How to clean your solar panels; Here’s complete guide

Citizens in Pakistan have been preferring solar panels in recent years due to the rising trend of hefty electricity bills and frequent power cuts in the country.

The electricity crisis in Pakistan has emerged in recent months with power tariffs continuously rising which has turned power consumers in Pakistan into a financial burden.

On the other hand, solar panel prices have also seen a major decline in 2024 after the sharp drop in global lithium battery prices, which have plummeted by 50% over the past year.

According to the Gallup Pakistan survey in August 2023, one in five Pakistani households have installed solar panels in their homes.

As many citizens have installed solar panels in Pakistan, cleaning it is mandatory to improve solar panel’s performance and reliability.

How to clean solar panel

Installing solar panels with the correct amount of tilt can self-clean mostly with the help of rain running across them.

However, in most parts of Pakistan rain is rare, in those areas dust build-up, bird droppings, and other air pollution accumulate on the surface of solar panels, affecting their performance over time.

For effective cleaning of solar panels so that enough amount of sunlight can reach the cells, Follow this step-by-step guide:

Turn off the system

Before cleaning, always shut down the solar panel system as per the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid electrical shock.

Get cleaning tools

To clean it properly, you need some cleaning tools including a soft brush or sponge, mild soap, water, and a hose with a spray nozzle.

Cleaning process

Firstly, spray the panels to rinse off any loose dirt or debris from the plates of solar panels.

Following the rinsing, apply soap and water and gently clean with a soft brush or sponge.

After gently cleaning the plates, allow the panels to air dry or use a soft squeegee or microbe cloth to prevent water spots.

Things to consider

Try to clean the panel during cooler times of the day, early morning or late evening, to prevent water from evaporating too quickly and to avoid working on hot panels.

In most areas, cleaning twice a year is sufficient. However, in dusty or polluted areas, you might need to clean them more often.

While cleaning, always inspect the panels for any signs of damage such as cracks, chips, or loose connections.

If the panels are difficult to reach or heavily soiled, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to avoid risking damage to the panels or injury to yourself.