The title says it all. I was considering getting a filter attachable to a hose to just hose em off every couple months. Thoughts?
Do you wash your panels? If so, how?
- Thread starter Southpasfan
- Start date
I live in the desert where it never rains. I just get up on a ladder and hose them off while they’re in the shade. I do it about every month or two.
pdx_m3s
Active Member
Fortunately, Mother Nature just gave mine a good washing with our recent snow and ice storm.
I haven't (and don't plan to) wash my solar tiles because luckily there is plenty of rain where I live.
This related thread might interest you:
Anyone know a company that clean Solar Roof panels?
This related thread might interest you:
Anyone know a company that clean Solar Roof panels?
jrweiss98020
Tessa's Tesla
I did it once last summer, to wash off the pollen. A hose-end wand & brush and a spray bottle of Simple Green (recommended by a roofer).
I didn't notice any change in production afterward, so they weren't all that dirty after all.
I didn't notice any change in production afterward, so they weren't all that dirty after all.
I have hired a local company (that also does my windows once a year) that washes solar panels. My home is two stories, and has a cement tile roof, so I am not walking on it. The local company I use has been cleaning solar panels (and windows) for like 12-15 years.
I see a little better production when I have them cleaned, however to be clear, the extra production is not enough to pay for the cost of getting the cleaning itself. I just do have them do it while they are doing my windows, and to also support a local business owner who does great work.
TL ; DR, I have a company do it, I see some extra production but not enough to pay what it costs me for the company to do it, if you can do it yourself safely and live somewhere where it doesnt rain a lot (like we both do) it might be worth it.
I see a little better production when I have them cleaned, however to be clear, the extra production is not enough to pay for the cost of getting the cleaning itself. I just do have them do it while they are doing my windows, and to also support a local business owner who does great work.
TL ; DR, I have a company do it, I see some extra production but not enough to pay what it costs me for the company to do it, if you can do it yourself safely and live somewhere where it doesnt rain a lot (like we both do) it might be worth it.
I have a SolarRoof and had a company come out and wash it. They used 20 foot long poles. They did not walk on the roof and could not get many spots on the roof. But, they did a decent job in the areas they could reach. However, just a little rain did a much better job on the entire roof.
I can tell you that I do notice about a 5% difference in production when the panels get dirty on their bottom edge. I clean them myself once a year with an extension pole from the roof (after pollen season on an overcast day). Once a year is enough for me. It takes me about an hour for 40 panels.
