Solar Panels are the most efficient device used to generate electrical energy by converting cosmic energy. They produce and supply sustainable energy in both the residential and commercial sectors worldwide. However, environmental debris, dust, dirt, bird droppings, etc., can reduce PV panel efficiency. Professional solar panel cleaning services are the best way to deal with this. But how do I find the best professional solar panel cleaning services near me? Online, social media, and other ways. In this article, we will guide you in picking the best solar panel cleaning company. Let’s start.
What is Professional Solar Panel Cleaning Service?
Professional solar panel cleaning services combine expertise, experience, and specialized equipment to clean solar panels. This cleaning system ensures the maximum solar panel efficiency. It also helps to get optimal energy output and a longer lifespan.
You can avail of solar panel cleaning services from a cleaning company or your solar provider. There are different types of professional cleaning companies with varied cleaning processes. They are apt for both residential and commercial solar panel cleaning. Here are some of the professional solar panel cleaning processes,
1. Manual Cleaning
They use soapless brushes and sponges, squeegees, and water to clean the panel surfaces. This method helps avoid potentially harmful residues. It is simple and effective for small installations with minimal dirt accumulation.
2. Wet Cleaning with Pressure Washers
Wet cleaning process is another best process to increase the performance of a solar renewable energy system. These companies use low-pressure washers to clean multiple panels quickly. It is a quick and effective solution for large solar installations. These services can remove stubborn debris like bird droppings.
3. Robotic Cleaning
Robotic companies use semi-autonomous machines to clean. It minimizes human labor and safety risks. Robotic cleaning is the most advanced waterless technology. It is highly scalable for large installations with precision, efficiency, and sustainability.
4. High-tech Cleaning Process
Other high-tech cleaning processes are currently under development and trial. It includes waterless vibration and nanoparticle coatings. It will assist in conveniently cleaning the solar panel, it will reduce human effort.
How to Find the Best Solar Panel Cleaning Services Near Me?
Now, we are going to cover the most critical part: ” How do I find the best companies cleaning solar panels near me?” Here are some practical ways of picking the right services for you.
1. Search in Your Browser
Start by online searching for solar panel cleaning services near you. Use particular keywords like “solar panel cleaners near me” or “professional solar panel cleaning in (your city/state). Then, browse through the results and visit the companies you find to be authentic. Go through the key information like their services, prices, customer feedback, and certifications. You can also use internet directories like Google My Business, Yelp, or Angi. They will give you more information about service quality and customer satisfaction. This online research will provide you with a preliminary shortlist of cleaning services.
2. Connect with your Local Solar Panel Cleaning Technicians
You can contact the shortlisted company directly to ask more questions. Call or email them to ask about the cleaning process and experiences. Also, ask if they use environmentally friendly solutions. Find out if they have safety standards like licenses, insurance, and certificates. Most companies provide free quotes or consultations. This will help you compare the prices and services of multiple companies. Contacting them directly will also give you an idea about their professionalism and expertise.
3. Social Media Platform
Social media websites like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn can help you find and review solar panel cleaning services. Most companies have live pages where they update photographs of work, customer comments, and discounts. Look for past customer comments or reviews to learn about a company’s reputation. Engaging with companies on social media will give you a sense of how responsive they are and their customer service.
4. Contact with Solar Installation Companies
If you had your solar panels installed professionally, consider reaching out to them for guidance. Some solar installation companies also provide cleaning and maintenance services. They can also refer you to good cleaning companies. As they are familiar with your system, they can provide you with personalized guidance that is compatible with your panel. It can save you time and make the task more convenient.
5. Ask for Recommendations
Referrals from neighbors, family, friends, or co-workers are often one of the best ways to get high-quality services. Ask them if they have hired a cleaning service and are satisfied with the result. You can also join local community groups or forums where locals recommend reliable service providers. Local community groups, online discussion groups, or neighborhood apps can also provide unbiased opinions and referrals.
6. Comparison with Other Companies
Before you make your ultimate decision, compare the prices, services, reviews, and warranties of the shortlisted companies. Make sure that they possess safe, non-abrasive cleaning processes to avoid damaging your panels. Check if they offer additional services like inspections or maintenance packages. These can provide long-term benefits. An evaluation of customer reviews and testimonials online can indicate any red flags of specific providers.
7. Find a Long-Term Solution
Do not search for a one-time cleaning service. Instead, you should become a member of a good company to have a long-term association. Some companies offer maintenance contracts or periodic cleaning. It will keep your panels operating at their highest efficiency throughout the year. Having a company that provides regular, quality service. It will help you to ensure that your investment is well-protected and the panels remain in peak condition.
Why are Solar Panel Cleaning Services Important?
Professional solar panel cleaning is important to preserve the integrity, performance, and production of your panels. Here are the most important reasons why regular solar panel cleaning is important.
1. Maximizing Solar Panel Performance
Solar panels produce electricity by absorbing sunlight as raw material. Accumulated layers of pollutants or any kind of soiling particles can pathetically reduce the panels’ light absorption. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the energy lost from soiling each year is as high as 7% in some regions of the USA. They also say that dirty solar panels can lose up to 25% efficiency. The loss can be even higher in dusty areas.
Regular cleaning of solar panels prevents the buildup of sun-blocking dirt, grime, smog, leaves, etc. As a result, the panel can seamlessly absorb sunlight. A regular cleaning routine for your solar panels can help enhance efficiency greatly. Professional cleaning can increase efficiency by 15-30%. Robotic cleaning systems can save operational costs by up to 50 percent.
2. Boosting PV Production
As previously said, clean solar panels can absorb more sunlight. The enhanced efficiency can boost your solar panel system’s energy production. Many statistical findings indicate that this efficiency and production can be up to 60% in commercial installations and up to 21% in residential arrays. In addition, an automatic solar panel cleaner can increase the production rate by up to 30 percent. So, you’ll reduce both greenhouse emissions and energy bills and save more money in the long run.
3. Preventing Damage and Deterioration
Dirt accumulation not only reduces the efficiency but also damages the panels. The corrosive bird droppings can heavily damage the panel surface and cause malfunction. Cleaning the build-up lessens the chance of damage. Also, the cleaners can inspect the panel cracks and pest infestation while cleaning. The qualified and trained technicians will help you detect the damages early. Then, you will be able to take early repair and maintenance, or preventative measures, or replacement. Thus, it will help you protect your panels from significant damage or deterioration.
4. Ensuring the Safety of The panels
Solar panels are complex and sensitive while cleaning. On top of that, most of them are installed high on the roof. So, you must have the proper methods and equipment to clean a solar panel safely, which is quite an anomaly for an individual. Solar panel cleaning professionals are equipped with special height training, cleaning tools, and experience.
They can efficiently clean even the hard-to-reach panels. The cleaner will come with high safety protocols and protective equipment. Hiring them will ensure risk-free cleaning with high safety standards. You will have peace of mind when cleaning properly without any injuries or accidents.
5. Increasing Solar Panel Life Expectancy
Cleaning your solar panels is a wise decision if you want them to be sustained for longer. Accumulated dirt, droppings, and hard soiling can create hotspots. It occurs when a solar panel is shadowed, and current cannot pass through the solar cells. Eventually, the current becomes concentrated in cells, causing them to overheat.
Frequent cleaning helps to mitigate this. It helps to preserve the panels’ integrity and extend their life. Working with expert cleaners can help avoid rust and other problems on solar panels. They are appropriately trained and equipped to maintain and extend the life of your panels.
6. Improving The Panels Appearance
Nobody wants an aging, dirt-covered panel on their roof. Clean and well-maintained solar panels offer a more attractive appearance. This is especially important for residential and commercial properties. Solar panels in good condition can also help increase the property’s value. Businesses that prioritize clean solar panels exhibit their dedication to sustainability and professionalism. It makes them have a favorable impact on consumers and stakeholders. Thus, shiny and clean solar panels add curb appeal and value to the home and company.
What Factors are Included in Solar Panel Cleaning Services?
It depends on the companies you hire, but most companies provide the following common solar panel cleaning and maintenance services.
1. Panel Cleaning
It is the main part of their services. Most solar panel cleaning services use reverse osmosis deionized water in their cleaning solutions. It is free of minerals and pollutants. It can eliminate streaks, residue, and mineral deposits in an eco-friendly way. The cleaners use specialized tools and techniques to clean the panels entirely without damaging them. They also clean the birdproofing of the panels if you want. Additionally, they may offer gutter cleaning services if they are being stuffed for the dirt of the panels.
2. Panel Inspection
During cleaning, the experts conduct a visual inspection to check for cracks, loose connections, or deterioration. This prevents panel failure and maintains your PV system at peak efficiency. Early issue detection by professionals enables them to recommend repairs or adjustments. It keeps your solar power system in top working condition.
3. Efficiency Checking
Post-cleaning efficiency checking comes with solar panel cleaning packages. Professionals monitor your system’s energy production to guarantee its maximum capacity. They help you save money on energy expenditures by recognizing and resolving minor issues like dirt accumulation, shading, or wiring difficulties. This innovative strategy keeps your system efficient and reliable.
4. Protective Barriers
Pests such as birds, squirrels, and rats can harm your solar panels by gnawing wires or nesting beneath them. Professional cleaning services frequently include the installation of protective barriers or pest deterrents. These keep these animals out and prevent further property damage. You can rest easy knowing that your system is secure from unauthorized access.
Can You Clean Your Solar Panel?
Yes, you can clean your solar panels, but it takes careful planning, the correct tools, and a commitment to safety procedures. Cleaning your panels yourself when the accumulation is low can save you money. Here is the step-by-step DIY cleaning of Solar Panels
Step 1: Check the Cleaning Guidelines
Before cleaning, review the cleaning instructions provided by the solar panel manufacturer. You can easily find them in the manual or on the manufacturer’s website. Some panels can mention specific cleaning methods or materials to prevent damage. Then, gather the necessary equipment and materials according to them. Following this advice will help you keep the warranty.
Step 2: Remove the loose debris
First, turn off your solar panel connection. Use a soft brush to remove any loose material, such as leaves, twigs, or dirt, before adding water or soap. This helps to avoid scratching the panels during the cleaning. Work carefully to prevent damaging the glass surface or the panel’s frame.
Step 3: Clean with Soapy water
Prepare a mix of lukewarm water and a bit of mild dish soap. Soak a soft sponge or towel in soapy water. Then, gently wash off the surface of each panel. Make sure to clean the panels from top to bottom. It will make the unclean water flow down rather than dripping onto previously cleaned regions. Allow the soapy water to soak for a minute or two under heavily dirty spaces before washing.
Step 4: Rinse the panel
After cleaning the panels with soap, rinse them off. Use a garden hose with a low-pressure nozzle to gently rinse the panels. Start at the top and work your way down. This will allow water to flow over the panels and remove any residual soap or dirt.
Step 5: Dry out and check the energy input
Use a squeegee or microfiber cloth to dry the panels and prevent water spots. Drying ensures the panels are streak-free and ready to absorb sunlight. Then, monitor your solar system’s energy output to ensure the panels are functioning optimally. If the cleaning was effective, you should notice an increase in energy production.
Conclusion
Finding Solar panel cleaning services near me is a common and complex concern. We hope our article has been successful in guiding you through this journey. There are several ways to find a good solar panel cleaning company. Pick the one that suits you the most according to your commercial or residential cleaning needs.
If you prefer DIY, then go through our quick guide. Do not forget the safety precautions. However, hiring a professional cleaning company is always preferable as they can save you time, money, safety, and precision.
FAQs
What are the signs that you need Professional Solar panel Cleaning services?
Dust buildup, discoloration, and reduced energy production are the three prominent signs that your panels need cleaning.
What Are the Name of Solar Panel Cleaning Equipment?
The equipment or cleaning kits will vary according to your cleaning needs. The most commonly used solar panel cleaning equipment are
- A soft sponge or cleaning brush (non-abrasive to avoid scratches).
- Warm water with a mild, non-abrasive detergent or soap.
- A garden hose with a low-pressure nozzle.
- A squeegee or microfiber cloth for drying.
- An extension pole to reach panels without climbing on the roof.
- Safety equipment like a harness, sturdy ladder, and non-slip shoes.
Avoid using pressure washers, abrasive brushes, or harsh chemicals. They can be too powerful and damage the panels or their seals. This can also void the warranty.
How Much Does It Cost to Clean Solar Panels in the USA, UK, and Australia?
Solar panel cleaning prices vary according to accessibility and location. Cleaning solar panels in the USA costs between $10 and $20 per panel. In the UK, ground-mounted panels cost £2 per panel, whereas roof-mounted panels cost £4. In Australia, residential cleaning typically costs between $15 and $20 per panel in metropolitan regions.
Do I Need to Turn Off My Solar Panels to Clean Them?
It is not always necessary, but a safer option is to turn off your panel before cleaning. It reduces the risk of electrical shock to dampness. That is, before washing the solar panels, turn off the entire system to prevent accidents or system damage.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Solar Panels?
If you do not clean your solar panels, dirt, dust, and debris can build up and cut their efficiency and energy output. This accumulation can eventually cause hotspots or irreversible damage, reducing the panels’ lifespan. It will make you more dependent on nonrenewable electricity.
What Is the Best Cleaning System to Clean Solar Panels?
The best system for cleaning solar panels is a combination of a low-pressure garden hose, a soft-bristled brush, and a squeegee. You will have to use a gentle stream of water to rinse the panels and a soft brush to remove dirt. Then, take a squeegee to wipe away any remaining water and prevent streaks. For large-scale cleaning, professional services with specialized equipment can be the best option.
Is Cleaning Your Solar Panels Worth It?
Yes, it’s worth cleaning your solar panels. It will increase your energy production, the panel’s lifespan, and your contribution to sustainability.