Cleaning Solar Panels

[Adeptus Mechanicus]

Do you guys do it?

If so what do you use and have you found any benefit in doing so?

Came across an article that stated you can lose around 10% a year with grubby panels.

 

[zerocool2009]

Alot of startup companies provide that service

 

[TheChamp]

No need, unless they are really dirty, as in you can see a layer of dust on them, otherwise let rain take care of it.

If you really have to, soapy water, preferably nothing too harsh, I use my car shampoo.

 

[Adeptus Mechanicus]

Alot of startup companies provide that service

I'm a DIY kinda guy

 

[tRoN]

You gotta use reverse osmosis or distilled water

 

[Grubscrew]

You gotta use reverse osmosis or distilled water

Do I also have to put a cover over them to protect them from the elements?

 

[Adeptus Mechanicus]

You gotta use reverse osmosis or distilled water

I highly doubt that. If you were to do in cool temps and squeegee them afterwards the chances of waterspots are nil.

 

[Adeptus Mechanicus]

No need, unless they are really dirty, as in you can see a layer of dust on them, otherwise let rain take care of it.

If you really have to, soapy water, preferably nothing too harsh, I use my car shampoo.

I was thinking a bucket of water with diluted vinegar and a soft sponge

Followed up with maybe some window cleaner sprayed onto a microfiber cloth (rather than soaking the panel in the stuff)

 

[TheChamp]

I was thinking a bucket of water with diluted vinegar and a soft sponge

Followed up with maybe some window cleaner sprayed onto a microfiber cloth (rather than soaking the panel in the stuff)

Nah, unless you are exceptionally bored and would like to extend the chore, otherwise, a good pressure of water to remove most of the dust, then window cleaner and apply with that squeegee thing they use to clean your windscreen, preferably on a longer handle. Then hose again and wipe of excess water.

Don't be shy, they are designed to withstand torrents of rain so they won't mind what you throw at them.

 

[Speedster]

Do you guys do it?

If so what do you use and have you found any benefit in doing so?

Came across an article that stated you can lose around 10% a year with grubby panels.

I didn't realise the search function was broken

Solar Panel Cleaning Equipment/Product

Would you guys recommend buying the waterfed pole brushes from this company ? https://windowwashing.co.za/solar-panel-cleaning-equipment/ My panels are in need of cleaning but need the product that will not harm. I've also come across this, but not sure what is available here in S.A...

mybroadband.co.za

 

[Adeptus Mechanicus]

I didn't realise the search function was broken

Solar Panel Cleaning Equipment/Product

Would you guys recommend buying the waterfed pole brushes from this company ? https://windowwashing.co.za/solar-panel-cleaning-equipment/ My panels are in need of cleaning but need the product that will not harm. I've also come across this, but not sure what is available here in S.A...

mybroadband.co.za

...and I didn't realise a thread dedicated to getting an opinion on single product constituted a complete discussion on the merits/methods of cleaning solar panels, such that other threads are now superfluous.

But hey, that's just me.

 

[joker08]

I just dry mop them to get rid of dust settled on it.
Too scared to use water on the roof as I am scared I will slip and fall.
Unfortunately I cannot find any anchor points on the roof to hook myself up with a safety harness.

 

[TheChamp]

I just dry mop them to get rid of dust settled on it.
Too scared to use water on the roof as I am scared I will slip and fall.
Unfortunately I cannot find any anchor points on the roof to hook myself up with a safety harness.

Do it sitting down, you will look like a Boss, no one will ever know.

 

[Flanders]

Alot of startup companies provide that service

Chimney Sweeps of the 21st century

 

[rh1]

Hose it down like a real man, otherwise use your garden hose.

Only time I used window washer, was for the hadeda's bombs which I swear was a quarter of the panel big.

 

[Priapus]

Do you guys do it?

If so what do you use and have you found any benefit in doing so?

Came across an article that stated you can lose around 10% a year with grubby panels.

Ask @Neuk_ - he’ll even come round to do it for you.

 

[Priapus]

Do you guys do it?

If so what do you use and have you found any benefit in doing so?

Came across an article that stated you can lose around 10% a year with grubby panels.

I’ve done it once in the 3 years I’ve had mine. I don’t bother it’s not worth it.

 

[Priapus]

You gotta use reverse osmosis or distilled water

Kak man.

 

[nulkoel]

Hose it down like a real man, otherwise use your garden hose.

Only time I used window washer, was for the hadeda's bombs which I swear was a quarter of the panel big.

The worst, and it takes some heavy rain to wash that crap away.

 

[Thestealth]

I was thinking a bucket of water with diluted vinegar and a soft sponge

Followed up with maybe some window cleaner sprayed onto a microfiber cloth (rather than soaking the panel in the stuff)

Make sure to use Woolies vinegar and a blue micro fiber cloth. Only rub the panel in anti clockwise movements.

Disclaimer: I might be taking the piss.