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3 Reasons To Never Clean Your Solar With Dish Soap

You might know that to enhance your solar panel’s output they need to be kept in optimal condition, which means they should be as clean as possible. But, this doesn’t mean that you should grab the nearest bottle of dish soap to clean them! Yes, it’s true. Using kitchen dish soap to clean your solar array could do more harm than good.

Today, our team at Solar Bear Orlando shares why you should avoid cleaning with dish soap and instead call on a professional to clean your solar system. Let’s get to it!

Why You Should Never Use Dish Soap to Clean Solar Panels

So, here’s the thing. We get that many homeowners are avid DIYers, but we want to warn them that this could cause issues with their solar panel’s efficiency and output.

Consider these reasons why:

#1. Reduced Efficiency & Damage

Using dish soap to give your solar panels a quick clean might seem convenient, but the truth is that it can cause damage to your solar array. Dish soap is designed to cut through grease and grime on household dishes, but the harsh chemicals can strip away the protective coatings on the solar panels, damaging them in the process.

Also, sometimes there is residue left behind from dish soap which can create a film on solar panels, reducing their overall efficiency.

#2. Scratches

Scrubbing with abrasive pads or sponges with dish soap can potentially scratch the glass surface of the solar panels, causing permanent damage and, thus less efficiency.

While we understand that the intention is to remove dirt and grime from the panel surfaces, scrubbing too vigorously can scratch the glass surface of the panels. While it might seem that minor scratches are no big deal, they can lead to permanent damage and less than optimal energy output.

#3. Voided Warranties

Another very important reason to avoid using dish soap to clean solar panels is the simple fact that it can void the warranty that you have on your system. Many solar manufacturers outline in their warranties that they only allow certain cleaning products to maintain the overall integrity of the panels.

If homeowners disregard these guidelines and use DIY solutions or dish soap for cleaning, they could risk the coverage that they have for repairs or replacement under the warranty.

Read More > Why Have Your Solar Panels Professionally Installed

Expert Solar Installations

We are honored to be the #1 solar installation company in Central Florida and are excited to help homeowners across the Sunshine State install solar systems at their residential and commercial properties. We want everyone to remember, that cleaning your solar panels with dish soap will not result in a thorough clean. Without proper equipment, you may end up with damage or spots that impede sun absorption.

We always recommend investing in professional solar panel cleaning services to optimize the system’s performance for years to come. Ready to get started with your own solar array? Contact our team at Solar Bear Orlando for a quote today at (727) 471-7442!