If you’ve already made the investment in San Diego solar panels, you’re on your way to harnessing clean energy and reducing your energy bills. Like any investment, your solar panels need care and attention, but there are times it doesn’t make sense to tackle the cleaning yourselves. DIY solar panel cleaning can be straightforward and save money, but it could also make the issue worse, damage your panels, and leave you vulnerable to falls and injuries. Here’s an overview of the ins and outs of solar panel cleaning in San Diego, as well as when to call in the pros.

Do Solar Panels Really Need Cleaning?

Yes, your solar panels absolutely need periodic cleaning. Your San Diego solar panels work by converting sunlight into usable electricity. As more dirt, dust, and debris build up on the surface of your panels, they block out the sun’s rays. As a result, you lose efficiency and may see your utility bills rise. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, dirty solar panels can lose up to 7% of their efficiency to dust and pollutants. 

Can You DIY Clean Your Solar Panels?

You can clean your solar panels yourself, but there are some caveats. If you just want to rinse off your panels of excess pollen or do a quick touch-up, you can tackle it as a DIY project. Experts should handle particularly dirty panels or anything that’s difficult to clean. It’s also wise to call in the team at Action Solar for a  more comprehensive cleaning, tune-ups, and inspections to assess the condition of your panels.

Gather your supplies to begin your own DIY solar cleaning project:

• Extension ladder
• Garden hose with spray attachment
• Soft brush or sponge
• Squeegee with an extension pole
• One-gallon handheld sprayer
• Gloves
• Non-abrasive cleaning solution (or a mix of dish soap and water)

Steps to Clean Your San Diego Solar Panels

1. Pick the Right Time: Choose the early morning hours or an overcast day to clean your solar panels. The work will be more comfortable, and you’ll see fewer streaks from premature sun drying.
2. Turn Off the System: For your safety and the safety of your panels, it’s important to turn off your system before you start cleaning.
3. Rinse the Panels: Use your garden hose with a spray attachment to gently rinse off any loose dirt and debris from your panels.
4. Apply Cleaning Solution: Using a handheld sprayer, apply a gentle, soapy solution of solar-safe cleaner to one section of a panel.
5. Wipe Down: Use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub the surface and remove dirt, grime, and pollen. It’s crucial to never use anything that could scratch your panels. 
6. Rinse Again: After cleaning your solar panels, thoroughly rinse them to get rid of any soap residue.
7. Dry the Panels: Use a squeegee on an extension pole to gently dry your panel to prevent water spots from forming and baking on in the sun. 

How Often Should You Clean Solar Panels in San Diego County?

There’s no set rule on how often you should clean solar panels; however, once or twice a year is usually best. You may need to touch up your panels more often if you live under several trees or have issues keeping birds and pests away from your panels. If you notice a reduction in energy efficiency for no particular reason, it could also mean your solar panels are dirty.

Stay Safe While Cleaning Your San Diego Solar Panels

Cleaning your own solar panels sounds straightforward but does come with safety concerns, especially if your system is roof-mounted. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that ladder-related accidents result in hundreds of injuries each year. You should never climb up to your roof without someone monitoring what’s going on and securely holding your ladder. Wear non-slip shoes and avoid leaning too far or getting too close to the roof’s edge.

Just because you can clean your solar panels doesn’t necessarily mean you should. If climbing onto your roof makes you nervous, or you’re unsure about doing the job safely, call the team at Action Solar for help. Beyond your own personal safety, you should also focus on keeping your solar panels safe by:

• Avoid Pressure Washers: High-pressure water can damage the glass on your panels.
• Don’t Use Abrasive Cleaners: Harsh chemicals like bleach or abrasive scrubbers can cause scratches and reduce panel efficiency.
• Avoid spraying cold water on hot panels: Sudden temperature changes when cold water hits your hot panels can cause cracks and damage.

Beyond being uncomfortable with doing the work yourself, you should also call in the professional if you don’t have the right tools or are uncertain about the process. Remember, a solar panel repair from a cleaning gone wrong is going to be more expensive than a professional solar panel cleaning in San Diego. 

Call Action Solar for Solar Cleaning in San Diego

If you’re ready for solar panel cleaning in San Diego, turn to the team at Action Solar for help. We offer cleaning, solar tune-ups, installations, and all the service you need for safe, efficient service you can trust. Call our trusted solar installers in San Diego today to schedule your appointment.