You have awakened from winter and spring colors are in bloom. Who wouldn’t want a breath of fresh air? One of the best ways to kick off spring is by cleaning your Colorado solar panel. Likely, mold, dust, and bird droppings have built up over the winter, especially if you reside in an industrial or commercial site, so a thorough cleaning will remove everything that has accumulated.

Why Should I Clean My Colorado Solar Panel?

Having purchased high-quality solar panels in Colorado, you should periodically clean for greater energy efficiency. A study published by the American Chemical Society has shown that when dirt has built up on a solar panel over a long period, the electricity production will decline by as much as 25 percent. The reason for this reduction is that the dirt on the solar panel prevents the entry of light, and the solar panels are only charged when light enters the solar cells.

Can’t Rain Sort Out the Cleaning?

Some people are of the school of thought that solar panels are self-cleaning, as they would be rinsed off by rain. Rainwater does provide a certain level of debris removal. But  does not completely clean the surface of the solar panels. Rainwater can offer a minimal flush of loose dirt or debris, but it cannot get rid of baked-in dirt.

Step-by-Step Guide on Cleaning Your Colorado Solar Panel

With our energy-saving tips and these cleaning tips, you can optimally benefit from your Colorado solar panel investment.

1.     Shut down the system

First, shut down the entire solar energy system before cleaning. You do not want the solar system generating power while you are cleaning it, as it can cause electrocution. Shut it down following the shutdown procedure listed in your user manual, and if you experience difficulties doing this, contact your solar energy professionals in Colorado.

2.     Avoid getting on the roof

For safety reasons, clean your solar panel from the ground using a hose, with a long broom or sponge that has an extended handle. This is because there is a high risk of falling, as the rooftop can get very slippery when wet. However, if this proves difficult or impossible, ensure that you have a hardhat, ladder, and/or a safety harness.

3.     Clean your solar panel early in the morning or late evening

There is no prescribed time for when to clean your solar panel. However, it is best to do your cleaning early in the morning or late in the evening, as the solar panel can get extremely hot during the day. Colorado solar panels are best cleaned in the early morning, when there’s a possibility that dew has settled on it. This would make your cleaning much easier and lessen the amount of water you would require for the cleaning.

4.     Avoid using harsh soaps and abrasives

Harsh abrasive products can scratch the solar panel’s glass, significantly reducing its performance. Simply choose a soft but large sponge and a gentle detergent. 

If you already scratched your panels and require repairs, Sandbox Solar can help. 

There you have it! We hope you can enjoy the process of spring cleaning your solar panels so they can continue to provide you with sustainable energy for years to come. Installing solar is a great way to offset energy costs, and reduce the environmental impact of your home. We’re proud to work with many local families and businesses through Northern Colorado and be part of supporting energy independence in our community.