Key points for daily cleaning of residential solar systems

Cleaning frequency

Regular cleaning: It is generally recommended to conduct a regular cleaning of the residential solar system every 1 to 3 months. If the air quality in the area is good and there are less pollutants such as dust and sand, the cleaning frequency can be appropriately reduced, with cleaning once every 2 to 3 months. If the air quality is poor, such as near industrial areas or construction sites, or if sand and dust weather is frequently encountered, it is more appropriate to clean it once a month.

Special circumstances cleaning: After experiencing severe weather conditions such as strong winds, sandstorms, and heavy rain, the solar energy system should be inspected promptly. If a large amount of dust, sand, or debris is found accumulated on the surface, cleaning should be carried out as soon as possible. In addition, in areas where birds are frequently active, if bird droppings or other pollutants are found on the solar panels, they should be cleaned up immediately to avoid affecting the power generation efficiency.

Selection of cleaning time

Avoid high-temperature periods: Cleaning should be carried out in the early morning, evening or on cloudy days when the temperature is relatively low. During high-temperature periods, the surface temperature of solar panels is relatively high. Directly rinsing with water may cause the glass surface to crack due to thermal expansion and contraction. At the same time, high temperatures can also make cleaning staff feel uncomfortable and increase operational risks.

Consider the lighting conditions: Try to clean the solar panels when they are not generating electricity or the power generation is low, and avoid operating when the system is running normally to prevent affecting the power generation efficiency.

Preparation of cleaning tools

Soft cleaning tools: Prepare soft sponges, soft brushes or special solar panel cleaning cloths and other tools. These tools will not scratch the surface of the solar panel. Avoid using rough tools such as hard-bristled brushes and steel wool balls to prevent damage to the glass layer or coating of the solar panel.

Cleaning agent selection: You can use clean water or a dedicated solar panel cleaner. If a cleaning agent is used, make sure its ingredients are mild and will not cause corrosion to the solar panels. It is strictly prohibited to use corrosive cleaning agents such as strong acids and strong alkalis to avoid damaging the solar panels.

Auxiliary tools: Prepare long enough water pipes, buckets, etc., to facilitate the transportation of water to the solar panel position for flushing. If the solar panels are installed at a relatively high position, it is also necessary to prepare safe ladders or lifting equipment, and ensure that the operators have the corresponding safety knowledge and skills.

Cleaning steps

Initial cleaning: First, use a soft-bristled brush or a feather duster to gently sweep away larger debris such as dust and leaves on the surface of the solar panel to prevent scratching the panel surface during subsequent cleaning processes.

Moistening the surface: Use a hose to evenly spray clean water on the surface of the solar panel to ensure it is fully moistened. This can soften stubborn stains and facilitate subsequent cleaning.

Wiping and cleaning: Pour the cleaner (if any) into a bucket, dilute it as per the instructions, and then use a sponge or cleaning cloth dipped in the cleaning solution to gently wipe the surface of the solar panel. When wiping, be sure to apply moderate force and follow the texture direction of the solar panel to avoid scratches caused by back-and-forth wiping. For stubborn stains, you can appropriately increase the wiping force or wipe multiple times, but do not apply excessive force.

Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the surface of the solar panel with clean water to ensure there is no detergent residue. When flushing, start from the top of the solar panel and proceed from top to bottom to prevent water from flowing back into the interior of the solar panel.

Dry the moisture: Use a clean dry cloth or a special absorbent cloth to dry the moisture on the surface of the solar panel to prevent water stains from remaining and affecting the power generation efficiency. If the area of the solar panel is large, a rubber scraper can be used to scrape off the moisture, and then wiped with a dry cloth.

Precautions

Safety first: Before conducting cleaning operations, make sure that the solar system has been powered off to prevent electric shock accidents. If it is necessary to climb to high places such as rooftops for cleaning, necessary safety precautions should be taken, such as fastening safety belts and using stable ladders, to ensure the personal safety of the operators.

Avoid damage: During the cleaning process, operate with care to avoid colliding with or scratching the solar panels to prevent damage to their surface or internal structure. At the same time, be careful not to let water enter the electrical equipment such as the junction box and inverter of the solar panel to prevent short circuits and damage.

Regular inspection: While cleaning the solar energy system, a comprehensive inspection of the system should be carried out to check if the solar panels are damaged or deformed, if the brackets are firm, and if the connecting wires are loose, etc. If any problem is found, professional personnel should be contacted in time for repair.