Do you really need to clean your solar panels?

Solar panels are a great way to save money on your energy bill and help the environment. But one of the concerns that homeowners have is whether or not they need to clean their solar panels. Solar panels can get dirty, just like anything else around your home. But how often should you clean them, and does it really make a difference?

Dirty solar panels can lose up to 30% of their efficiency. If your solar panels are covered in dust and dirt, they're not going to be working as well as they could be. So it's important to make sure that you keep them clean. The best way to clean your solar panels is with a soft cloth or brush and some warm water. You don't want to use any harsh chemicals or anything that could damage the panels. 

In most parts of the country, rain will wash away the dirt and grime, however, in California that's not the case.  With drought like conditions rain isn't always an option.  There are solar panel cleaning companies that will do it for you considering how dangerous it can be to climb up on a roof with equipment.

You should not clean your solar panels during the hottest part of the day because the extreme temperature difference between the water and the solar panels may cause the glass to crack.

Some studies show that cleaning your solar panels is not worth the time or money.   The increase in efficiency is not worth the time and money it takes to clean them. 

If you live in an area with a lot of trees or construction, you might need to clean your panels more often than someone who doesn't have those things in their vicinity. But as a general rule of thumb, once every few months should be sufficient. If you wait too long and the dirt and grime build up too much, it can be harder to clean off and may require special cleaning products. 

So, do you really need to clean your solar panels? The answer is a personal choice. Dirty solar panels can lose up to 30% of their efficiency, so it's important to keep them clean. The best way to clean your solar panels is with a soft cloth or brush and some warm water. You should aim to clean your panels every few months to keep them in tip-top shape.