Do You Need to Turn Off Your Solar Panels to Clean Them?

You may notice that our solar panels have a lot of dust and debris on them. This can happen over time in some areas, especially where there is a lot of dust or air pollution is poor. It is not always necessary to clean solar panels but, if you do decide to do so, it is always a good idea to learn more about how to do it properly. There are risks to cleaning solar panels; you could damage them or make them less efficient overall. If you do need to clean them, you may have plenty of questions. Do I need to turn off solar panels to clean them? How do you clean them well enough to see an improvement in function?

The first step is to check with the manufacturer of any product before you clean them. You want to be sure you know the proper way to clean the solar panels so as not to damage them in any way. Improper cleaning could lead to problems with efficiency or the voiding of your warranty. Once you do that, consider the following tips and guidelines.

Why Do You Need to Clean Solar Panels?

The first question is whether or not you actually need to clean solar panels. It is not always necessary. Most of the time, the rain will work to wash away dirt and dust, which are the most common problems associated with solar panels. However, there are some situations where you may need to put a bit more effort into the cleaning process.

• Air pollution: If you live in an area with a significant amount of air pollution or smog, you may notice more dust and debris on your solar panels than those who do not live in this type of environment. In these cases, it may become necessary to clean the solar panels.
  
• Construction areas: In areas where there is a significant amount of construction work taking place or landscaping development, it may be necessary to clean solar panels. In these environments, more soil and dirt get onto the structure of the panels, making them work less efficiently overall.
  
• Sandy areas: In some areas where there is a significant amount of sand present, such as near a beach or a golf course with large sand dunes, there could be a higher risk of sand landing on the solar panels, especially those that are low to the ground. Be careful not to scratch the surface, removing sand.
  
• Dry conditions: Those living in a desert-like environment or in areas where there is a drought are also likely to need to consider cleaning solar panels. Doing so could help to remove more of the dirt that is on the panels, ensuring they work more efficiently.
  
• High pollen areas: Some areas where there is a lot of pollen present could also be at risk for a buildup on solar panels. In these areas, it is a good idea to clean the solar panels if the rain is not enough to remove the material.

To find out more about whether you have to clean solar panels and in what situations, check out our blog post on Do You Have to Clean Your Solar Panels.

Can You Get Electrocuted Cleaning Solar Panels?

Yes, it is possible to be electrocuted when cleaning solar panels if you do not follow the proper methods of doing so. It is a safety precaution that is necessary to take. Turning off your solar panels helps to minimize the risk of electrical shock should the connections become too wet.

That means that before you clean the solar panels, you should shut down the system completely. Follow the directions from the manufacturer on how to do this, and be sure that you follow the procedures to start it back up again as well.

Also, keep in mind that you should never touch the underside of the solar panels. If you are worried about a significant amount of buildup of debris or dirt here, call a solar panel repair tech for guidance. This can prove to be critical to ensuring that you do not damage the surface and the electrical components. To ensure that you know the proper way to clean solar panels, it is a good idea to read our blog post on How Often Should You Get Your Solar Panels Cleaned before starting the cleaning process.

Does Rain Clean Solar Panels?

Most of the time, people do not need to do anything extensive to clean their solar panels. That is because the rain will likely take care of most concerns. The rain is typically able to remove about 95% of any buildup of dust, pollen, dirt, or debris on the surface, making it very easy for you not to have to do anything about the process.

Rain will work to meet most needs, but there are some situations where rain is not enough. For example, if the rain is not heavy enough, that may make it hard for the debris to be washed away. Also, if you have a significant amount of buildup, especially in areas with heavy smog, you may need a higher quality, more thorough cleaning of the solar panels. In this case, it is often best to turn to a professional for help with them. For more detailed information on the best methods to clean your solar panels at home, read our blog post on Top 5 Best Methods to Clean Your Solar Panels at Home.

Let Our Team Help You with Your Solar Panel Needs

There is no doubt that ensuring your solar panels are operating the best is important. Our team can offer guidance and support to you whenever you need it. To get started, reach out to us about installing solar panels on your home. When you do, we’ll discuss any questions you have. Set up an appointment with our team today to learn more.