What Is The Best Way To Clean Solar Panels In Honolulu?

The best way to clean a solar panel in Honolulu is by using a soft brush with a long handle and clean de-ionized water. 

Considering the risks of working safely on the roof, getting support from professional solar panel cleaners is a good idea. Safety is always a prime concern, especially if you are not used to working at heights. Besides, with professionals, there’s less risk of any accidental damage to the panels.

That said, experienced DIYers can manage the task on their own. If de-ionized water or rainwater isn’t available, use regular tap water from a garden hose can be used. Start washing each panel from the top and make your way down slowly. 

Don’t use a pressure washer as it may damage the panels. However, you can use a spray nozzle that allows you to control the water pressure. 

Using detergents, soaps, and chemical cleaning agents isn’t the best option either. The chemicals in these cleaners can affect the anti-reflective or EVA coatings on the panels. The chemicals can damage the sealants around the panel as well. 

In case you prefer to use a cleaning agent, use a mild, non-caustic detergent. Choosing a biodegradable option will be good for the environment.

The best way to remove grime or bird residue from the panel’s surface is to scrub them with a soft bristle brush with a long handle. To prevent the formation of hard water spots or streaks on the surface, use a squeegee wiper on a stick to get rid of the water. 

Another excellent option is using a microfiber cloth. These soft materials can trap dirt which makes them great for cleaning delicate surfaces. Since they are absorbent, they also remove the excess water from the panel surface effectively.

Safety Precautions While Cleaning Solar Panels

Before beginning the cleaning, here are some precautions that you need to take.

• Turn off the power to the solar system to avoid any accidents. Remember, any cracks in the module or a damaged cable can result in an electric shock, especially when the modules are wet.

• If you’re climbing to the roof, use a steady ladder. Keep in mind that the roof will get slippery while working. So, wearing appropriate safety gear like a harness system is the right idea.

• The best time to clean the panels is during the low-light conditions. The hot mid-day sun can heat the panels and applying cold water on them can cause thermal shocks. This might damage the panel surface. Ideally, pick the early morning and late afternoon hours for solar panel cleaning.

• Don’t use harsh metals or heavy-duty scrubbers to clean the panels. Scratches on the panel surface can cause a drop in panel performance. Moreover, you might damage the sealants and allow moisture to seep below the panel surface.

• Walking on solar panels while cleaning them is not a good idea. In theory, a solar panel can withstand the weight of an average person. But all panels aren’t built equally. Plus, walking on the panels can generate microcracks on the silicon cells, impeding their performance and reducing power output. Repairing such damaged panels can be costly.

• Make sure that the water contains no grit or physical impurities as these might damage the panel surface. While using tap water. It is best to use water with low-mineral content and with a hardness value lower than 75 ppm.

• If you’re using soap or detergent for cleaning make sure to wash the soap thoroughly. Even an invisible film of soap left behind on the panel can cause dirt or dust to cling to it.