Fernandina Beach Solar Panel Cleaning

We recommend you clean your solar panels at least once or twice a year in Florida. Even with all the storms and hurricanes, you can always expect a buildup of dust, tree sap, pollen, bird poop, leaves, water deposits, pine needles, and other dirt and grime. In fact, rainwater will typically contain a little bit of impurities as well, so it will leave behind its own residue. It can even act like glue and bind leaves or other debris to the panel glass.

So to clean all this off, it's ideal to have your panels cleaned regularly. You can wait until you visually notice a build-up of debris, or go ahead and stay on top of it with a scheduled annual or 6-month cleaning.

All that said, it's also important that you monitor your solar panel system performance for signs of underproduction to fully assess the condition of your panels. If you notice a decrease in efficiency, go ahead and clean them.

Of course you can. That said, simply hosing them down may not be very effective. It only removes surface-level dirt, and once the water evaporates, it often leaves streaks and hard water deposits. Consequently, your panels may not operate as efficiently as they should.

If you choose to clean your solar panels yourself, you'll need to get on the roof. Be sure you're comfortable climbing up there and can safely do so. You'll want to make sure you have the right equipment to clean your solar panels. You should never step on your panels. And you'll want to clean them at the right time of the day so as to avoid damaging them.

Yes, Dawn dish soap is often considered safe for cleaning solar panels, as it is a mild and non-abrasive detergent. Many solar panel manufacturers and professionals recommend using a gentle soap like Dawn mixed with water for cleaning.

However, it's important to note that while Dawn dish soap is generally safe for solar panels, it's still crucial to follow proper cleaning guidelines to prevent any potential damage or residue buildup. Here are some important considerations:

1. Dilute properly: When using dish soap, it's essential to dilute it with water according to the recommended ratio. Typically, a small amount of dish soap mixed with a large amount of water is sufficient.
2. Avoid excessive scrubbing: When cleaning solar panels, use a soft sponge, brush, or cloth and gentle pressure to remove dirt or debris. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, as it may scratch the surface of the panels.
3. Rinse thoroughly: After applying the soapy solution, make sure to rinse the panels thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Residual soap can interfere with the panel's performance and leave streaks.
4. Follow manufacturer's recommendations: Always refer to the specific cleaning instructions provided by your solar panel manufacturer. They may have additional guidelines or recommendations tailored to their particular panels.

It's worth noting that some solar panel manufacturers may recommend alternative cleaning methods or specific cleaning products. Therefore, it's advisable to consult the manufacturer's guidelines or reach out to their customer support for any specific recommendations regarding cleaning solutions.

Another thing to consider is the manufacturer or installer's warranty. If using Dawn dish soap or any other cleaning agent will void your warranty, then it's not worth the risk. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure avoid the risk of the risk of damaging the panels or voiding warranties.

There isn't really a best month to clean solar panels in Florida, as a cleaning typically comes down to how badly your solar panels need it. The telltale sign that solar panels require cleaning is decreased system efficiency.

What's most important is maintaining a regular cleaning schedule. A regular maintenance schedule for cleaning your solar panels can help ensure they are consistently kept clean throughout the year. This can be quarterly, biannually, or annually, depending on the specific needs of your location and surrounding conditions.

That said, it's often recommended to clean solar panels at the beginning of a season, especially after spring when pollen is at its worst and there's an increase in dust, leaves, and debris accumulation. This helps ensure that your panels are clean and functioning optimally as you enter a period of higher energy production.

The dry season from October to April can also be a good time because of the dry and cooler temperatures. Cleaning solar panels in moderate temperatures is preferred to avoid rapid drying, which can leave streaks or residue. And the dry air is also a time when dust blows and accumulates.