If you already have solar on your home, you know that keeping them in good shape is key for optimal performance. One of the most important things you can do to make the most of your solar panel investment, is to keep your panels clean – but many homeowners do not know how to clean their panels without the risk of damaging them.
In collaboration with Panasonic, we have created a list of what to keep in mind when cleaning Panasonic solar panels for homes in a safe and efficient way:
First: Understanding Why Dirt on Your Panels is Bad
When buying solar panels, it is important to understand what type of maintenance is needed to keep them performing the way you want them to – but equally as important is to make sure you comply with warranty requirements. Most warranties require you to clean your panels at least a few times a year. Most solar panel companies will inform you about the requirements when they handle your installation.
Light dirt on your panels is not enough to block the sunlight completely. It therefore does not significantly degrade power generation performance. However, if the module surface becomes dirty, it may reduce output power, cause malfunction, or even create hotspots that can damage your panels. So while you may still get energy production from your panels even if they are not completely spotless, it can cause problems in the long run if you don’t clean them regularly.
Water and a Sponge
Panasonic recommends cleaning the surface of the module with water and a soft cloth or sponge. If you clean with neutral glass detergent or weak alkaline glass detergent, it is recommended to start with the smallest area and from the edge of solar modules in order to make sure that no damage occurs to the glass.
Speaking of Detergent
If you feel like your solar panels need a little extra help to get rid of the dirt, you can certainly use a detergent. Just make sure to carefully read the manual of the detergent and understand notes on usage and first-aid treatment. Never use an abrasive detergent, strong alkaline detergent, strong acid detergent, or a detergent that forms a protective layer on the surface of the glass. These types of detergents can reduce the performance of the solar modules. Note that the Panasonic warranty will not cover the damages caused by detergents.
Panasonic recommends the following detergents:
After washing your panels, make sure to clean the surface of the glass with a wet and clean cloth.
Solar Homes With Persistent Dirt
Has it been a while since you’ve cleaned your panels? Or do you live in an area with a lot of dust and dirt? Don’t worry. If the dirt on your panels is hard to get rid of, the module can be washed with a microfiber cloth and ethanol.
One important thing to keep in mind is to never put detergent on the junction box or connector as it can cause the junction box and connector to be deteriorated or damaged.
If you are in doubt, always reach out to your manufacturer to make sure you are cleaning your panels safely and efficiently.
