Written on: December 28, 2022
Now that you’ve had your solar panels installed, operating, and up on your roof for a while, you’re probably wondering how to keep them running optimally. The best way that you can do that is by keeping them clean.
Our Santa Solar solar panels are some of the highest-quality panels on the market and require very little maintenance to provide you with years of reliable service. But they need to be clean to be effective.
Solar panels require a clear shot to the sun to absorb the light, which converts it into energy for your home. Over time, dirt and debris can build up on their surface and this will start to diminish how much of that solar light passes through your panels.
Winter provides an even bigger challenge for solar owners, as snow can build up on the panels and completely block the sun – meaning that your system won’t absorb any energy on a sunny day.
Worry not – the solutions to these problems are easy than you think.
A lot of people think that snow is a big deal when it comes to solar panels, and depending on where you live, it might be a bigger deal – but it’s never a deal breaker.
The most common way to clean snow off of your solar panels is to wait.
Once it stops snowing, and the skies clear, snow will naturally slide down the panel allowing them to start absorbing light and creating energy to power your home. This is especially true with ice storms which can actually magnify the rays of the sun, causing the ice to melt off of the panels quickly.
Note: This method is most effective when the panels are clean, meaning that you’ve been keeping up with the cleaning of your panels in the warmer months.
Using a Foam-Headed, Telescoping Snow Broom
A more proactive approach to removing snow from your solar panels is by using a foam-headed, telescoping snow broom which is commonly used to remove snow from roofs and skylights. These can be picked up at your local hardware store or online, through a retailer like Amazon, and aren’t very expensive.
Keep in mind, using one of these brooms may not remove everything from your panels. If there is ice underneath, that will stay in place but will melt much quicker without snow covering it.
What you don’t want to use to remove snow from your solar panels:
Dust, dirt, and pollen are three of the most common elements that can build up on your solar panels and cause them to operate poorly.
Out of those three, pollen can be the biggest problem because it’s usually paired with moisture which creates a green layer of gunk that doesn’t easily blow away in the wind.
Fortunately freeing your solar panels of these sun blockers can be as easy as washing them off with a garden hose. In fact, in most cases, washing them with a hose is all you really need to do as a few good rain storms will do the rest.
But, if you live in an area where rainstorms are few and far between you may need to purchase a soft bristle brush or microfiber scrubber, like one you would use when washing your vehicle.
What you don’t want to use to clean your solar panels:
Concerned about getting up on a ladder? Solar panels aren’t easy to access?
Not to worry – you can also check locally to see if there is a solar panel cleaning company in your area. Though this would cost more than cleaning them yourself, it will save you time and provide peace of mind.
So there you have it, a few sure-fire ways to keep your panels running optimally year-round. Remember, that keeping your panels clean will keep them doing the job they’re meant to do: make energy and save you money.
Did you come across this article while researching whether or not you should have solar panels put on your roof? Well, if you live in Connecticut, Santa can help you make that decision. Click here to find out more about Santa Solar for your home today!