Should You Clean Your Solar Panels? Before/After Testing!

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 พ.ย. 2019
  • Should You Clean Your Solar Panels? Before/After Testing!
    ⇨ Sponsor: Corsair Hydro X Series Liquid Cooling - bit.ly/PH-HydroX
    Does cleaning your solar panels help? How about just hosing them down? Do they need a good scrub? I do my best to answer these questions in this much-requested video -- testing my panels before and after cleaning them.
    Jump to Results: 6:40
    Tesla Solar + Powerwall Playlist: • MORE POWER! My Tesla I...
    Solar + Powerwall Review, 1 Year Later - • TESLA Solar and Powerw...
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    ► Edited by Joe Aguilar - ShaostylePostProductions
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ความคิดเห็น • 1K

  • @paulshardware
    @paulshardware  4 ปีที่แล้ว +151

    To skip to results jump to 6:40 😉
    Check out my Tesla Solar/Powerwall Installation Playlist - th-cam.com/video/CzyAcluTUMU/w-d-xo.html
    Thanks for watching guys!! 🙏🙏🙏

    • @Erick726
      @Erick726 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I can't stress this enough. Safety first. From the looks of your ladder and your extension brush you might be better off not even getting on your roof unless there's no faucet on that side. In that case get a longer hose.

    • @markm0000
      @markm0000 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Get a super long extension so you can scrub from the ground.

    • @fhm4
      @fhm4 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for the skip button.

    • @TyberiussHunter
      @TyberiussHunter 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Didn't Tesla have a recommended soap, brush, and directions for cleaning? They should know what products/methods are healthy for the panels.

    • @ryakkan
      @ryakkan 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I was definitely think about soaps or cleaners that would have helped further than just brushing. Good question.

  • @Leroyteam
    @Leroyteam 4 ปีที่แล้ว +548

    “Should you clean things that are dirty?”

    • @AdrenalineRushMX
      @AdrenalineRushMX 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      i just clean my ass when it start to itch

    • @seabreezecoffeeroasters7994
      @seabreezecoffeeroasters7994 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      How do you clean a Dirty Mind?

    • @jondonnelly4831
      @jondonnelly4831 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Well he's cleaned the panels, but not the Sun. So the Sun must be mighty dirty too. It's like cleaning only one side of a window. Lazy bastard.

    • @tyroniebalonie
      @tyroniebalonie 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@jondonnelly4831 Lazy was the cleaning job he did, but dirt on the sun? Lol, that shit would get incinerated.

    • @ParadoxEP
      @ParadoxEP 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      well it was more of a "is it worth the time and effort cleaning them" like if it was a 2% increase it wouldn't be worth it.

  • @Senluis13
    @Senluis13 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +47

    This panel can put out close to 100 watts th-cam.com/users/postUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.

  • @ashberic
    @ashberic 4 ปีที่แล้ว +164

    My neighbors wake up at 7 and cut their grass, much rather live next to a loon who scrubs his roof at 5am with a brush instead.

    • @ulysseslee9541
      @ulysseslee9541 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That is a clock alarm for your neighborhood XDD

    • @larryspiller15
      @larryspiller15 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Electric lawn mower would be quieter then conventional also lol

    • @aron6998
      @aron6998 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      larry Spiller but not as good js

    • @larryspiller15
      @larryspiller15 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@aron6998 there's nothing an electric push mower cant do that a gas push can

    • @aron6998
      @aron6998 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      larry Spiller really? Well I’m sure you’d run out of battery before I ran out of gas don’t ya think but of course Commifornia has tiny yards so guess it’s not a big deal to y’all

  • @eternalsugarhigh6843
    @eternalsugarhigh6843 4 ปีที่แล้ว +171

    Cleaning your solar panels is almost as important as improving TH-cam analytics.

  • @xero110
    @xero110 4 ปีที่แล้ว +304

    I'm here to feed the algorithm again. Nice algorithm, good algorithm, you like this don't you? Who's a good algorithm? You are, aren't you? Yes, you are.
    Also, thanks for the info Paul, one day all of this will be very helpful for me. First step tho, buy a house.

    • @paulshardware
      @paulshardware  4 ปีที่แล้ว +46

      Such a good algorithm! The algorithm gets a treat now. Lol 😄 thank you!!

    • @thermophile2106
      @thermophile2106 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      The algorithm must CONSUME

    • @mlenz2553
      @mlenz2553 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      All praise the Algorithm 🙌

    • @CED99
      @CED99 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Hello algorithm. Also Hello 88HD, thanks for the comment. It was amusing :)

  • @davijoe2002
    @davijoe2002 4 ปีที่แล้ว +131

    Probably worth giving them a scrub after major fires. Ash travels a fair way I think!

    • @DeFrisselle
      @DeFrisselle 4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      Not so much the ash, but the smoke particulates If you can smell it, they are getting dirty

    • @rkevic
      @rkevic 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      My car has gathered a lot of dirt from all these wild fires and you can feel it in your nose. So yes

    • @gernblanston4956
      @gernblanston4956 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@rkevic , saving the spotted owl is much more important !

    • @dinoscheidt
      @dinoscheidt 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      As a European, interesting to read that major/minor fires are already part of casual conversation in the US 🤔😩🤦🏻‍♂️

    • @ZanderX10
      @ZanderX10 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Dino Scheidt Fires have been prevented in California for decades. The power infrastructure is also not well enough maintained... Then global warming has caused drought conditions specifically in California. It's been a long time coming really.
      There are of course also people who don't care and do things like throw cigarettes out their car windows...

  • @Rainbow__cookie
    @Rainbow__cookie 4 ปีที่แล้ว +80

    When you don't get nofication but still is early
    Cha Cha real smooth

  • @laramieist
    @laramieist 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Paul, if your roof has a roof mount (an anchor that roofers use that is attached to your house) you can attach to that and get a repelling harness and attach it to the mount. You won't have to worry about falling, you can go lower or higher by adjusting your rope, and you can clean everywhere. Hope this helps.

  • @bertoray5497
    @bertoray5497 4 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Definitely do a follow up video. Actually do two; One in which you just rinse the panels, and one in which you completely scrub them. Thank you for your contribution to public service.

  • @YotaNinja
    @YotaNinja 4 ปีที่แล้ว +123

    I've had solar for years, never cleaned the panels... They're pretty damned dirty. I think I'll clean them up and let you know.

    • @calvinbourdo9718
      @calvinbourdo9718 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Following this. Hope to see a vid or some results.

    • @davidbeppler3032
      @davidbeppler3032 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      40% is a huge difference!

    • @737smartin
      @737smartin 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yota_Ninja ... DO IT! Then remember to come back and let us know your results.

    • @JustKiddingPro
      @JustKiddingPro 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      So how did it go?

    • @slater1182
      @slater1182 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yota, did you clean?

  • @RecarroJamesOfficial
    @RecarroJamesOfficial 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    @3:09 Absolutely Great tip.
    Been watching a few videos on cleaning and no one has mentioned anything about the best/most ideal time to clean.
    Thank you! 👍🏽

  • @Phorak0231
    @Phorak0231 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    As someone in Australia who wants to get solar panels, this info is really helpful. Thanks Paul!

  • @TheGhungFu
    @TheGhungFu 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Off grid solar for ~20 years here. Some thoughts:
    1. Cleaning does improve performance (duh).
    2. Despite the shorter days in fall-winter, I often get very good performance due to lower temperatures. My record setting days have been in late Feb-early March on cold clear days. I've seen my arrays producing around 115% of their rated output at times on cold/clear days in late winter. Cleaning can help keep your panels cooler. That said, I have spent much more time washing my truck than washing my PV panels.
    3. Those who do the math on the cost of solar, based purely on economic concerns, are missing the greater picture. While I haven't paid a power bill in around 20 years, I also haven't purchased any NASTY GRID POWER during that period, and my power HAS NEVER GONE OUT during that period except when I have turned the system off for a couple of hours for maintenance and upgrades. During that (~20 year) period, my nearby friends and neighbors have seen their overall rates increase about 50%.
    4. There are no easements or rights-of-way of any kind into my property (no need). If the power company comes on my property, they are trespassing. Just sayin'.....

    • @gauravaggarwal5508
      @gauravaggarwal5508 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      What about over-all performance of ur solar panels in 20 years?

    • @Kingfisher1215
      @Kingfisher1215 ปีที่แล้ว

      Regarding point 3, you say people who focused purely on economics are missing the greater picture, but the rest of point 3 mainly deals with Economics. Just saying...

    • @thomaswomack3888
      @thomaswomack3888 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I'd love to pick your brain and learn as much as i can about your off grid experience and what your overall cost has been, the type of battery tech you are using and why, and how good it feels to be totally independent of the greedy power company

  • @BobbyKinstle
    @BobbyKinstle 4 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    Cleaning my panels every 2 months in the dry season resulted in an overall increase of 12% more power generated

    • @ceciliahurst7867
      @ceciliahurst7867 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      How did you clean your panels?

    • @BobbyKinstle
      @BobbyKinstle 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@ceciliahurst7867 I use a long pole window washer sponge/squeegee I bought at Home Depot. I also spray them first with a mixture of the window washer fluid using the dial and spray on my garden hose and concentrated window cleaner

    • @ceciliahurst7867
      @ceciliahurst7867 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for the advice. I’ll be buying a pole today.

  • @pedrogarces6876
    @pedrogarces6876 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I live at the Midwest and noticed 20% improvement as my area gets rain frequently. I clean mine from the ground with a car washing scrubber similar to yours. I did clean my twice as I noticed spots that appear to still be dirty after the 1st wash. This was my first cleaning in 4 years. Nice channel!

  • @SirNickyT
    @SirNickyT 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Whoa that's a lot more than I expected. 30-40% is impressive.
    I always want to see more about the solar panels. I enjoy the videos you make about them.

  • @hamilpatel4025
    @hamilpatel4025 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    yes, multi-step cleaning would be interesting, could you reach the lower panels from the ground/ladder?

  • @mikew3515
    @mikew3515 4 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    Now ive caught the vid, and liked immediately. Im off to bed as soon as ive finished watching. Hope the numbers are improving 🍻

    • @paulshardware
      @paulshardware  4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      thanks Mike!

    • @eternalsugarhigh6843
      @eternalsugarhigh6843 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wow, you seem like a highly engaged viewer just like me! Seems like there are a lot of us aren't there?

    • @greekthunder
      @greekthunder 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@eternalsugarhigh6843 Same. Try to open and play all the way through even if I don't have time to watch it just have in background at the time. TH-cam premium user here.

  • @ksnax
    @ksnax 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Amazed to see that much difference. Thanks for posting this!

  • @TheManicGeek
    @TheManicGeek 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Yeah I'd love to see the follow-up on this with more control over cleaning, more info is always good for something like solar arrays.

  • @alistairbelyea1453
    @alistairbelyea1453 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Would love to see a full effort test of a thorough hose, followed by a full soap and scrub wash. Overdo it and see how large the differences are. Also a dollar breakdown per panel for the differences would be pretty boss.

    • @lordransom9281
      @lordransom9281 ปีที่แล้ว

      You don't or should never use soap on solar panels... Simply use 0TDS water or water through a high pressure canister filled with DI Resin... Soap and water from a tap / mains tap water leaves behind calcium and Chlorine deposits leaving you with streaky / dirty looking PV Panels. Same method as window cleaners basically. Oh and never use a squeegee as they can pull dirt and break the protective coating.

  • @superliljohn91
    @superliljohn91 4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Your videos helped me get the courage to build my own PC a few years ago and maintain it since. It really sucks that the TH-cam algorithm has been punishing you recently. Hopefully this comment counts towards the viewer engagement bit. All the best from across the pond

  • @JustfishNascar
    @JustfishNascar 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Paul, this is pretty awesome. Since your panels were not really even cleaned (evident from the second trip to the roof) I am simply amazed with those results. I am going to have to clean mine and see what I get for a result. I don't have Tesla panels but I should be able to see the improvement with my Enlighten APP just as you did. I might wait for the weather to get above 50 though.

  • @shackman9566
    @shackman9566 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Paul have a wonderful sunny day.

  • @daniel_ghax
    @daniel_ghax 4 ปีที่แล้ว +66

    Well, obviously yes.
    You know what happened to the mars rover opportunity?
    Still I am sure this will be a good video.
    Edit: Was indeed a good video.

    • @MinistryOfMagic_DoM
      @MinistryOfMagic_DoM 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Oppy is just taking a nap. My plan when my mission lands on Mars is to go give oppy a good cleaning and maybe some love because she's such a good robot.

    • @AnalystPrime
      @AnalystPrime 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@MinistryOfMagic_DoM The real reason why people are pushing for a trip to Mars. Save the rovers!
      BTW, I hope lots of people got Surviving Mars couple weeks back when it was free on Epic Games, it's good.

  • @BobHolowenko
    @BobHolowenko 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    When we had our last round of massive wild fires here in BC, we had to visit our solar hilltop repeater sites and scrub our panels.

  • @RooiWillie
    @RooiWillie 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Paul! Insightful video as I am busy installing a small Solar system in South Africa. We also do not get a lot of rain so I learnt a fair bit today!

  • @santos010
    @santos010 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for the video!! I just got solar panels. With your charts explanation absolutely cleaning once every 2-3 months makes sense. 30-40% more production. WOW!!

  • @machelvet9594
    @machelvet9594 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    8:52 I had the same question a few years back. We have a ground installation, 2 systems, 2 meters, same panels, installed the same day and they pretty much produce the same amount of electricity every month. The variation between the two systems is at about 0.1%.
    At the beginning of a new monthly cycle I cleaned one system the same way you did and left the other one as is. Then I just let it run for one month and was very curious about the outcome. To my surprise the production was practically the same. Maybe there was a difference of 0.2%, I don't remember. But the effort and time consumption to clean the panels was not worth the result. To be honest, I'm glad there was no difference otherwise I might have been compelled to clean them regularly.

  • @foxruneec
    @foxruneec 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video. I am off-grid and have noticed I am getting poorer conversions. I also hate roofs but I am definitely going to get up there and clean my panels.

  • @MyPetrushka
    @MyPetrushka ปีที่แล้ว

    Good job explaining. Thank you so much for the information. Husband did it but he did not extrapolate the findings. You did and that was good.

  • @silviopoggi8193
    @silviopoggi8193 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Hi Paul
    We installed a 6k system just over 13 years ago and it became pretty clear that we needed to clean the array on a regular basis. However, our installation is on the roof of a 2 story home which makes it a real challenge to safely reach the panels. My solution was to array several metal pulsating lawn sprinklers above the panels, run pipe up to the roof, and automatically inject a cleaning solution into the water line whenever I turn on the cleaning system. It definitely increases output but I do think manually scrubbing would most likely increase output even more but not at the risk of hauling my ancient ass up a ladder with a brush and hose.

  • @viol999
    @viol999 4 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    How about just comparing your solar production from when the panels were first installed, and clean, to how they performed 12 months later prior to cleaning.

    • @madeofdrew
      @madeofdrew 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      cause that makes too much sense and how else would he get a 10 minute video of him "cleaning" his panels

    • @aaronchristensen9112
      @aaronchristensen9112 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Solar would vary too much over such a long time to provide a meaningful comparison. His was actually a good methodology given the limitations of his sample size and all other factors.

    • @bluelotuslandscapes
      @bluelotuslandscapes 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Well it could be argued that there may be a degradadion in the quality of the panels over that time as well? Panels have a multi-year life span true, but after a year of use, I would expect them to be working at a slightly lower efficiency. By doing it this way, you remove the variable of panels aging. And by recording the measurements over a month, you're able to average out the daily variable of different amounts of light and so the primary source of any change in your results is the cleaning. It's all about minimising the number of variables that can distort the results.

    • @lestermarshall6501
      @lestermarshall6501 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@madeofdrew If he had gone that route he would still have had to clean them.

    • @madeofdrew
      @madeofdrew 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@lestermarshall6501 exactly which is why I couldn't even watch the rest of the video after seeing his attempt at cleaning them lol

  • @SteamPunk-xp2uv
    @SteamPunk-xp2uv 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Get an extension ladder that extends at least three feet beyond the eve at a minimum angle of 30 degrees with an accessory top-stabilizer bar. They are easy to handle by yourself and feel very secure when you are climbing. With this setup you can reach the lower part of the array with ease. These things are so handy, your neighbors will ask to borrow it.

  • @ALTRON3
    @ALTRON3 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Interesting vid.
    Yes, Id like to see how they would perform if they were cleaned thoroughly

  • @itsdeonlol
    @itsdeonlol 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Where is Lyle when you need him lol!

  • @argammonofrendor1651
    @argammonofrendor1651 4 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    That was a big difference! Make a permanent waternossel installation so you dont have to go up on the roof at all. Just flik a valve and your good 😉

    • @Michael-OBrien
      @Michael-OBrien 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Argammon of Rendor, you still occasionally need mechanical scrubbing because chemically it won’t get everything.

    • @ericsalidbar1693
      @ericsalidbar1693 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Michael-OBrien alright so then there should be a solar panel rumbo style robot scrubber.

    • @swankshire6939
      @swankshire6939 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@ericsalidbar1693 I mean all you basically need is a rumba with a water jet and tether it down. If I had solar panels I'd love to try making a solar panel cleaning robot

    • @ericsalidbar1693
      @ericsalidbar1693 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      nathan smith haha let's make it happen lol.

    • @TheRainHarvester
      @TheRainHarvester 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Make sure not to use hard water. You don't want permanent calcium build up.

  • @Jdmorris143
    @Jdmorris143 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Earlier this morning I cleaned mine (on my truck). I used a damp microfiber cloth. Now I know it served a point now than just because.

  • @eliotpalfreman1232
    @eliotpalfreman1232 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your eco tech videos are always really interesting. I like the cross over

  • @glen1491
    @glen1491 4 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Try using soap and they sell brushes that extends out to 11 meters, they are a little expensive but would make for another interesting video 😁

    • @CyberlightFG
      @CyberlightFG 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It says in the user manual, that you should only use water

    • @Airclot
      @Airclot 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      With a brush I'd be worried about trapping dust and sand under the brush and then the back and forth movement scratches the solar panels. A lot of dust you see settle on things is silica, so as hard or harder than the glass. From what I've heard, the best way to clean it is to give it a long sweep from one side of the panel to the other without a back and forth motion, just like cleaning your phone screen. That way you pile up the dust in front of your brush and just push it off instead of scrubbing it back and forth over the glass.

    • @EdyPegasus
      @EdyPegasus 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Airclot water alone is a great lubricant and prevents dust and sand from creating as many scratches. Given the lifespan of solar panels, cleaning will result in more power even with small scratches, compared to not cleaning.

    • @justsomeguy934
      @justsomeguy934 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@CyberlightFG What harm would soap do?

    • @CyberlightFG
      @CyberlightFG 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@justsomeguy934 I don't know. The manual says, that you shouldn't use anything else then cold water.

  • @jasonmcgrody9472
    @jasonmcgrody9472 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Paul does Mythbusters!!!
    I would not have thought the difference would have been so large, either.

  • @silviasteeve
    @silviasteeve 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for the video Paul. thinking about panels, good to know the difference

  • @discocrisco
    @discocrisco 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I want a future where every home is powered by solar. Major props to you Paul for taking on the cost yourself.

  • @f2v2productions22
    @f2v2productions22 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    To all the people that commented in the previous video of this series that cleaning is "insignificant" or "not worth it" what say you now?
    Very interesting video Paul, I enjoyed it a lot. My family is in So.Cal. too and dad never cleans his solar panels saying that it "can't be worth the hassle". Now I have some hard evidence to show him to the contrary. I would indeed like to see an additional follow-up about an actual brush cleaning of all panels. I wonder if waiting for summer again though would be more worthwhile. The logistics I will leave to you, the professional, though :D

    • @ABaumstumpf
      @ABaumstumpf 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      It depends on the installation and panels, but lets say it like this - even 10 year old panels here do not look nearly as dirty as his panels looked - AFTER the washing.

    • @f2v2productions22
      @f2v2productions22 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Drought conditions state-wide, dust storms and even just wind storms being very common.... I think our WEATHER has more to do with it than anything else, especially installation method or panel quality.... but since the other side of that coin is all the sunlight we get, hoseing the panels down monthly is a small price to pay

  • @ColdWindPhoenix84
    @ColdWindPhoenix84 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My boss suggested using deionized water, he said it tends to pick up minerals from the surface.

  • @Lucsji
    @Lucsji 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Yes, please do this again it was a very interesting video!

  • @EVMANVSGAS
    @EVMANVSGAS 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Yes Paul, do it again in the future. Also compare hosing them down vs really cleaning them using soap when you scrub them. .

  • @kevingo2892
    @kevingo2892 4 ปีที่แล้ว +66

    I assume you clean your car with a "soap". use the same stuff when you clean your panels . Also get a roof ladder.

    • @paulshardware
      @paulshardware  4 ปีที่แล้ว +34

      These ideas are mind-blowing 🤯

    • @shaneanderson2109
      @shaneanderson2109 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@paulshardware or a 24 foot panel brush.......

    • @erazorCTF
      @erazorCTF 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@paulshardware yer, with a roof ladder next to the panels you can hardly lose grip and can scrub them from the side

    • @tatefinkbeiner8000
      @tatefinkbeiner8000 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@paulshardware www.amazon.com/Todeco-Ladder-Universal-Maximum-Material/dp/B016XSKRX2/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=roof+ladder&qid=1572822033&s=hi&sr=1-10

    • @ingeborgsvensson4896
      @ingeborgsvensson4896 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      NEVER use soap on solar panels !

  • @CleverCracker1
    @CleverCracker1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Feasible to stand on the ladder and use the extension brush to scrub upwards to reach the panels?

    • @madeofdrew
      @madeofdrew 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      and get soaked lol

  • @nathanweiser6998
    @nathanweiser6998 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    That is pretty neat, I just crossed the 1 year mark with my panels so I will try and get this done with before and after metrics.

  • @coolblu101
    @coolblu101 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I live in a very dusty place in the dry season. I cleaned my panels after only one week and saw a 10% improvement. well worth cleaning if you want to get the most out of them.

  • @sk8mag99
    @sk8mag99 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Very interesting results. A window washing brush/squeegee combo may work a little better for this though.
    Also, if you can find a long enough telescoping pole you shouldn't have to get up on the roof.

  • @MrHendrikje
    @MrHendrikje 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    "Even if I followed it up 6 months, to a year, 2 years"
    > Suggested video: HTPC Build Part 2

  • @panpiper
    @panpiper 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Extremely useful information. Thank you for this.

  • @gregdavis9376
    @gregdavis9376 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Perfect timing. I have been thinking of cleaning mine!

  • @_clemens_
    @_clemens_ 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Do you have microinverters or are all panels just connected together? I would do this test with an installation with microinverters where you can monitor what every panel produces. Then just clean 1/2 of the panels and compare it that way. As sunlight is exactly the same the test is fair.
    I have an installation with microinverters, living in Belgium and here I have the impression that my panels are ca. 5-10 % less performing then when they were installed in 2015. As a reference I take the generated power of the best day of every year, and I reached my day record pretty much immediatly after placing them (some weeks after it), but never reached that record again . Maybe I'll get on my roof and will do the test of cleaning half of the panels and monitor what they produce in electricity. Until now I never cleaned them...
    Oh what is also important: if all panels are connected together, a dirty spot on 1 panel can drastically reduce total performance of your whole installation. With a microinverter installation also this variable is removed. So depending if you have a classical or a microinverter installation, cleaning the panels is more or less important.

    • @waxiliumladrian6470
      @waxiliumladrian6470 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for the insight. 5-10% doesn't sound that relevant to me and could have other reasons (the ageing of your panels). I live in a similar (humid) climate; installed my panels about the same time Paul did. I have never heard that I needed cleaning them. Then again, we have more rain here & the angle of my roof is much steeper. Nevertheless, that is something to look at for the future - since with climate change we now regularly tend to get droughts in summer.

    • @polik971
      @polik971 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Average data says that panels are aging at about 0,8-1%/Y . Maybe a bit less on very good quality ones. Production is very sensitive also on working temperature(so ambient temperature too) with a negative coefficient , so if year after year is getting warmer then the production will be less

    • @aernihr
      @aernihr 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Panels with individual microinverters is what I have. 8-10 % improvement when I cleaned I year after install. I could see that panels with microinverters tolerate dirt better than panels that are connected to 1 inverter.

  • @socialkruption
    @socialkruption 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This is why I keep my panels on the ground and not the house, so much easier to clean.

    • @albertbatfinder5240
      @albertbatfinder5240 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I keep mine in a shed. They’re spotlessly clean.

    • @burtonnystrom4606
      @burtonnystrom4606 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You get better production when the panels are on the roof, they produce more by being energized sooner on morning sun rise and then again at sun down

    • @gomerhondo7249
      @gomerhondo7249 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Easier to get a rock on the ground too.

  • @larryspiller15
    @larryspiller15 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great vid paul!

  • @AlistairGreyblood
    @AlistairGreyblood 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Depending on where I eventually move to I have been looking into solar and these really is interesting as hell as it shows there are benefits even if not immediate, but anything to make a better environment. So I cannot wait for the next followup

  • @chrisswift2448
    @chrisswift2448 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    You have had them that long? Geez, where did the year go...

  • @guyjordan8201
    @guyjordan8201 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Google "long pole solar panel brush" - do

    • @busog97641
      @busog97641 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I did and I actually thought that I was going to see something naughty ie, sex related.

    • @guyjordan8201
      @guyjordan8201 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@busog97641 - sometimes a search is just a search

  • @christiankama2155
    @christiankama2155 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Definitely why I started a solar panel cleaning business here in SoCal! They definitely need to be cleaned if you want them running at maximum efficiency!

  • @giovannip.1433
    @giovannip.1433 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    It's a good point you ..pointed out safety in cleaning the panels. With the improvement in output it may be worth wile investing in a long poled window cleaning brush and a harness.

  • @ksks6802
    @ksks6802 4 ปีที่แล้ว +57

    I'm not sure I can trust a man that doesn't have a ladder 🤔

    • @kevinhunter7581
      @kevinhunter7581 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Well he has one now (or at least I think he said he got one). So problem solved.

    • @ericsalidbar1693
      @ericsalidbar1693 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@kevinhunter7581 he said he originally had one it just wasnt high enough to reach his roof.... so yeah he did and does has a ladder.

    • @gundamfan2020
      @gundamfan2020 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      you should see jay handle liquid nitrogen with no glasses or gloves lol mans a legend ha ha

  • @Matlockization
    @Matlockization 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Manual labor is a little different to building computers.

    • @EdyPegasus
      @EdyPegasus 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Matlockization i found if amusing how he was afraid of falling. It is not steep at all and his panels needed a deeper cleaning.

    • @Matlockization
      @Matlockization 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Arcavian Empri. Your right, but that's what happens when you get too comfortable in front of a computer all your life. Also a reality check for any one who is thinking of going solar.

  • @boblekewl
    @boblekewl 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video Paul. So useful, as I have 40 of those suckers on my roof & they generate lots of power. Although in Melbourne, Australia we have has just come out of winter, so based on your findings, it sounds like it is a good time to have them cleaned. Being they are on a dobule story home, I will pay a professional to do it though!!!

  • @julianrubio1700
    @julianrubio1700 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome video. The salesman told me not to clean my panels. I've had them for a year now with very little rain and they look horrible. A few weeks ago I watered them down with a nozzle standing in my backyard. After they dried, from the ground they looked the same. After watching your video I now plan to try with a car brush. Thanks again.

  • @mooredann69
    @mooredann69 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Lives in Southern California: complains about not getting sunny day🙄

    • @abbrad17
      @abbrad17 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Even has to go clean panels by hand because it NEVER RAINS?!?! Geographic variety is nuts! Great vid!

  • @irishgiant5150
    @irishgiant5150 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Every millennial with self-diagnosed OCD is freaking out about the dusty bottom panels.

  • @jokeeffe007
    @jokeeffe007 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I would also look at what cleaning fluids are solar panel friendly and use them. You may get very good results w/o having to scrub all of your panels. I would love to see another video on this topic. Good luck!

  • @carisi2k11
    @carisi2k11 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I find this very interesting as I have 22 panels. It has made me organise to clean my panels.

  • @RentableSocks
    @RentableSocks 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    don't use that brush on your car, it'll scratch up the paint.

  • @tarfeef_4268
    @tarfeef_4268 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Yes, more roof benchmarks!! Data will be very useful if/when I buy a place.

  • @davidofhawaii6509
    @davidofhawaii6509 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for the reminder. Usually clean mine about every six months.

  • @felixbertovigilla7131
    @felixbertovigilla7131 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Very informative video! Thank you!

  • @richardrodgers758
    @richardrodgers758 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Paul, another reason why early morning is a good idea... the later you wait to clean, the warmer the shingles will be. Stepping on shingles in the afternoon can damage them as they are soft. Even on a cold day, shingles absorb LOTS of heat. You don't want to scar up a nice roof from frequent activity while washing your solar panels.

  • @mattdillion4999
    @mattdillion4999 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Paul. You can clean your solar panels from the ground or even the lower part of the roof. Use PVC pipe and attach the water hose to one end and brush to the other end. The thing is you can add more than one peace of pipe together to reach the top. Place the brush end on top of panels before turning water on to make lifting easier.

  • @jeromeeven9217
    @jeromeeven9217 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    forwarded this to my dad. we live in different countries now. he hasn't cleaned his panels since they were installed, a good 10 years ago

  • @MattsPaddock
    @MattsPaddock 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was an awesome test and insight, I'm now really interested in what would happen if you would to scrub every single panel! 😬

  • @davidmythen
    @davidmythen 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Paul. Have to say that's a really cool setup that you have there. Would love to see more scientific videos like that about tech especially environmental tech linked to IoT and PC.
    As for cleaning the lower part scrubbing wise... You could use a sufficiently high ladder to get you over the roof edge at a height sufficient for a good angle to clean.... Can't think of much else solution wise but still. Get queasy with heights myself lol.
    Love this series of videos. Keep it up mate. Huge fan of your channel.

  • @lkarlsen2587
    @lkarlsen2587 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Keep up the good work! Love your videos

  • @stupidaznmunkey
    @stupidaznmunkey 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm right across the hill from you in Brea and just got my panels in August. Time to hose them down. Will let you know how it goes!

  • @StormRiordan
    @StormRiordan 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    My guess is the answer is yes! Keep up the good work Paul!

  • @stylusrowm
    @stylusrowm 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    In the UK with 20 panels, I noticed no different even after scrubbing them because we have alot of rain fall. I noticed something which is on a very hot days the water cooled the panels and increased production by 10-15%, I know panels have a temperature limit but didn’t think it would help this much. Thought it would be interesting to try in a warm climate like yours.
    Great video

  • @FrancoContreras
    @FrancoContreras 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi Paul, really like the video. I think you should do an intensive cleaning in all panels and do a test

  • @AaronGlett
    @AaronGlett 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Yes. That would be helpful info. Nice Clean Panels vs. Sort of Clean.

  • @rosshalz
    @rosshalz 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    JEEIIZUSSS!!!!!!!! thats a monstrous improvement!

  • @andrewtarquinio6788
    @andrewtarquinio6788 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very cool! Will definitely clean my panels more often after seeing this.
    Would love to see a greater number of data points after cleaning, but maybe the projection might be less accurate if it goes too far out?

  • @mradaChris
    @mradaChris 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    When I used to have solar panels I would occasionally wash them off so that they wouldn't be so dirty. Always helped

  • @WarriorsPhoto
    @WarriorsPhoto 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good find sir. I enjoyed seeing this. (:

  • @jeremybarber2837
    @jeremybarber2837 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I definitely want to see a follow up video with a full cleaning. I think a tall ladder and one of those window washing telescoping brushes should let you get the bottom panels. Thanks for the info!

  • @jasoncolahan6399
    @jasoncolahan6399 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Definitely do a thorough cleaning to see results. I bet you get an even better efficiency. Love your vids 🤙🏻.

  • @joannaatkins822
    @joannaatkins822 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I would love to see a follow up! I'd also love to see one of those superhydrophobic ceramic coatings often used for cars, used on a few panels to see if that negates the need for scrubbing when just rinsing! Could be very interesting, and may help with avoiding death plunges

  • @joshmiller7870
    @joshmiller7870 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey Paul! Tip!
    Buy some Pvc pipes long one. Fittings for garden hose too. You could make a tool that you could use from the ground! Thus avoiding the slip and fall.

  • @echtogammut
    @echtogammut 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've been thinking of making a DIY automatic solar panel cleaner. Basically run some hard lines up to the roof and find some kind of sprayer nozzles to periodically spray the panels. I know they have these for commercial facilities, so I think I can jury rig something together. Creating your own automatic solar panel cleaner would be an interesting video.

  • @gailpurcell3209
    @gailpurcell3209 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for sharing. I am going to clean mine off soon.

  • @FoxtrotZulu750
    @FoxtrotZulu750 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Well I'm definitely cleaning mine after watching that, although I keep an eye on the figures and definitely haven't seen a dip like that over the last 8 years. I dunno how yours are installed, but mine are in 2 strings of ten panels each, and the inverter shows each string voltage separately, which should give instantaneous back to back comparison.

  • @edshelden7590
    @edshelden7590 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Yes I would like to see a complete scrub cleaning. A real test would be get 2 panels side by side and let one be dirty and the other clean.
    From what I understand the solar panel industry as a whole is very elusive about this.
    It would also be interesting to know the exact specification on how to clean these panels.

  • @reeping5038
    @reeping5038 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Dont have solar currently but really do enjoy these vids of it