What's the most effective and safest way to clean solar panels?
A customer asked us about the most effective, and safest, ways to clean solar panels on a roof.
The fact is the majority of solar panels are designed to be self-cleaning, and as such require relatively little 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.
Quick tip: Grime and bird poo doesn'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 recommend regular cleaning to ensure the panels continue to work efficiently.
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 to prevent limescale/calcium building up.
Softwashing 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 and Safety Data Sheets, which will tell you the 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 helps you succeed in your soft washing business.
Cheers,
Ben, Leo & Fiona
PS: Soft washing solar panels is a great market. Think of the many fields of panels that are popping up in fields all over the country, as well those on rooftops. All will need professional cleaning.
Click Here to explore the full range of Benz softwash cleaning products
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