Cleaning is a common topic around any home or property, but there will often be questions about certain areas or components and whether there's any value to cleaning them. A common such question: Do solar panels need to be cleaned?
At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're here to provide clients around Salt Lake City, Utah and Boise, Idaho with all their solar panel needs, including both commercial and residential solar power services. The answer to the above question: While solar panels don't technically need to be cleaned regularly to operate, there are several benefits of doing so periodically. Here are some of these benefits, plus the risks you're taking if you never clean your solar panels.
As you may have guessed, one of the single largest benefits of cleaning your solar panels is that it can actually improve their output and efficiency. This is because dirt, grime and other buildups on the surface will eventually block some or all sunlight from reaching the cells inside your panels, meaning they'll be unable to produce as much energy.
In fact, according to studies by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), regularly cleaning solar panels can increase their efficiency by up to 30%. This ultimately translates into savings on your electricity bill and a better return on investment for your solar panel system.
Speaking of return on investment, keeping your solar panels clean is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to protect your initial investment. By ensuring your panels are functioning at their highest potential, you can maximize the lifespan of the system and avoid costly repairs or replacements down the road.
One specific way of protecting your solar investment that's worthy of its own mention is preventing module staining. This term refers to the discoloration and damage that can occur on solar panels over time due to buildup of dirt, dust, pollen and other substances. Not only does this affect efficiency, it can also decrease your home's curb appeal and potentially lower property value.
But by regularly cleaning your solar panels, you can prevent module staining and keep your home looking pristine. This is especially important for those considering selling their home in the future.
Another big reason to keep your solar panels clean is to maintain the warranty on your system. Most manufacturers will require regular maintenance, including cleaning, in order for their warranty to remain valid. So making sure you're keeping up with these requirements will save you headaches and potentially money down the line.
Finally, while solar panels are generally safe and low-maintenance, allowing them to become too dirty can potentially create safety hazards. For example, debris or buildup on panels could lead to electrical fires or other issues. By regularly cleaning your solar panels, you can ensure they are operating safely and efficiently.
Some people may be hesitant to clean their solar panels due to concerns about water usage during a time when droughts and water scarcity are becoming more prevalent. However, it's important to note that solar panels don't need to be cleaned with large amounts of water.
In fact, using a gentle spray from a garden hose or even rainwater can effectively remove dirt and debris from the surface of solar panels. Additionally, using biodegradable and environmentally-friendly cleaning solutions can further minimize water usage and potential harm to the environment.
On the flip side of what we've gone over to this point, here are some of the key risks you take if you don't regularly clean your solar panels:
Overall, while it may not be absolutely necessary to clean your solar panels, there are clear benefits and risks associated with keeping them maintained. By taking care of this simple task periodically, you can maximize the return on your solar investment and ensure your home is running as efficiently as possible.
At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're always here to answer any questions you may have about solar panel cleaning or maintenance. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you get the most out of your solar system and providing top-notch service for all your renewable energy needs. So if you're in Salt Lake City, Utah, Boise, Idaho, or surrounding areas, don't hesitate to contact us today for all your residential and commercial solar power needs!
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