Q: DO I REALLY NEED TO CLEAN MY PANELS?
Yes! It is recommended by the panel manufacturers that your panels be cleaned as it will help with the efficiency of their product.
Rec Peak Energy Panels – “Ensuring the best performance of REC Peak Energy solar panels. Clean solar panels help ensure your solar installation generates optimal electricity".
Yingli Panels – “Overtime, dirt and dust can accumulate on the glass surface of the module, reducing its power output. Yingli Solar recommends periodic cleaning of PV modules to ensure maximum power output, especially in regions with low precipitation."
SunPower Panels – “Your SunPower system was designed with typical soil accumulation in mind, and seasonal rains are usually enough to adequately clear any soil or dust that might accumulate. We strongly recommend that you do not go onto your roof for panel cleaning or inspection. If severe soiling occurs and you feel it is absolutely necessary to clean the panels, you can clean them "and" if excessive soiling occurs or you would like to try to improve your output."
SolarWorld Panels – “With limited maintenance, your solar system will operate at peak performance for many years. Cleaning intervals will vary depending on site-specific factors such as annual rainfall, roof tilt (some arrays mounted at steep tilt angles in locations with hard rains will somewhat self-clean), and proximity of factors causing dust or debris on the array (such as trees or a frequently-traveled dirt road). SolarWorld recommends annual servicing to inspect electrical and mechanical connections for cleanliness, tightness, possible damage, and to ensure that the PV system is operating properly."
Q: HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY PANELS NEED TO BE CLEANED?
There are a few ways one can tell if your panels are in need of cleaning. The first being visual inspection. Think of your panels as you would your car windshield. When your windshield becomes dirty your first instinct is to clean them. When you clean your windshield you have now optimized your view which will in turn enhance your driving. The same logic can be applied to your solar panels. When your panels are routinely maintenanced you now have optimized your solar absorption which in turn enhances your solar production. Additional ways to tell if your panels are in need of maintenance requires just a little bit of guidance. That being said one of Brandon’s goals is to give you the consumer independent control over your investments by teaching you what to be looking for in your bill, inverter and monitoring systems.
Q: HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN MY PANELS?
Excellent question! The frequency in which you wash your panels becomes dependent upon location and environment. For instance if you live in a urban area you may need your panels serviced maybe 1-2 times a year and on an as needed basis. This changes if you’re located in a more rural location it may be recommended your panels be serviced more frequently due to harsher environmental conditions.
Q: PANEL CLEANING WORTH IT?
No; not for all systems. The savings that you get may not be worth it for systems below a 5.7KW system.
Q: DOES IM SOLAR SERVICE ONLY DEAL WITH RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS?
No, we also perform work for commercial as well.
Q: DOES IM SOLAR SERVICE DO OTHER THINGS LIKE TREE TRIMMING OR ROOFING?
Unfortunately, we do not. We want to make sure that we can provide the best quality of service you deserve to help you protect and maintain your solar investment. Its important to us that we are able to keep our focus on solar related services.
