One of the most attractive parts of life in California is that our state takes green power seriously. We live in one of the sunniest parts of the entire continent, so the state is willing to make it attractive for people to install devices like solar panels. These can be a sizable expense at first, but they usually (and quickly) pay for themselves in reduced costs—plus there’s the added bonus of reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
However, they are not entirely maintenance-free. If they’re dirty or cloudy, they won’t operate at peak efficiency, which can cost you power and money. For this reason, we recommend professional solar panel cleaning on a regular basis.
Read on for more thoughts on why this simple appointment can pay big dividends:
- Rainwater isn’t enough: Many people believe that they can rely on Mother Nature and her rain to keep their panels clean and functioning efficiently. While rainwater can seem helpful in terms of low-cost solar panel cleaning, it’s not going to be enough to give them the deep scrub that they need. First of all, drought is becoming all the more common in California, so we can’t expect regular rain to bail us out. Second, rainwater contains specks of dirt and grime that will be left behind on the panels when it evaporates, leaving you right back where you started.
- Maintaining peak efficiency: Your solar panels are only as effective as the amount of sunlight that reaches them, so cleanliness is of paramount importance. Accumulated filth on your panels can really take a toll, so regular solar panel cleaning is one of the most important maintenance tasks that you can take on. It’s estimated that energy loss in this manner can be between 25 and 30 percent, so it’s also in the best interest of your wallet to keep your panels as clean as possible.
- Safety is paramount: While rare, it’s possible for solar panels to cause electrocution if not regularly maintained. If the glass layer on top of the panel is somehow compromised and water enters the interior, then a risk of shock is created. The best way to prevent this is through regular inspection, which includes solar panel cleaning. There’s no downside to having a seasoned pro get up on the roof and take a look as they’re cleaning the devices.
- Warranty: Many solar panel installers and manufacturers include warranties with their products that have fairly strict criteria for maintaining the warranty’s validity. Oftentimes, solar panel cleaning falls under these criteria; you’ll have to actually present proof that a professional company cleaned your equipment. Check your warranty, since this can vary, and be sure to keep all receipts on hand so you can prove you had the work done properly.
Proper maintenance of power equipment includes regular solar panel cleaning, and our team at Nor-Cal Maintenance recommends having this done at least once (and possibly twice) per year. Give us a call today to schedule your consultation, and your panels will run better than ever, providing your home with consistent and clean power.