Why you SHOULDN’T pressure wash solar panels and know the best way to do it!

Pressure washing your solar panels seems like it would be an effective way to clean them, but in reality, this strategy can do more harm than good.

Pressure washing your solar panels can actually cause your panels to break or fail earlier than they would if you did not pressure wash them at all. To protect your investment and ensure the best use of your solar panels, pressure washing them should be avoided at all costs.

What is pressure washing?

Pressure washing is the use of high-pressure water spray to remove loose paint, mold, grime, dust, mud, chewing gum, and dirt from surfaces and objects such as buildings, vehicles, and concrete surfaces. The volume of a pressure washer is expressed in gallons or liters per minute, often designed into the pump and not adjustable.

The pressure, or force, of the water, is expressed in pounds per square inch, pascals, or bar. Pressure washers can be powered by electricity or gasoline. They come with their own soap tank, which typically needs filling with detergent (or other cleaning agents) before starting work.

If working outdoors on cars or concrete floors, they are often combined with an air compressor that forces the water through a small nozzle at high speed; this nozzle creates a thin film of detergent on the surface being cleaned that breaks up oil and other stains without removing much of the top layer of material being cleaned.

A typical electric power washer is connected to an outdoor outlet via a long cord that may include an electric motorized reel so that it may be unreeled as needed without tangling. In addition to spraying water at high velocity, some power washers also inject foam onto the surface to be cleaned. These machines also typically have a rotating brush fitted with plastic bristles that rotates while pressurized water is emitted to help scrub stubborn dirt from porous surfaces like stone paving blocks or brickwork.

One particular kind of power washer called a hydro-blaster shoots large volumes of cold water under great pressure for more effective cleaning. In contrast, most gas-powered models emit hot pressurized steam rather than cold water and require heated fuel for operation during winter months. The two types of nozzles available are a circular fan pattern nozzle for horizontal surfaces and a jet pattern for vertical surfaces.

Gasoline-powered units generally offer higher pressure but lower flow rates, whereas electric ones typically produce less pressure but allow continuous use. There are also self-contained garden variety type power washers made specifically for household jobs around the house, car washing, etc.

Is pressure washing safe for solar panels?

Pressure-washing solar panels can actually cause more harm than good. The high-pressure water can strip away the protective coating on the panels, leaving them more susceptible to damage. Plus, the water can get into the electrical components of the panel and cause short circuits.

If you must clean your panels, use a soft brush or cloth and mild soap. Remember that even if the panels look dirty, they may not be absorbing as much sunlight as they should because dust particles are blocking the surface.

So for starters, try using a soft brush or cloth and mild soap to remove any grime from the surface before deciding whether it needs a power wash. Secondly, never spray water directly onto the panels themselves – this will force the dirt into their surfaces rather than getting rid of it.

You can also check out how to calculate watts from a solar panel

And finally, never pressure wash your solar panels at night! It’s safest to wait until morning when sunlight will evaporate any standing water quickly. Be sure to wear gloves and goggles, turn off any breakers near the panels and make sure that all power cords are out of reach from the soapy water.

Keep in mind: You don’t need to pressure wash your solar panels in order to maintain them. Just take a little time each week (or month) with a wet rag or soft brush and some warm soapy water. These tips will help keep your solar panels in great shape for years to come!

Is using a high-pressure cleaner really needed

It is not generally recommended that you use a high-pressure cleaner on your solar panels. The pressure from the water can damage the delicate surface of the panel, which can lead to decreased efficiency. Plus, if there is any dirt or debris on the panel, it’s likely that the high-pressure water will just push it around, rather than remove it. The best way to clean your solar panels is with a soft brush and mild soap and water solution.

Make sure to rinse off all soapy residue completely before letting the panel dry. You may also want to periodically apply a coat of sealant, like this one by Prosilica. These steps will help prevent the build-up of dirt on the surface of your solar panels and keep them looking their best!  What are some other ways I can extend the life of my solar panels? Check out these tips for how to get maximum efficiency out of your system!

To maximize energy production, avoid shading the panels with trees or large buildings. Do not install your panels on shaded ground in low-lying areas like near a pond or river bank. Try to face them southward where they will be most effective at collecting sunlight year-round.

If you’re going to have plants next to your panels, make sure they don’t touch the glass because dirt and leaf material can block light from passing through (this is called shadowing). Finally, check our website for new DIY projects that we’ll be posting soon – we’ve got some really cool stuff coming up soon!

How can you make sure your solar panel cleaning lasts longer?

You should never pressure wash your solar panels as this can damage them. Instead, you should use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove any dirt or debris. If you need to use a cleaner, make sure it is specifically designed for solar panels and that you test it on a small area first. You should also avoid cleaning your panels in direct sunlight as this can cause the cleaner to evaporate too quickly and leave streaks.

The best time to clean your panels is early morning when they are cool from the night. If you have birds nesting near your solar panels, consider installing netting around the perimeter of the panel. Netting won’t affect electricity production but will keep the bird’s droppings off of your system. Solar panel systems are generally built to withstand a lot of wear and tear so if yours is still looking good after 5 years, you’re doing something right!

Just remember to always maintain your system by periodically checking connections, inverters, charge controllers, and monitoring equipment. The last step is actually washing your panels with water – because dirt builds up over time and starts hurting efficiency. Use a hose with a nozzle set to jet at least 20 feet away from the panels, or a bucket with water and a sponge/brush. Spray down one side at a time, then walk to the other side before rinsing again.

After rinsing thoroughly, allow all wet surfaces to dry completely before the power comes back on. When not operating due to weather conditions, especially during rainstorms and lightning storms, turn off power at the breaker box until power resumes; don’t rely on fuses or circuit breakers-they are no substitute for professional expertise!

The Right Way To Clean Solar Panels

You should never pressure wash solar panels. The high-pressure water can damage the surface of the panel, which will reduce its efficiency. Instead, you should use a soft brush and mild soap to gently clean the panel.

You should also avoid walking on the panel, as this can also damage the surface. To ensure your system is always running at peak performance, make sure you follow these maintenance tips,

• 1) Keep the ground free from dirt or other materials that may contaminate the sun rays that are directed onto the solar panel. 
• 2) Keep leaves, dust, dirt, and other materials off the PV module. In some cases, bird droppings can be corrosive to photovoltaic cells if left unattended for too long (especially in coastal areas).
• 3) Use a stiff brush to remove any dust from vegetation around your PV module as well as from all parts of your roof if needed. Dust builds up quickly on all surfaces, not just roofs! That’s why you need to keep the brush handy.
• 4) Always keep an eye out for debris, such as tree branches or trees themselves, near your PV modules. If there are any, they need to be trimmed back or removed immediately before they can cause damage to the modules.
• 5) Make sure the solar tracker is working properly so that it moves during daylight hours with maximum effectiveness.
• 6) Once a year or so, check the bolts holding your PV module to see if they’re tight. If not, tighten them carefully by hand.
• 7) Check the connectors and wiring monthly by flipping over panels where applicable and taking time to inspect wires leading into junction boxes for corrosion or cracks.
• 8) Check for broken glass pieces on the lower corners of rooftop PV modules at least once per year. 
• 9) Check the clips that hold wiring together periodically by flipping over panels where applicable and take time to inspect wires leading into junction boxes for corrosion or cracks.