Read our comprehensive guide on cleaning your solar panels or hiring professionals to do the job. We will discuss the costs involved in cleaning solar panels and the tasks involved.
Here's our complete guide...
The average cost for cleaning solar panels is typically around £150, with an estimated duration of 2-3 hours depending on the number of panels.
Many people underestimate the importance of cleaning their solar panels. However, neglecting regular cleaning can result in the accumulation of dust, bird droppings, leaves, and soot, which can ultimately affect the performance of your solar panels. When the amount of light reaching the photovoltaic cells is limited, it leads to reduced energy production.
It is highly recommended to establish a strict cleaning routine to avoid any issues, especially if you live in areas with high pollution or dirt, such as near busy roads or farms. You can choose to clean the solar panels yourself or seek professional solar panel cleaning services, with the latter being the recommended option.
Solar Panel Cleaning Prices
On average, the cost of cleaning solar panels is just under £150. However, many companies offer a per-panel cost, which can be a more cost-effective option if you only have a few panels. The final cost typically includes factors such as travel time to your property, labour, equipment, materials, and the scale of the job. The per-panel fee can range from £4 to £15.
The process of cleaning solar panels does not have a specific approach, but several factors need consideration beforehand.
Firstly, you need to inspect the panels to determine if they require cleaning. This can be done by monitoring the electricity generation and noting the figures regularly to identify any decline in power production. Comparing your figures with the manufacturer's estimated electricity output at full capacity can also provide useful information.
When it comes to cleaning, it is advisable to choose spring or summer months when there is less chance of frost or frequent rainfall. Solar panels should ideally be cleaned at least twice a year. Visual signs of dirt on the panels or regular drops in power production indicate the need for cleaning.
Benefits of Using a Water Fed Pole for Cleaning Solar Panels
Cleaning solar panels with a water fed pole system offers several advantages:
Enhanced Safety: Using a water fed pole eliminates the need to climb onto the roof or use ladders, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries associated with working at heights.
Efficient Cleaning: The water fed pole system is designed to deliver purified water directly onto the surface of the solar panels. The water flows through a brush at the end of the pole, effectively removing dirt, grime, and other contaminants without the need for excessive scrubbing.
Non-Abrasive Cleaning: The soft bristles on the brush of the water fed pole ensure a gentle yet effective cleaning process. It prevents scratching or damaging the surface of the solar panels, preserving their integrity and longevity.
Spot-Free Results: The purified water used in the system does not leave behind any mineral or chemical residues, resulting in streak-free and spot-free panels. This promotes optimal light absorption and energy generation.
Time and Cost Efficiency: The water fed pole system allows for swift and efficient cleaning of solar panels, reducing the overall cleaning time. This can result in cost savings, especially for larger solar panel arrays.
Cleaning Process Using a Water Fed Pole
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean solar panels using a water fed pole system:
Prepare the Equipment: Ensure that you have a water fed pole with a soft brush attachment and a water source capable of providing purified or deionized water. Connect the pole to a hose or water supply with the appropriate filtration system.
Shut Down the System: Before cleaning, follow the manufacturer's instructions to shut down the solar PV system. This ensures safety and prevents any electrical hazards during the cleaning process.
Wet the Panels: Turn on the water supply and wet the surface of the solar panels thoroughly using the water fed pole. The purified water will help loosen dirt and debris.
Brush the Panels: Gently scrub the wet panels using the soft bristles of the brush attachment. Move the brush back and forth, covering the entire surface area of each panel.
Rinse the Panels: Continue flowing purified water onto the panels to rinse away the loosened dirt and cleaning solution. Make sure to rinse all panels thoroughly, removing any residue.
Dry the Panels: Allow the panels to air dry naturally. The purified water used in the cleaning process will evaporate without leaving any spots or streaks.
Monitor the Results: After cleaning, monitor the performance of your solar PV system to ensure an improvement in energy generation. You should notice increased efficiency and output.
By using a water fed pole system, you can effectively and safely clean your solar panels, maintaining their performance and extending their lifespan.
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