Rubba Dub Dub . . . ; Cleaning Solar Panels

[speedhighway46]

Hello Tribe:

I need to get a more thorough understanding of solar panel maintenance, specifically in terms of cleaning requirements to insure performance, and other "long term" issues not related to the passing of electrons. Mechanical mounting concerns; leaking; "things falling from above", etc.

The top of my camper is 12' off the ground; Im just wondering how often I will be hauling myself up my ladder to clean them off. My plan is for 4x100 watt Renogy panels wired in parallel.

Thanks, and look forward to the comments.

 

[GotSmart]

Hello Tribe:

I need to get a more thorough understanding of solar panel maintenance, specifically in terms of cleaning requirements to insure performance, and other "long term" issues not related to the passing of electrons. Mechanical mounting concerns; leaking; "things falling from above", etc.

The top of my camper is 12' off the ground; Im just wondering how often I will be hauling myself up my ladder to clean them off. My plan is for 4x100 watt Renogy panels wired in parallel.

Thanks, and look forward to the comments.

The cleaner they are, the more power they produce.  Clean them like any other glass.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

In dusty areas, I clean them about once a week. Throw on some water and use my windshield scrubber and squeegee off. Easy peezy
The laminated glass is pretty tough, but I see Renogy has come out with a better panel for a little more money.
I don't generally park under trees so I don't worry too much about anything falling on them.

 

[Almost There]

I read somewhere (and of course didn't save the reference), that the panels should be dusted with a soft brush and then cleaned with water but not to do the cleaning when the panels were in bright sunlight.

I can only assume that throwing cold water on a hot panel would not be a good idea.

 

[akrvbob]

Other than pollen season I rarely wash my panels, and even then I don't see any difference. I think it's completely overblown.

When I do clean them, I almost always just use an old T-shirt and not even any water unless they have a spot.
Bob

 

[MrNoodly]

..."things falling from above"

Solar panels are made with tempered glass and can withstand most hail. I was stuck in a 15 minute storm with 1/4 to 1/2 hail that dented my van hood in a few places but didn't harm my solar panel.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

I clean my panels whenever I feel the need to, usually in the early AM.  Panels are cool then so water doesn't evaporate immediately.  I modified an atria (webbing ladder used in rock climbing) to access the roof.  Biggest problems are with bird droppings (can degrade panel output) and tree sap.  Bird poop usually requires soaking (it's baked on).  Tree sap best removed with razor blade when panels are cool.  Sometimes a bug & tar remover is required.

-- Spiff

 

[MrNoodly]

I modified an atria (webbing ladder used in rock climbing) to access the roof.

Oooo, I think I need to get myself one of those. I could clip it to my roof rack.