Part of your roof maintenance may involve cleaning solar panels. They are a wonderful investment for commercial and residential buildings. Harnessing renewable energy, they lower electricity bills and lead to a greener environment. To maintain their longevity and efficiency though, you need to do regular cleaning. Dust, dirt, and other debris can gather on the panels, reducing their performance. As the top name for roof cleaning in Bagshot, we can offer some advice.
Understanding the need for cleaning
Before cleaning, you need to understand why working on the panels is necessary. One reason is efficiency. Grime and filth can block sunlight from getting to the solar cells. This lowers the panels’ energy output.
Another reason is longevity. Frequent maintenance can extend your panels’ lifespan. It can ensure the investment pays off for the long term, allowing you to break even and then start saving.
Then there’s warranty compliance. Some manufacturers say the panels need regular cleaning to keep the warranty valid. Failing to do it can mean you have to pay out if there is ever an issue.
Lastly, there’s the aesthetics. Clean panels enhance the property’s overall appearance. Talk to us about roof cleaning in Bagshot.
The right approach to cleaning your panels
Firstly, you need to inspect the panels. Before cleaning, do a thorough inspection to look for signs of damage, loose wiring, or other problems that might need expert attention. Document concerns and tackle them before proceeding.
Rinse with water after your inspection. Use a hose that has a gentle spray nozzle to clear off loose debris and dirt. Begin from the top and go down to wash every particle off the panels. Don’t use high-pressure washers since they can cause damage.
Following this, you need to prepare a cleaning solution. Grab a bucket full of water and add some mild, biodegradable soap. It’s best to avoid harsh or abrasive chemicals. These can damage panel surfaces and lower their efficiency.
Then you have to clean the panels. Dip a sponge or soft cloth into soapy water and scrub gently. Make use of a squeegee with an extendable handle for hard-to-reach areas or a soft brush. To prevent scratching the panels, you’ll need to apply light pressure.
From here, you’ll have to rinse the panels again. Be thorough with clean water to remove soap residue. Leftover soap is able to produce a film that attracts more dirt, so it can undo all your good work.
Lastly, it’s necessary to dry the panels. Utilise a soft, lint-free cloth for this. It’ll work to stop water spots, which lower a panel’s efficiency. Contact us if you need the foremost services for roof cleaning in Bagshot.
Seasonal considerations
We’ll finish off by discussing some seasonal cleaning considerations. Spring is the ideal time to clean solar panels. Pollen and dust can gather during this time. See to it that your panels stay clean to maximise their efficiency. Remember, the days become longer and sunlight increases so you can generate more energy.
In the summer, panels can become extremely hot, which makes cleaning more problematic. Clean late at night or early in the morning when temperatures are lower. Dust can be more prevalent here too, so watch out.
During autumn, falling leaves and debris from local trees can cover your panels. Frequently check and clear them to stop obstructions. However, be aware of slippery and wet surfaces due to rain or dew.
Finally, in winter, ice and snow can cover the panels. This reduces their output. Use a soft broom or brush to gently remove snow. Don’t use hot water for melting anything though since the temperature difference can cause damage.
We know what we’re doing with roof cleaning in Bagshot
At Berkshire Roof Clean, we prefer to manually remove the debris on roofs. We use safe tools and equipment, ensuring there is very little chance of us damaging the roofing materials. Afterwards, we apply a biocide to discourage organic growths like moss from returning.
So, if you need the greatest services for roof cleaning in Bagshot, contact us. We can give you a quote, advice, and more.