A solar system is an expensive investment. It is imperative that the panels are properly maintained.
Solar panels are becoming more commonplace across the country. As a window cleaner servicing Redlands, California to La Quinta, California, solar panel cleaning has become almost half of my service requests. I get asked a lot of questions regarding how to clean solar panels, how often, and why do I need to hire a professional.
Whenever possible, have your solar panels professionally cleaned using deionized water and a pure water system
I always recommend having a professional clean your solar panels for two good reasons; safety and results.
Most panels are mounted to your roof which requires either an extension pole to safely work from the ground, or throwing up a ladder and completing the task on the roof. Not every homeowner is up for the job. However, if you are feeling froggy, here’s how I recommend you approach this task;
Prepare ahead of time, check the weather. A cool overcast day will help reduce spotting and streaking from the cleaning process. Purchase a quality solar panel cleaning solution , a strip washer, and an extension pole. Apply your solar panel cleaning solution to your strip washer, scrub a panel until all debris is detached from the panels surface. Then simply rinse off the cleaner with a garden hose and allow to air dry. Simply repeat this process until you are finished.
Solar panel cleaning utilizing Pure Water
Pure water is the ideal method for cleaning solar panels. It is the only technique used by Professional Window Cleaners
Pure water is a term used to describe water that has been filtered to remove all contaminants. Water from the tap contains calcium, iron, fluoride, chlorine and other solids. This is especially true for the water that comes from the watertable below Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert where my company conducts business. That is the downside to using the previously described method. Once the water dries, you’re left with water spots on your expensive panels. With such an important investment in a solar energy system, why not shuck out for another good one. A water fed pole system might set you back a couple thousand but the return will be well worth it.
This is typical hand cart water fed system, light, portable, but effective.
This system is especially ideal if you own a two story home with solar panels mounted higher than a ladder can safely reach. No dragging a hose up a ladder, no falls from a roof either. Half of the window cleaning and solar panel cleaning customers in Redlands, California that Shinepro Window Cleaning services require a water fed pole system to clean. To save money, I built my own system for about $600, feel free to email me for the design.
This is the RO-DI system I utilize, it boasts two carbon sediment pre-filters, a reverse osmosis membrane, and a de-ionization tank.
Hiring a Professional Window Cleaner I know if you are not the typical diyer both of these methods seem overwhelming. Solar panel cleaning isn’t for the faint of heart. It is risky and difficult, there’s no shame in calling a professional. We have the equipment and knowledge to complete the job in a quarter of the time. Just be sure whomever you call, is licensed and insured to clean solar panels. If you are lucky enough to call Yucaipa, Beaumont, or La Quinta your home, give Shinepro Window Cleaning a call. If not, feel free to email me with any questions.
Brandon Scott, COO of Shinepro Window Cleaning
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