Why Do Solar Panels Need Cleaning?

Solar panels need cleaning to maintain their efficiency and ensure they continue to generate the maximum amount of energy possible. Here are the main reasons why cleaning solar panels is important: 1. Dirt, Dust, and Debris**: Over time, solar panels can accumulate dirt, dust, bird droppings, leaves, and other debris on their surface. This can block sunlight from reaching the photovoltaic cells, reducing their ability to generate electricity. 2. Optimal Performance**: Even a thin layer of dirt or grime can cause a significant reduction in the amount of solar energy the panels can absorb. Cleaning them helps maintain their optimal performance and ensures they are operating at peak efficiency. 3. Prevention of Long-Term Damage**: If dirt and debris are left to build up for too long, they can cause wear and tear on the surface of the panels, potentially leading to long-term damage. In extreme cases, mold or algae can develop, further reducing panel efficiency. 4. Increase Lifespan**: Regular cleaning can help extend the lifespan of your solar panels by preventing the accumulation of damaging substances. Keeping them clean ensures that they remain functional for many years. 5. Energy Savings**: Solar panels that are kept clean will produce more energy, which could result in better energy savings. In locations with heavy dust, pollution, or bird activity, cleaning may need to be more frequent. 6. Aesthetic Appeal**: While this is more of a secondary concern, clean panels look better and can maintain the overall appearance of the installation, which might be important for aesthetic or property value reasons. Overall, regular cleaning ensures your solar panels perform as efficiently as possible, leading to greater energy generation and savings.

When Is the Best Time to Clean Solar Panels?

The best time to clean solar panels is when the weather is mild, and the panels are cool. Here are a few factors to consider when determining the ideal time: 1. Early Morning or Late Afternoon**: Solar panels can get very hot during the day, especially in sunny conditions. Cleaning them when they're hot (typically during midday) can cause rapid temperature changes, which might crack the glass or cause damage. Early morning or late afternoon is ideal because the panels are cooler, and the sun isn’t as intense. 2. On a Cloudy Day**: Cleaning on a cloudy or overcast day can also help prevent the panels from being too hot. With less direct sunlight, the panels will have cooled down, making it safer to clean them without risking thermal shock. 3. Avoiding Rain**: While it might seem logical to clean them just before it rains, cleaning right before a storm can result in the rain washing off all your efforts. Plus, wet panels can be slippery, making it harder to clean safely. It's better to clean them on a dry day. 4. After a Period of Dirt Buildup**: If you've noticed a significant amount of dust, dirt, or bird droppings on your panels, it's a good time to clean them, especially if it's affecting their performance. 5. Seasonal Cleaning**: In places with harsh weather conditions, like heavy snowfall or dusty environments, seasonal cleaning may be necessary—typically once or twice a year, or more frequently if conditions are very dusty or polluted. In general, the best time to clean solar panels is when they are cool, there’s no immediate rain forecast, and you're able to access them safely. Regular cleaning, as needed, will help ensure that your panels stay efficient.

How often should you get a gutter cleaning?

We always tell our customers this depends on the amount of trees and the types of trees in your neighborhood. Homes with little-to-no tree coverage around their home usually can get by with one gutter cleaning per year, or sometimes every other year. We suggest at least one yearly gutter cleaning because it’s important to have somebody examine your roof at least once a year.

Why gutter cleaning is important?

Clogged rain gutters lead to all kinds of problems. Not only will they cause your gutter system to come loose and cause other damages to your gutter system. But once they start over flowing they will cause wood rot around the home, water will start getting into the walls, and also it will lead to basement leaks. Keeping your gutters cleaned regularly will save you a lot of money on repairs in the long run.

When is the best time of the year to get a gutter cleaning?

The best times of the year to have your gutters cleaned are at the end of fall, and the end of spring. For our customers that only require one gutter cleaning per year, we always suggest getting them cleaned at the end of fall. (Early December-Early January) It’s important to wait until the trees have dropped all their leaves before you clean the gutters. The idea is to wait as long as possible but get it done before the freezing temperatures set in. If you need two cleanings per year, then the end of fall and the end of spring are your two best times. Just like in the fall, trees drop a bunch of debris in the spring. Like flowers, seed pods, and pollen. For the spring, we always suggest the end of May thru the end of June.

East Bay
Solar Cleaning

SOLAR PANEL CLEANING SERVICE

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