To keep solar panels running at peak performance, you should clean them regularly.

 

Dirt, tree leaves, and other debris can all build up on your solar panels and reduce their efficiency.

 

However, you don’t need to clean your solar panels every day or even once a week.

 

Regular cleaning just once a year should be enough for most systems.

 

So, here’s the best time to clean your solar panels to continue producing as much power as possible.

 

Spring Cleaning

 

It’s that time of the year again.

 

Spring is the best time to clean your solar panels because the sun is coming back out, and there are fewer leaves on the trees.

 

 

 It’s also a great time to inspect your panels to ensure no issues need to be repaired before the summer season kicks in.

 

Your panels will also be nice and cool from being covered up during the winter months, meaning you won’t need to worry about them overheating from cleaning.

 

 Finally, spring is the best time to clean your solar panels because it’s before the summer heat kicks in, and there aren’t as many leaves as possible on the trees.

 

This will help you avoid getting sap and other sticky substances on your panels during cleaning.

 

Summer Cleaning of Solar Panels

 

The summer months are when the sun is at its hottest, and dirt and tree leaves have likely built up on your solar panels.

 

Therefore, the best time to clean your solar panels during the summer is during the early morning or sometime in the late evening when the panels are cooler.

 

 Avoid washing your solar panels when they are hot because the cleaning solution will evaporate quickly, and you risk damaging the panels.

 

If you can’t clean your panels during the cooler evening hours, consider cleaning them at the start of the week so the panels have all weekend to cool down.

 

Quick Tip

 

When you clean your solar panels, you’ll want to be extra careful not to scratch the surface.

 

A soft-bristled brush or a microfiber cloth will work great.

 

Be sure to avoid using a brush with stiff bristles or a cleaning product that is too abrasive because you want to avoid scratching your panels.

 

Instead, use a soft bristle brush with water if your panels are particularly dirty.

Consider rinsing your panels off with water occasionally to keep them clean, especially if you are unfortunate to live in an area with a lot of tree sap.

 

Avoid using soap or a cleaning product that contains ammonia because it can break down the silicon in your panels and reduce their lifespan.

 

Winter Solar Panels Cleaning

 

Solar panels are covered up in the winter months, with less UV and rain exposure.

 

Therefore, winter is the best time to clean your solar panels without worrying about overheating them or getting them wet.

 

 Before you wash your panels, unplug the system and clean the panels where they are installed to avoid electrostatic discharge.

 

Avoid using water to clean in the winter because you don’t want to risk damaging the system with condensation.

 

Instead, you can use a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber cloth to clean off dirt and debris.

Consider cleaning your panels every few months to keep them in good condition.

 

Cleaning Your Solar Panels in the Spring

 

As I mentioned earlier, the best time to head up onto the roof to clean your solar panels is in the Spring before summer kicks in.

 

First, you’ll want to inspect your panels to ensure there aren’t any issues that need to be repaired.

 

You’ll also want to do a spring cleaning to eliminate any dirt, dust, and tree sap from the winter months.

 

Then, you can either blow the panels off with air or use a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth to clean them off.

 

Avoid using water to clean the panels because you don’t want to risk condensation while they are unplugged.

 

Spring Solar Panels Cleaning Checklist

 

You’ll want to inspect your panels to see if any issues need to be repaired before the summer months.

 

What to use – You can either blow the panels off with air or use a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth to clean them off.

 

Avoid using water to clean the panels because you don’t want to risk condensation while they are unplugged.

 

What to inspect – When you clean your panels, you’ll want to check for any issues with the wiring, broken panels, or corrosion.

 

You may also want to inspect the ground mounting system to ensure it doesn’t need to be replaced.

 

When to replace – If you notice any corrosion on your panels, you should plan to replace the panels before they become too damaged.

 

You’ll also want to replace your ground mounting system if it shows signs of corrosion.

 

Summer Solar Panels Maintenance Tips

 

The optimal time to clean your solar panels during the summer is the early morning or late evening when they are cooler.

 

You can occasionally rinse your panels with water during summer to keep them clean.

 

You’ll also want to check the mounting system to ensure it isn’t rusting or damaged from weather exposure.

 You can also inspect the wiring to ensure it isn’t frayed or broken.

 

You’ll also want to ensure that your solar panels still face the direction they were originally installed.

 

During the summer months, trees grow, and leaves can grow back on trees.

 

This can change the sun’s path, which means your panels may need to be realigned.

 

Winter Care and Storage of Solar Panels

 

You’ll want to take care of your solar panels during winter by covering them up and keeping them unplugged.

 

You can cover your panels with a tarp or a cover that is UV resistant, like a canvas cloth.

 

Regularly check the panels to ensure they aren’t damaged by precipitation or falling debris.

 

You’ll also want to unplug your panels during the winter months to prevent electrostatic discharge and corrosion to the system.

 

You can still cover your panels with a tarp if you can’t unplug your system.

 

You may also consider moving your panels to a shed or garage for extra protection.

 

Conclusion

 

Solar panels will last longer if you clean them regularly.

 

As I mentioned in the article, the best time to clean your solar panels is in the Spring before summer kicks in.

 

 First, you’ll want to inspect your panels to ensure there aren’t any issues that need to be repaired before summer.

 

Then, you can either blow the panels off with air or use a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth to clean them off.

 

You can occasionally rinse your panels with water during summer to keep them clean.

 

You’ll also want to ensure that your solar panels still face the direction they were originally installed.

 

Regular cleaning just once a year should be enough for most systems.

Finally, you’ll want to unplug your solar panels during the winter months to keep them from rusting and cover them up to protect them from falling debris and precipitation if you don’t want to clean your solar panels and live in El Paso, Texas.

 

 I highly recommend Solar Panel Cleaning & Accessories.

 

They’ve done a spectacular job cleaning my solar panels, and I can’t thank them enough.

 

Check them out at https://solarpanelcleaningelpaso.com/.

 

You won’t be disappointed!