Solar panels can be an excellent long-term investment to save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. To ensure you’re getting the most value from your investment, it is important to keep your solar panels clean and free of dust, dirt and debris.
Why Do I Need to Have My Solar Panels Cleaned?
A build-up of dirt, pollen and general debris can reduce the energy efficiency of your solar panels. While the energy-efficiency reduction you may experience will depend on how much dirt and debris is present on your solar panels, research has found that dust can cause daily energy losses of between 3% and 50%.
So while your solar panels will still work when they’re dirty, the reduction in overall efficiency levels will add up over time. For this reason, it is advisable to inspect your solar panels every couple of months to determine whether they may benefit from being cleaned. Alternatively, you can keep a close eye on your system’s overall efficiency levels and arrange for professional solar panel cleaners in Evesham, such as https://solarpanelcleanersin.co.uk/evesham/, to come and inspect your panels when a noticeable dip in energy generation occurs.
When Should I Clean My Solar Panels?
If you want to create a regular cleaning schedule, you should first seek to determine how often your panels will need to be cleaned in order to maintain optimal efficiency levels. Generally speaking, most solar panel systems will benefit from an annual cleaning, but there are some circumstances in which more frequent cleaning may be beneficial.
If you live in an area surrounded by lots of trees, you may want to arrange for your panels to be cleaned during peak tree pollen season. Similarly, if you live in a rural area where there is lots of farming or close to an area that is undergoing construction, your panels may experience a build-up of dirt more frequently.
Arranging for your solar panels to be cleaned regularly is an important part of the overall maintenance routine and will positively contribute to the longevity of your system.