{"id":7674,"date":"2023-06-05T12:48:33","date_gmt":"2023-06-05T10:48:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/?p=7674"},"modified":"2023-07-26T21:47:27","modified_gmt":"2023-07-26T19:47:27","slug":"does-cleaning-solar-panels-make-a-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/does-cleaning-solar-panels-make-a-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Cleaning Solar Panels Make a Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Solar panels are a great way to generate renewable energy and reduce your carbon footprint. However, over time, they can accumulate dirt, dust, and other debris, which can reduce their efficiency. This raises the question: does cleaning solar panels make a difference?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The short answer is yes, cleaning solar panels can make a difference in their performance. Studies have shown that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nrel.gov\/news\/features\/2021\/scientists-studying-solar-try-solving-a-dusty-problem.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dirty solar panels can lose up to 25% of their efficiency<\/a>, which means they produce less electricity. This is because the dirt and debris on the panels can block sunlight from reaching the solar cells, reducing their ability to convert sunlight into electricity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_64 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/does-cleaning-solar-panels-make-a-difference\/#What_is_PV_Soiling\" title=\"What is PV Soiling\">What is PV Soiling<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/does-cleaning-solar-panels-make-a-difference\/#Solar_Panel_Cleaning\" title=\"Solar Panel Cleaning\">Solar Panel Cleaning<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/does-cleaning-solar-panels-make-a-difference\/#Quick_Points_Factors_that_Determine_how_Dirty_your_Solar_Panels_will_be_PV_Soiling\" title=\"Quick Points: Factors that Determine how Dirty your Solar Panels will be (PV Soiling)\">Quick Points: Factors that Determine how Dirty your Solar Panels will be (PV Soiling)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/does-cleaning-solar-panels-make-a-difference\/#How_to_Clean_Solar_Panels\" title=\"How to Clean Solar Panels\">How to Clean Solar Panels<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/does-cleaning-solar-panels-make-a-difference\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/does-cleaning-solar-panels-make-a-difference\/#FOLLOW_US_ON_SOCIAL_MEDIA\" title=\"FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA\">FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_PV_Soiling\"><\/span>What is PV Soiling<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>PV soiling refers to the accumulation of dirt, dust, or other debris on the surface of a solar panel, which reduces its ability to generate electricity. This is a common problem, particularly in dusty or dry areas, and can significantly impact the efficiency of a solar energy system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"918d91\" data-has-transparency=\"true\" style=\"--dominant-color: #918d91;\" loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"591\" src=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Cleaning-Solar-Panels-to-Curb-PV-Soiling-1024x591.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"has-transparency wp-image-7741\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cleaning Solar Panels to Curb PV Soiling<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to maximize energy production, it is important to regularly clean solar panels and keep them free from any obstructions that may impede the absorption of sunlight. There are various methods for cleaning solar panels, including using specialized equipment or cleaning agents, or simply using water and a soft brush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Solar_Panel_Cleaning\"><\/span>Solar Panel Cleaning<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So, if you want your solar panels to perform at their best, regular cleaning is recommended. But how often should you clean them? The frequency of cleaning depends on a variety of factors, including where you live, the climate, and the angle of your panels. For example, if you live in an area with a lot of dust or pollution, you may need to clean your panels more often than if you live in a clean, rural area. But generally two to three times a year is usually fine for less dusty areas and regions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ufeff<a href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/solar-panel-frequently-asked-questionsfaqs-solar-panel-faqs\/\">Solar Panel Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) \u2013 solar panel FAQs<\/a><span data-rich-text-placeholder=\"Type \/ to choose a block\" contenteditable=\"false\" style=\"pointer-events:none;user-select:none;-webkit-user-select:none;-moz-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another factor to consider is the angle of your panels. If your panels are installed at a steep angle, they may be more self-cleaning, as rainwater can wash away dirt and debris. However, if your panels are installed at a shallow angle, they may require more frequent cleaning, as rainwater may not be able to wash away all the dirt and debris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_Points_Factors_that_Determine_how_Dirty_your_Solar_Panels_will_be_PV_Soiling\"><\/span>Quick Points: Factors that Determine how Dirty your Solar Panels will be (PV Soiling)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are some factors that determine how dirty your solar panels will be (PV Soiling).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check here on <a href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/how-to-ensure-your-solar-panels-last-longer-a-comprehensive-guide\/\">How to Ensure Your Solar Panels Last Longer: A Comprehensive Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Location:<\/strong> The location of your solar panels plays a significant role in determining how dirty they will be. If you live in a dusty or polluted area, your solar panels are more likely to accumulate dirt and debris faster than those in cleaner areas. Similarly, if you live in an area with frequent rain, your solar panels may not get as dirty as those in areas with less rainfall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Angle:<\/strong> The angle of your solar panels also affects how dirty they will get. If your panels are installed at a steep angle, they are less likely to accumulate dirt and debris compared to those installed at a shallow angle. This is because rainwater is more likely to wash away dirt and debris on panels installed at a steep angle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ufeff<a href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/top-10-energy-storage-manufacturers-driving-the-global-energy-storage-revolution\/\">Top 10 Energy Storage Manufacturers Driving the Global Energy Storage Revolution<\/a><span data-rich-text-placeholder=\"Type \/ to choose a block\" contenteditable=\"false\" style=\"pointer-events:none;user-select:none;-webkit-user-select:none;-moz-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Surrounding environment:<\/strong> The environment surrounding your solar panels also plays a role in determining how dirty they will be. If your panels are surrounded by trees or other plants, they may accumulate leaves, pollen, and other debris, which can increase the rate of soiling. Similarly, if your panels are near a construction site, they may accumulate dust and debris from the construction process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong> Finally, how often you clean your solar panels will also affect how dirty they get. If you clean your solar panels regularly, they will be less likely to accumulate dirt and debris. On the other hand, if you neglect cleaning your solar panels, they will get dirtier faster, reducing their energy efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>PV soiling is a natural process that occurs as your solar panels are exposed to the elements. However, by understanding the factors that determine how dirty your solar panels will be, you can take steps to minimize the rate of soiling, ensuring that your solar panels remain efficient and generate renewable energy for many years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Clean_Solar_Panels\"><\/span>How to Clean Solar Panels<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to cleaning your solar panels, there are several methods you can use. One option is to hire a professional to clean them for you. This can be a good choice if you have a large array of panels or if you don&#8217;t feel comfortable climbing onto your roof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ufeff<a href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/12-common-natural-disasters-for-solar-installations-how-to-avoid-them\/\">12 Common Natural Disasters for Solar Installations: How to avoid them<\/a><span data-rich-text-placeholder=\"Type \/ to choose a block\" contenteditable=\"false\" style=\"pointer-events:none;user-select:none;-webkit-user-select:none;-moz-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternatively, you can clean your solar panels yourself. To do this, you&#8217;ll need a few basic supplies, including a soft brush, a bucket of soapy water, and a squeegee. Start by brushing away any loose dirt and debris, then use the soapy water to gently scrub the panels. Finally, use the squeegee to remove the water and leave the panels to dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"7a86a5\" data-has-transparency=\"true\" style=\"--dominant-color: #7a86a5;\" loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"591\" src=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Does-Cleaning-Solar-Panels-Make-a-Difference-1024x591.png\" alt=\"Does Cleaning Solar Panels Make a Difference?\" class=\"has-transparency wp-image-7678\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Does Cleaning Solar Panels Make a Difference?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cleaning your solar panels can make a significant difference in their performance. By keeping them free of dirt and debris, you can ensure that they are operating at their maximum efficiency, which means you&#8217;ll be generating more renewable energy and saving money on your electricity bills. So, whether you choose to clean them yourself or hire a professional, regular cleaning is an essential part of maintaining your solar panel system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"follow-us-on-social-media\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FOLLOW_US_ON_SOCIAL_MEDIA\"><\/span>FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow us on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/solareyes-international\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark>LINKEDIN<\/mark><\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SolarEyesInt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark>FACEBOOK<\/mark><\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/+Y5UixY8F8uk0YjM0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark>TELEGRAM GROUP<\/mark><\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/chat.whatsapp.com\/HT9fKgRISE3CmUQDu88bAl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WHATSAPP<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>*** ALSO CHECK:<\/em>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/how-to-size-a-solar-system\/\">HOW TO SIZE A SOLAR SYSTEM \u2013 5 clear steps anyone can follow<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/how-to-size-a-solar-inverter\/\">HOW TO SIZE A SOLAR INVERTER<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/how-to-start-a-solar-company\/\">HOW TO START A SOLAR COMPANY \u2013 do these 6 things and make money through solar<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/how-to-identify-fake-solar-products\/\">How to Identify Fake Solar Products<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/solar-panel-losses-all-you-need-to-know-tips-on-how-to-avoid-them\/\">SOLAR PANEL LOSSES: All you Need to Know + Tips on how to avoid them<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/solar-pv-module-manufacturing-process-explained-from-solar-cells-to-solar-panel\/\">SOLAR PV MODULE MANUFACTURING PROCESS EXPLAINED \u2013 from solar cells to solar panel<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/10-surprising-ways-solar-energy-can-save-you-money-today\/\">10 Surprising Ways Solar Energy Can Save You Money Today!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/opportunities-for-solar-energy-development-in-europe\/\">Opportunities for Solar Energy Development in Europe<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/free-tools-to-use-for-solar-panel-tilt-angle-calculation-and-installation-for-any-location\/\">FREE TOOLS to use for Solar Panel Tilt Angle Calculation and Installation \u2013 for any location<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/how-solar-panels-can-increase-your-home-value\/\">How Solar Panels Can Increase Your Home Value<\/a><span contenteditable=\"false\" style=\"color: var(--body-fcolor); font-family: var(--body-family); font-size: var(--body-fsize); font-style: var(--body-font-style); font-weight: var(--body-fweight); letter-spacing: var(--body-letter-spacing); text-transform: var(--body-transform); pointer-events: none; user-select: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/how-to-identify-fake-solar-products\/\">HOW TO IDENTIFY FAKE SOLAR PRODUCTS \u2013 6 things to check<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/some-examples-of-where-people-have-fallen-victim-to-fake-solar-products\/\">Some Examples of where People have Fallen Victim to Fake Solar Products<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/how-to-choose-solar-panel-brands\/\">How to Choose Solar Panel Brands<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/top-10-solar-panel-companies-driving-the-renewable-energy-revolution\/\">Top 10 Solar Panel Companies Driving the Renewable Energy Revolution<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to clean solar panels and benefit more from your solar system<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7678,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[2345,2283,2285,919,2284,2346,1132,103,92,312,2348,2347,2351,2350,1547,2349,1447,2344,2342,2343,1376,559,2341],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Does-Cleaning-Solar-Panels-Make-a-Difference.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7674"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7674"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7674\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8751,"href":"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7674\/revisions\/8751"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7678"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7674"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7674"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/solareyesinternational.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7674"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}