How to clean solar panels
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ย. 2024
- An easy way to clean your solar panels without having to climb up onto the roof using Windex Outdoor Glass and Patio Cleaner
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Went to lowes to buy some, $12 a bottle and I still had some left over after doing 24 panels in less than 20 minutes. Way easier than taking an hour and getting on the roof with an rv brush.
I bought two bottles of the windex. Idid exactly what was shown. I have 21 panels. My son in law helped. We finished in 40 minutes and that was because we had to move the ladder. Went to his house and cleaned his 20 panel system. We did two systems in under 3 hours. That included travel time. We checked the panels for residue and there was none. I paid about $16 and two systems. I was quoted $300 by a cleaning company just for my house. Thanks for the video.
great！ how often do you clean the solar panel？
I have a hard time believing your house is just as simple as "21 panels" for that price
I bought the outdoor Windex cleaner for my panels , I live in a small town in Missouri , I live next to a gravel road which get dust on my solar panels , So I tried your ideal to clean them with the Windex outdoor cleaner it work fantastic , I'm getting more solar power then I have for a while , thanks for the review .
I lived in Washington Missouri, Franklin county for six years. The show me state will always have a place in my heart. Time to use this outdoor windex on our panels here in California. And go!
Old painter's tip to help avoid streaking is starting at the bottom, wet / pre-rinse ⬆ and then wash and rinse ⬇.
Dude this works.... Awesome. Thanks man. I used it in the evening when the panels were cool and they looked amazing afterwards.
Thank you cause I was trying to figure out the proper way of clean in my solo panels it's been a year so they all look better dirty but thanks again
I made it with Avasva handbooks !
My spouse works as an administrator in a large residential building 3 stories high. The previous administration had been paying 10 grand a year to clean the windows. Using this stuff the custodian cleaned all the windows in a few days and it only cost a little over $500.00 This stuff is great
Awesome!!!!
Good tip, we are getting solar panels soon. I can see that my neighbor's 8 month solar panels are quite dirty so I think I shall be doing this periodically during the California dry season.
Joan G. Dont follow this technique is does more damage
Joan G. 334
I'm gonna try. Professional solar cleaners on TH-cam say don't use windex hose cleaner and don't use normal city water. Are they full of bs? I'll let ya know.
You should only use DI water.
This way can avoid your warranty. And can be bad for your panels over time.
Much safer than scrubbing on a steep roof. Good product to protect yourself from roof accidents, but there are others designed specifically for solar panels.
I agree! Much safer..
Hey, It might be helpful to others
if you post a link to the product your talking about
in the comment section of that product..
Yes what product are you talking about
@@prod7054 The Germans are ahead of the curve in solar panel cleaning equiptment. I can never find the German videos twice trying to search for them, but this seems to be an up and coming area of development and I see new stuff I never saw before whenever I search. A large truck washing brush would work. A final rinse with de-ionized or distilled water is recommended to avoid hard water spots.
What other products?
There is a Kiwi product called 30 second solar panel cleaner.
I've had 30 panels on my roof since April 2018. You can not clean them properly by doing what he just demonstrated. I use the same method with the following exception. After I spray one set of 10 panels with the Windex soap solution. I have an extendable pole with a mop-type head on the end. I used that to scrub the soapy panels to remove the dirt and grime. Keep in mind you are cleaning glass. You would never clean the outside portion of your windows using his method. Cleaning glass requires a little elbow grease, not a spray rinse. For this year's cleaning, I'm going to try auto-cleaning wax. It will be more work and may not give the results I'm looking for. I may not do more than ten panels using that procedure. My system paid for itself in 5.5 years. I went from $250 monthly on the budget plan to less than $240 a year. I live in Florida, and my electric bill has been $9-11.00 for many months. Do your research, and do not lease a system or let the power company pay you for what you send to the grid. They never pay you per KWH what they will charge you. Every state is different, and every power company is even more different. I'm on the FPL grid, and they allow "Net Metering." When I'm sending electricity to the grid, my meter turns backward. I do not pay for electricity until the meter unwinds to the point where it started.
Awesome! Exactly what I need for the same purpose. Cheers
Just went to buy some and they out of stock. Have to try the hardware shop on the weekend. Cheers
I'm telling you we just got solar, because of cost it was 30 k , anyway we already notice a difference, pg&e bills were 500 a month, it's my wife an I an our 24 year old daughter , an now our bill is like 24 bucks that's because of course pg&e has to get something so they charge for using there lines, also I actually felt difference using stuff in my home knowing I'm using the sun to power it ,im not a go green freak ,but I believe if it helps an helps your pocket book do it .
I was told if you didn't use the right cleaner which is made specifically for solar panels it voids the warranty
Just get out there and clean them when it’s raining make the rain work to your advantage. Rainwater doesn’t spots like hard water either as long as your surfaces are clean.
Good info bro.. Question good idea to use a wash brush or better off not to ? Can you damage the Solar panels
Thanks I will try this for sure this afternoon, much appreciated
Did this yesterday and made 160 bucks for 90 min. Thanks for posting this
Used normal windex surface spray as gutters used to collect rain water for drinking. Requires walking on the roof
Excellent!!! Thanks for the information
Do an automatic sprinkler system on roof with a soap / Windex solution
Going to give it a try
Thank you for sharing
Thanks... great info
This will Void your warranty on most solar panel. I have sunpower panels and I can only use water. Any chemicals such as Windex will degrade the surface of the panels making them accumulate dust faster.
Christopher Cooper I use ph neutral car wash which does not degrade the film used on panels. But it lubricates the dirt when washing with micro fibre so less scratches. I also use a spray wax after and they repel the water like it a hot pan.
If no one knows you are doing it how would is void the warranty. Do you really think if it's going to cost a lot of money to repair panels, that a homeowner would say I cleaned them detergent. And how would anyone know.
Another thing how do you know it will degrade the surface. People are always saying things like it will void the warranty but they never give you proof to back up their statement. You many be right but just saying it doesn't prove anything.
I have Sunpower as well, I've had them for 3 years and so far they have been great.
This is a direct quote from the Sunpower website,
Do-it-yourselfers should keep some other things in mind:
As a rule, stay on the ground. Never get up on your roof without a secure ladder and proper fall-protection equipment.
Turn off your system before start you cleaning. Consult your SunPower® solar manual to see how you turn off your system to protect it. If you’re unsure, ask your SunPower dealer for help.
As a rule, avoid using hard, or mineral rich, water. It can damage panels over time. If your area only has hard tap water, you can buy an inexpensive water-softening hose attachment to filter out minerals. Otherwise, you can use distilled or de-ionized water.
Use soft brushes and squeegees. Don’t use abrasive brushes, pads or powders.
Clean early in the morning or in the evening when the panels are cool. During the heat of the day, water and soap can evaporate quickly, which risks smearing the soap and dirt.
When using a high-pressure water nozzle, don’t get close to the panels. While they’re extremely durable, you don’t want to damage them.
This is the link to the Sunpower website that I found that quote, us.sunpower.com/home-solar-panel-maintenance-tips
Cleaning Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate on the glass surface of the module, reducing its power output. Yingli Solar recommends periodic cleaning of PV modules to ensure maximum power output, especially in regions with low precipitation. In order to reduce the potential for electrical and thermal shock, Yingli Solar recommends cleaning PV modules during early morning or late afternoon hours when solar radiation is low and the modules are cooler, especially in regions with hotter temperatures. Never attempt to clean a PV module with broken glass or other signs of exposed wiring, as this presents a shock hazard. Clean the glass surface of the PV modules with a soft brush using soft, clean water with a recommended pressure less than 690kPa, which is typical of most municipal water systems. Water with high mineral content may leave deposits on the glass surface and is not recommended. Yingli Solar PV modules may contain a hydrophobic anti-reflective coating on the glass surface to enhance power output and reduce dirt and dust buildup. In order to avoid module damage, do not clean PV modules with a power washer or pressure washer. Do not use steam or corrosive chemicals to facilitate the cleaning of modules. Do not use aggressive tools or abrasive materials that could scratch or damage the glass surface. Failure to comply with these requirements may adversely affect the PV module performance. Yingli Solar PV modules are designed to withstand high snow loads. However, if removing snow is desired to enhance production, use a brush to gently remove snow. Do not try to remove frozen snow or ice from PV modules.
Just rinsing gets your back roughly 80% of the increased output from the panels. The extra effort to prevent water spotting can be done in many ways and gets you the remaining 20% for the added effort.
@Johnny Lee The comparison is with just water rinsing and observing output of electricity from inverter versus the output after going to the trouble of brush scrubbing and rinsing without the benefit of this product. Dirty panels can not be cleaned well with just water rinsing after many months in dry weather when the panels accumulate a lot of dusty residue.
Yes, and not cleaning of residue reflects or blocks sunlight 🤔. You have to clean with a soft brush etc.
@@richardphillips8652 yes, soft brush is a must. Now using a battery powered washer but am finding there is a trade off with life expectancy of a flat root if leave a lot of water standing from washing the panels.
Great to know! Thanks for the info. Gonna try it tomorrow.
Roy Guerra how did it work out for you?
Roy Guerra how did it work out for you?
Looks simple enough :)
Do you have hard water? we have really hard water and I fear rinsing will leave spots. My roof is steep and not much room to navigate on foot around the panels.
Our water here is pretty hard, this seemed to help prevent some of the spots that I’ve had in the past.
Can you use Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide for insurance purposes instead of Windex Outdoor? Thanks😊 !
I would not use vinegar on the AR coatings on solar panels.
Thanks
Great tip man, we are planning on getting solar power soon so this will definitely help :)
Will it be safe on the roof shingles?
Yea
Bad advise here. Contact a solar panel manufacturer and ask for a list of approved solar panel cleaning solution. Outdoor Windex won't be one of them. You might even void warranties by doing this.
Got solar panels been up 7 years on west roof landscape gone green lower 1/3 and lichen is started to grow ib spots. It takes brillo pad to get it off. Is there a chemical I can spray on that will kill it all and rain does the rest?
I need the appendix for two-story houses ....
Bigger ladder.
Is this chemical likely to damage marble polish?
is this the same for the flexible solar panels..? they have a clear plastic film... will the Windex cause the plastic to cloud or turn yellow..? Thanks
I collect water from the AC unit in a 55 gal plastic barrel, after reading all the confusing post here I plan to use this water for cleaning and a non abrasive soap solution like dish washing soap or neutral car wash solution. Early in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is cooler. Have any one ever thought about this AC Water as an alternative for regular tap water? Please someone advised, thank you 🙏
I've heard not to shot cold water on your panels, then in other videos everyone uses the water house. So I am guessing the cold water hype is just that? Thank you
I'd imagine the concern would be temperature differential.... I wouldn't hit my panels with the hose on a 100+ degree day while in direct sun last light, but under normal conditions they should be fine.
That kind of what I was thinking, thank you for your reply :)
@@Rsthelen I've been using a sprinkler on a timer that has 20 on/off cycles a day, on for 2 mins, off for15 mins. I've been doing this for over 10 years, no problems. It boosts the output by about 10%
WARNING: using windex and patio cleaner on your solar panels will void your manufactures warranty.
Can someone that had done this tell me if there is any additional precautions needed, any power has to be turned off? Is it advised to do this in a cool morning or towards end of a hot day when the panels are cooling down?
The power does not have to be turned off. I try to clean mine when it is cool out, or just after the sun goes down so I can completely clean the panels without the solution drying too fast and causing water spots.
Just think about it. When it rains you don't turn off your power. This is completely safe.
Is your water hard?
Yes, water is really hard here
The project like this step by step is described on the Avasva website and many more plans you can find on that website.
Will this take care of pollen? I tried a regular hose with spray and to no avail. Still has pollen, alot of it.
Yes, we get COVERED with it from out privet trees, it does a good job
I've tried this several times on Pollen. I'm in South Carolina and we get lots of pollen, especially Pine. It doesnt work as good as I expected. All my panels on are on second story and very difficult to access. I can get half of them with a long extension and brush along with the windex spray. It still is difficult, the pollen is like glue. I'm still trying to figure out the best solution. Heavy rains dont help. Anyone else have a good solution?
Will this get pollen off?
Yes it will.
Your solar panel warranty actually states the use of soap and/or chemicals will void your warranty.
Isn't using a chemical kind of verboten, according to the literature I've read....
The ONLY reason there are "do not" in a warranty agreement upon purchase and or use IS so company’s can claim you did not follow them and reject your warranty claims ( business law 101) grow up folks and use some sense, no bleach, ammonia, get the drift? One of the worst things to have to remove is tree sap, need a tar remover ,strength? Depends on when your last cleaning was done, one more…. After your first summer or winter any coating on your panels (if there were any in the 1st place ) are no longer there.
BINGO
Are there any problems with you panels if you are still cleaning this way?
Still clean them this way, no issues, no film.
That chimney must be reducing your power output a lot.
With the direction the sun comes to my roof, it obscures one of my panels for about an hour, slightly longer in the winter, and only in the early morning when my power consumption is low.
The Material Safety Data Sheet from Johnson and Johnson lists Ethoxylated iso-decanol ,Sodium xylene sulfonate and Sodium carbonate as the chemicals used in this product. Yes there is no ammonia, but the PH is high between 10-11 which is very strong. I guess the question is would any PV manufacturer cancel a warranty using this high ph product on the modules ?
10-11 is the Ph of the cleaner, which is concentrated. When applied it is mixed with many, many gallons of water. The Ph of what is actually being applied to your panels is no where near 10-11.
@@DoItYourselfDad Ph is logarithmic, so it's not a normal ratio - a Ph difference of 1 is 10 times. You would have to dilute it... 1,000 times to get it down to 8. My point is that solution is a strong alkaline and I wouldn't use it, especially since we live off our panels 100%. It's been a few years, so I'm curious if you've noticed any damage or diminished output from your panels. Do you track the data? I'm legitimately curious. Thanks!
@@muschrm1 I've done this a few times over the past year and haven't noticed any diminished output.
Solar Panels don't like interacting with chemicals, only a few products are approved by panel manufacturers to clean them without changing any chemistry on the panel. Wouldn't even recommend using this everytime.
Using Chemicals on Solar panels will VOID your panel warranty. Be careful not to cause damage to your expensive investment using chemicals with ammonia.
+Randy Beckner this product does not contain ammonia.
Christopher Cooper I use ph neutral car wash which does not degrade the film used on panels. But it lubricates the dirt when washing with micro fibre so less scratches. I also use a spray wax after and they repel the water like it a hot pan.
LET THEM PROVE YOU USED IT.
Yup, just don’t post it on TH-cam..... oh, oops.
Solution not viable in areas with water restrictions.
This is a lie people. That's for windows🤦🏾
Yeah ...I really need to buy a ranch
IF you want to make it by yourself just go to InpliX page.
How about car wax every few months?
In most cases that will void your panels warranty.
@@DoItYourselfDad May be the panel makers know it will work and don't want your panels to last! #conspiracy I'll try Nu-Finish once a year car polish.
Epic fail. You never use Windex on solar panels. It eats away the protective film on your solar panels.
Sorry but not a single manufacturer will allow what you show inhere.
The fastest way to lose warranty and to destroy your pv-installation?
Use any kind of soap or use a pressure washer. Ask any solar professional and you get the same answer all the time.
Please do some research first before you give people this kind of information....
Solar panels are not windows...
Hire a pro thats bullshit
what?
You just voided your warranty.
This is not a accurate way to clean panels. Using any chemicals on your panel will do more damage. This is not correct.
Go take a look at the SDS sheet for this and get back to us.....
Here is a blog that is hosted by a Solar Panel Installation company and they also suggest using this method and this product. Check it out: novawestsolar.blogspot.com/2010/06/cleaning-your-solar-panels.html
Must be safe enough to use if they're recommending it.
You'll eventually kill the arch on the panels. The system cost a lot because the maintenance isn't to be done be unprofessional.