As a solar farm owner, you want to maximize the efficiency of your panels. You know that solar panel cleaning is way more than an aesthetic task.
It’s about removing debris so your panels capture as much sunlight as possible. Clean panels capture sunlight much more efficiently than dirty, grime-covered ones.
But is professional commercial solar panel cleaning necessary?
Jump to Section
- How Are Solar Panels Cleaned?
- Is Professional Solar Panel Cleaning Worth It?
- How Much Does It Cost to Clean Solar Panels?
- How Often Is Solar Panel Cleaning Needed?
- Do You Need Certifications to Clean Utility-Scale Solar Farms?
- Besides Commercial Solar Panel Cleaning, What Other Maintenance Tasks Are Important?
- Choosing Commercial Solar Farm Services in Greater Chicago
The answer is yes: investing in professional services will help you get more out of your solar farm.
In this article, we’ll talk about how commercial solar panel cleaning can become part of your solar farm maintenance routine. We’ll also answer some of your most commonly asked questions about this service.
How Are Solar Panels Cleaned?
Commercial solar panel cleaning involves several essential steps. Each panel must be cleaned diligently and thoroughly.
Rinse With Deionized (DI) Water
This removes loose dirt and prevents mineral spotting. It is essential to use DI water because regular tap water can leave behind residue. Residue can also block the panels’ access to sunlight, defeating the purpose of cleaning.
Light Scrubbing
A soft-brush or rotary-brush attachment is used to agitate stuck-on grime while gently protecting the panel surface. It is essential not to leave behind scratches or cause any damage.
Perform A Final Rinse
DI water is used again to leave behind a clean, spot-free finish.
Is Professional Solar Panel Cleaning Worth It?
Yes, professional solar panel cleaning is worth the investment. There are some significant reasons (and key benefits) why you’ll want to leave this service in the hands of trained experts.
- Prevents damage: Professionals use soft brushes and deionized water for commercial solar panel cleaning. DIY methods can scratch panels, force water into seals, or even void warranties if damage is done during the cleaning process.
- Improves efficiency: Thorough cleaning restores energy output and boosts the overall efficiency of your solar farm. Professional cleaning methods and tools are superior to hoses or household tools.
- Safer: There’s an important safety factor to consider as well. When you invest in professional commercial solar panel cleaning, you’re getting an expertly trained professional who knows how to perform this service safely. This means avoiding climbing ladders or working near electrical equipment, all of which can be very dangerous.
- Long-lasting results: Professional brushes and deionized water leave no mineral spots or streaks. You’ll be happier with the overall results and also pleased that they last longer than if you’d cleaned yourself.
- Extra protection: There’s also the often-forgotten benefit of having extra “eyes” on your panels. Pros often catch issues like cracked glass or loose wiring during cleaning. Catching problems early before they become more serious can save you money (and hassles and headaches).
How Much Does It Cost to Clean Solar Panels?
The cost of solar panel cleaning is contingent on existing conditions and the scale of the solar farm. Some solar farms are located in areas where debris such as dust, dirt, pollen, and bird droppings is more prevalent.
The condition of your solar panels is a key consideration before commercial solar panel cleaning.
Other cost-related factors include days, drive time, and the amount of manpower needed.
Additionally, if these locations are in remote areas, water will need to be sourced to refill water trucks.
How Often Is Solar Panel Cleaning Needed?
The frequency of solar panel cleaning depends on several factors, including:
- Location: The location of your solar farm often plays a significant role in how often the panels need cleaning. If the solar panels are located in an area with considerable dust and pollen, they may require more frequent cleaning. Salt and sand build-up can also lead to cleaning needs. Areas of high pollution also require more frequent cleaning.
- Weather conditions: As you probably guessed, the weather and overall climate of your area also play a role in cleaning needs. While precipitation can help wash away some dirt and debris, areas with minimal rainfall can require more frequent cleaning. Dust storms and wind storms can kick up more debris and also make panels dirtier.
- Panel tilt: The angle of your panels can also affect debris accumulation and how easily it washes off.
It’s essential to consult a professional to determine how often your solar panels should be cleaned to maintain their integrity and longevity.
At a minimum, annual cleaning is essential, but many commercial solar facility maintenance routines include more frequent cleaning.
Do You Need Certifications to Clean Utility-Scale Solar Farms?
While you do not always need formal certifications to clean utility-scale solar farms, specialized training is helpful (and sometimes required).
A professional should be able to offer the following:
- OSHA 10 or 30 safety training
- Site-specific safety orientation
- Training on cleaning equipment, lifts, and working around energized systems
- Proper insurance and environmental compliance
Besides Commercial Solar Panel Cleaning, What Other Maintenance Tasks Are Important?
Besides solar panel cleaning, the primary maintenance needs for a solar farm include vegetation management, equipment inspection and repair, and environmental compliance.
Keeping up with these tasks can help ensure that your solar farm runs optimally.
Keep in mind that various factors can affect a solar farm's maintenance needs. The site design, location, equipment quality, and operational strategy can all impact solar farm maintenance.
Choosing Commercial Solar Farm Services in Greater Chicago
The last thing you want is for lack of maintenance to impact your solar farm negatively. That’s why selecting a commercial landscape maintenance company that can handle commercial solar farm services is so valuable.
Since you will also need a commercial landscape provider to handle vegetation management and other landscaping needs, it makes sense to choose a professional landscaper who is also trained and skilled in solar panel cleaning for commercial properties.
At KD Landscape, we have extensive experience managing large-scale commercial landscapes like solar farms. Our expert understanding of efficient planning and execution of large projects ensures effective vegetation management around solar panels.
We also handle professional solar panel cleaning.
When you make a wise choice and keep up with vital solar farm maintenance, you can avoid problems and ensure optimal solar farm efficiency. This will help maintain the longevity and integrity of your solar farm operations.
Want to learn more about commercial landscape design and maintenance in Greater Chicago? Get started today with an on-site consultation. We’ll review your options together so you can make a great choice.
