Hobart Gutter Guard Co Blog

Solar Panel Cleaning: Why it needs to be done!

Over 25,000 homes across Tasmania have solar panels installed on their roofs. As the demand for solar installation increases, so does the need and importance for solar panel maintenance.

Like your car windshield, the solar cells inside solar panels are covered by a protective glass coating. With your panels constantly exposed to the great outdoors, they need to be properly maintained and cleaned. Just like gutters, solar panels also need to be cleaned on a regular basis and frequently overlooked.

At Gutter Guard King Tasmania, we often get asked about solar panel cleaning. Today, we’re happy to share our answers of some of our FAQ’s about solar panel cleaning:

What makes my solar panels dirty?

Due to constant weather exposure; air pollution, traffic dust, dirt, pollen, salt residue and bird droppings can accumulate on solar panels.

Is dirt bad for my panels?

Dirt compounds can block the amount of light entering and transferring into your solar panels.

Won’t the rain do clean them for me?

Whilst rain can naturally clean panels to an extent. It is not 100% effective. The dry Australian climate means there’s less rain to regularly clean your panels. And living in Hobart means you live in one of the direst States in the Country. It also takes more pressure than normal rain fall to clean away some of the tougher dirt and compounds on your solar panels.

Why do I need to clean my panels?

Regular solar panel cleaning has several benefits.

- Improving the efficiency of your panels. By removing the dirt on your panels, you allow more sunlight to shine and power your panels. Tasmanian’s are already behind the eight-ball compared to the mainland states when it comes to sun exposure. Don’t let your panels lose their efficiency from dirt build up.

- Extended life of your panels. By having your panels cleaned and maintained regularly, means that there is not a build up of corrosive soiling, such as bird droppings. Therefore extending the life of your panels. We also provide you with a Free Solar Inspection and observation report. You can use this as evidence if you need to make a warranty claim with your manufacturer.

- Save money in the long run with more efficient and longer lasting solar panels thanks to regular maintenance. You may see a return of investment on your panels sooner or cheaper electricity bills.

So when should I clean my panels?

Most manufacturer's recommend having your solar panels professionally cleaned every six months. Gutter Guard King Tasmania recommends cleaning your solar panels every six or 12 months to maximise their efficiency, depending on your location.

Can I clean my own panels?

Some DIYers choose to clean their solar panels, but it is easier said than done. Without the right knowledge, certain soaps and brushes can do more harm to your panels than good and also void the warranty. You also need to careful of the wiring and risk potentially damaging your panels.

Ultimately, cleaning solar panels requires working on rooftops at potentially dangerous heights, with water making the surface slippery. Too many people end up in the emergency room from falling off rooftops and ladders. It’s critical to put your safety first prior to tackling any DIY jobs.

Who can clean my panels, then?

When cleaning solar panels, it is better to be safe than sorry and leave it to the professionals. Gutter Guard King Tasmania have all the experience and equipment to clean solar panels properly and safely.

Our professionals are trained to work safely at heights, and insured, giving you peace of mind with the solar panel cleaning services we provide!

Call Gutter Guard King Tasmania today on 0439 651 877