Cleaning your solar panels

One of the easiest ways to keep your solar panels in tip-top condition is by cleaning them. Most roof-based panels clean themselves when it rains. Any dirt, dust or fallen leaves that cover your panels are simply washed away.

For stubborn stains or bird droppings, it’s best to call in a professional. Your solar panels may be installed in a position that’s not safe to climb up and clean yourself.

How often do you need to clean your solar panels?

Luckily, solar panels usually only need cleaning once every 6 to 12 months, depending on their location and how much dirt builds up on them. If your panels are near trees or in a dusty area, you might need to clean them more often, while less exposed panels may need cleaning less frequently.

How to clean your solar panels

It’s best to seek the help of a professional company so your solar panels are cleaned safely. While the tiniest scratch or crack won’t seem like much, it’ll have a long-term impact on your solar panels and the amount of energy they can generate. Professional cleaners have the expertise to looks after your solar panels while ensuring they get the best clean possible.

If you want to clean your own panels, avoid cleaning tools like scrubbing brushes or wire tools. You can buy a solar panel cleaning kit or a long cleaning brush. For an efficient clean, you can also use warm soapy water and a sponge. Remember, at the end of the day, you’re cleaning a large glass panel.

It’s important to shut down your solar panel system before cleaning to avoid any chances of damage.

Get the best from your solar panels in 5 easy steps

The more daylight your solar panels get, the more energy they generate. If your solar panels are covered in dirt or grime, then you won’t get as much electricity out of them as you could.

Here are 5 ways for you to get the most out of your solar panels:

Keep your solar panels out of the shade

Even though solar panels are clever enough to create energy without being in direct sunlight, more sunlight means more electricity. Be mindful of trees that grow or any objects that could block your solar panels light source.

Monitor your solar panel inverter regularly

Check your inverter on a daily basis. If all your lights are flashing green, then you know your solar panels are working as they should. If they’re orange or red, call in a professional or the manufacturer.

Track daily solar energy production

Monitoring how much electricity you’re getting helps you detect any unusual changes. The daily amount you receive will naturally fluctuate based on the weather. But, if you notice a dramatic change, it might be your solar panels. Check your manual to see how much electricity your panels should be producing.

Consider solar panel monitoring

Some companies offer an extra monitoring system, such as a wall-mounted display. It’s worth installing this as you can keep a close eye on your solar panels without needing to go outside.

Protect your panels from wildlife

Bird proofing measures, like nets, are the best way to ensure your solar panels aren’t damaged by animals such as birds or small rodents. They can cause all sorts of problems that may have a huge impact on your solar panels and electricity output.

How long will my solar panels last?

Solar panels stay on your roof for a long time. If you keep them well maintained, they’ll last even longer.

Each company has its own performance guarantee. While the average is 25 years, with Wickes powered by Solar Fast, we can offer you an impressive 30-year guarantee. Our solar panels perform at 80% of their original efficiency even after 25 years.

For more information visit our article on how long solar panels last here.

Extra care goes a long way

It may seem like you don’t need a solar monitoring app on top of everything else, but this is the best way to keep track of your solar panels’ performance. Most apps will be exclusive to your inverter type, although a few work with any system. Regardless of which app you use, it helps you measure the efficiency of your panels.

By keeping a track of this data, you’ll be able to notice any faults or problems that your solar panels are experiencing. You’ll also be able to see hot spots, which happens when your solar panels disperse the energy instead of creating it.