Is it just me or what but I think I have been getting less generation this year compared to 2 years ago when I had it installed.
I find it strange considering we just had a dry summer recently i would have expected more generations out of that.
Do you guys clean your solar panels often?
If so, how often? and what method of cleaning?
once a year mid-spring, bucket, mop and then hose them down
In 4 years, I've cleaned mine twice I think. An old mop and some dish soap with the hose. Haven't done them for a while though, I have been meaning to get up there with my new pressure washer and do it as well as the gutters. Its on the list of many things to do.
I didn't really look or notice a difference in production, but just something that made me feel better after it was done.
I think that's the main result for everyone, they just feel better that it has been done. Other than that there's very little benefit.
I live in the driest state on the driest continent on Earth. I installed a 10.73kW system in July of 2021 - the panels have never been cleaned. Between July and the end of 2021, we generated 5.46MWh. Figures for the full years following 2021 are as follows:
2022 - 11.3MWh
2023 - 11.8MWh
2024 - 11.9MWh
Never. Had them installed 8 years ago.
Checking pvoutput and they still produce as much now as when they were new. So IMO there's no point in taking the risk to clean them.
Check the graphs for proof.
I did some reading about panel angles a couple of years back and the difference from flat to steep was negligible, so I reckon the light film impact would be just as inconsequential. In other words I think you're right. In any case I'd rather live with a few lost watts than a permanent disability, or worse.Or if I was so worried I'd do the maths on those lost volts, to justify getting a pro to do it.
We have two banks of panels. 1 i can reach with a broom while on a ladder. The other i have no chance.
Have cleaned lichen off the one i can reach once. Cleaned bird poo off it maybe twice in 10 years. The other one has had no cleaning. Think it helps they are close to 45degrees angle.
Ones at work are flatter and were aboht 30% covered in lichen. They've been cleaned once in about 10years.
I’ve had mine for 5 years now and recently had some guy knocking on doors offering 15% off Solar panel cleaning. I first asked him to assess and he came back down saying I’ll probably get 5% 10% increase. My solar panels were pretty clean. I don’t have any trees or anything so I guess I won’t be paying anyone to do it.
Once every year or two I get up and scrub off lichen/bird poop
Clean the blood sweat and tears - with a hose - of the slaves in Xinjang that made those environmentally friendly panels.
It's a bit inconsiderate of them to leave bodily fluids on your new panels.
have never cleaned my Solar, 10 years now and still producing similar output