Solar Panel Cleaning: Here’s Why Professional Window Cleaners Offer This Service

Some people think that professional window cleaners only clean windows, but the majority of professional window cleaners also offer solar panel cleaning services. A pro window cleaner stays up-to-date with the latest trends affecting the cleaning industry. Since the global solar panel market was valued at $146.08 billion in 2021, window cleaning pros double as solar panel cleaning pros. So if you are a home or business owner with panels, you should maximize their effectiveness and hire a highly trained window cleaning pro.

What are Solar Panels?

Solar energy is power fueled by the sun. Solar panels contain a mass of solar or photovoltaic (PV) cells made of silicon semiconductors that absorb sunlight to produce an electric current. Edmond Becquerel, a French physicist, discovered this process in 1839.
Since then, the world has begun to embrace the concept of renewable energy. Unlike traditional methods that use coal to produce fuel, solar energy harnesses the unending power of the sun.

Benefits of Solar Panels

Solar energy has advantages. As a nation, it helps us reduce our dependence on fossil fuels like coal and oil.
End-of-life panels can be recycled by recovering precious materials. Silicon solar modules have 76% glass, 10% plastic, 8% aluminum, 5% silicon, and 1% metal.

As you can imagine, the biggest benefit for home and business owners is lower energy bills. Experts say that you can save thousands over the lifetime of the solar panel system when taking into account government subsidies and incentive programs. Savings are also increased with clean solar panels as they produce more power.

In Utah, solar-related jobs total 6,926. The state has 107 solar manufacturers, developers, and installers. Ikea and Patagonia are the largest retailers with solar-powered facilities.

Factors Driving the Demand for Solar Panels

The Solar Energies Industry Association says solar is a popular alternative energy resource. As demand has grown, the price for solar energy systems has dropped by 60% during the last 10 years. Interestingly, Covid-19 hasn’t hindered business. Here’s why solar panels are in high demand.

1. Technology
Technology for panels is improving at a fast rate. Therefore, these new technologically advanced panels are very productive. So more electricity is available in a limited area. Even liquid solar panels are being created. In 2018, Swedish scientists invented a specialized fluid that can store energy for 18 years.

2. Improved Design
Previously, home and business owners sacrificed aesthetics for efficiency. The latest discovery of Perovsite, a material with a crystal structure similar to the mineral calcium titanium oxide, can replace the silicon cell. Perovsite is thinner, lightweight, and flexible. So panels can wrap around buildings and complement the design. (This can also make solar panels harder to clean, hence calling a professional solar panel cleaner.)

3. Storage Batteries
In the 1950s, Bell Labs developed the first solar cell to power electrical equipment. Over the years, more panels required more storage batteries to fuel them. Now lithium batteries have replaced lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries fuel modular systems and can be scaled to size.

4. Better Warranties
If one panel malfunctions, it doesn’t have to affect your entire system. In general, a product warranty covers 90% for 10 years and 80% for 25 years. An equipment warranty covers 10 – 12 years.

Materials and Cost of Solar Panels

Windows and some types of panels are made of tempered glass. However, panels usually have a thin plastic layer to protect it. Refer to the information listed below.

The cell count determines the size, weight, and cost. Although most people believe the more silicon cells are contained inside a panel, the higher wattage and power output will be produced. But this is not always true. Rather, the efficiency of solar cells determine the power level.
Representatives from Energy Sage said, “Solar panel installation ranges from $11,985 to $16,215.” Home and business owners can apply for loans, rebates, and incentives. Tax credits are also available.

Early Spring Cleaning and Solar Panels

At Everything Exterior, our staff of professional window cleaners considers solar panel cleaning part of their early spring cleaning routine. In Cedar City, our business involves cleaning solar

panels. So whether it’s a home or business, we’ve developed a solar panel washing system that guarantees fast and efficient service. We use a purified water filtration system and brush on a telescoping pole to scrub and remove dirt and grime followed by a pure water rinse leaving the panels as clean as when they were new.

With the dusty rains and high winds of Cedar City even solar panels that are tilted or that stand vertical get dirty and need to be cleaned frequently. We have seen solar panel production reduced by more than 50% after a single storm. Flat panels are even worse as water can pool and evaporate leaving dirt and minerals behind to build up on the solar panel.

5 Steps for Cleaning Solar Panels

Ideally, solar panel maintenance occurs every 4 months.

Soap and water are another good solar panel cleaning system. Ideally, a commercial-grade solar panel cleaning solution ensures optimum results.

Professional cleaning using special brushes and purified water is the best way for you to have clean solar panels. Hiring a professional also saves you from dangerously getting on the roof and eliminates an item from your to-do list.

Also, make sure you have the right solar panel cleaning equipment such as a ladder that extends at least 5 feet past the top of your roof while at a 60-degree angle with the house, solar panel cleaning brushes, a squeegee, and a telescoping pole. Follow these steps.

1. 1. Rinse with a hose. Make sure the water doesn’t contain mineral buildup. In Cedar City, this isn’t really an option as our city water system ranges from 200-240 ppm (parts per million) of contaminants and well or county water at even higher concentrations.
   2. Use a low-pressure sprayer, not a pressure washer.
   3. Apply a cleaning solution to remove dirt and debris.
   4. Gently scrub. Don’t use an abrasive sponge that can scratch the surface.
   5. Let them dry naturally in the sun.

Utah has 520,253 solar-powered homes. The next time you consider the best way to clean your solar panels, consult with a professional window cleaner. Let him help you take care of your panels, and lower your energy costs.