self-cleaning?
Well, it is true that the majority of solar panels are promoted as being self-cleaning, and so should require relatively little additional cleaning.
However, "self-cleaning" is a bit of a misnomer, like "self-cleaning" windows. For sure they don't need cleaning so frequently ... but they do need regular cleaning to remain efficient producers of electricity.
Quick tip: Grime, bird poo and heavy dust don't need to cover an entire solar panel to have a negative effect on it's performance.
In certain situations, such as solar panels mounted in a particularly dry area (allowing dust and bird droppings to build up) or where the solar panel's tilt angle is less than five degrees, most manufacturers now recommend regular cleaning to ensure the panels continue to work efficient as electricity generators.
How to clean solar panels?
Solar panel manufacturers suggest that using plain fresh water – ideally de-ionised – will be sufficient for cleaning most solar panels most of the time. They also recommend not using detergents that cause streaking and thus compromise the effectiveness of the panels.
Quick tip: In hard water areas it is crucial to wipe all water from the solar panels before they dry, to prevent limescale/calcium building up. Ideally, don't use hard water on solar panels at all.
Can a roof be cleaned underneath a solar panel?
Attempting to treat the moss under installed panels is fraught with danger. There's the wiring to consider. And the effect of water and a biocide on the underneath of the panel.
We suggest contacting the manufacturers of any given panel and asking them for advice. And, the safest option, sub-contracting the job to a specialist solar panel cleaning company.
How to soft wash a roof that has solar panels
Contact the manufacturers of the solar panels
If you are in any doubt about the best way to clean solar panels we suggest contacting the manufacturers of the panels and asking for their advice.
Materials are continually evolving and it would be wise to check that they have not introduced some new substance into the construction of the panels that cleaning could inadvertently compromise.
Quick tip: Get hold of the manufacturer's Product Data Sheets (PDS) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS), which should suggest recommended ways to clean their products.
Is there a danger of electrocution when cleaning solar panels?
If a contractor does not have a good working knowledge of cleaning electrical equipment safely we suggest sub-contracting the work to a specialist, or getting trained in the required skills and H&S procedures.
How to clean solar panels contaminated with algae?
Benz Bio Cleanze diluted 30-50:1 is a good choice (after checking with the manufacturer of the solar panels that the product would be safe to use).
We hope this information about soft washing solar panels is helpful and sincerely wish you great success in your soft washing business,
Ben, Leo, Fiona, Stevie & Anthony
Click here to explore the full range of Benz softwash cleaning products
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up. Please revisit to read our response.
Also in Benz Trade Tips
How to clean sh stains from lead flashing with Oxy Cleanze
Sodium hypochlorite can react with lead flashing and discolour it. Benz Oxy Cleanze can fix this.
Click the link on this page to find out how ...
When to pressure wash – and when not to pressure wash?
After pressure washing (power, jet) algae spores rapidly recolonise, and properties return to square one in a very short time. So what's the alternative?
Click the link on this page to find out ...
How long can I store diluted Bio Cleanze (softwash biocide)?
How long can diluted Benz Bio Cleanze can be stored for, and still be ok to use on another job?
Click the link on this page to find out ...