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Does Rain Effectively Clean Solar Panels?

If you have a solar panel system, you may be wondering how often they need to be cleaned. Most people don’t clean theirs as often as they should, and a dirty solar panel can have a big impact on the amount of energy that is generated by your system.

With all the rain we get in Florida, you might think that rain effectively cleans solar panels, but we’re here to tell you that just isn’t the case. Keep scrolling to learn why!

Will Rainwater Clean Solar Panels?

While rainwater can help clear dust off your panels, it can leave rings of dust and debris when it evaporates, which can negatively impact how efficiently your panels work.

So if rainwater won’t adequately clean your solar panels, what will?

Cleaning Your Solar Panels

Learning to clean your solar panels goes a long way toward extending the life of your panels in the long run. Solar panels degrade at a rate of 0.5% a year, and regular maintenance and cleaning will do a lot to slow this rate down and keep them producing power at an optimal rate.

Solar panels often get dirty due to dust, leaves, water, and bird droppings. In the solar industry, we consider birds to be enemy number one because their droppings can chemically damage solar panels and some like to nest underneath panels too. This can restrict airflow and cause the panel to overheat.

How to Clean Solar Panels

Before you clean your solar panels, you will need to invest in the right equipment so you don’t damage your system.

Equipment needed includes:

• A simple garden hose. Don’t use a pressure washer, as this can damage the panels.
• A cleaning brush with soft bristles or a squeegee.
• A gentle solar panel cleaning solution. You can create this with vinegar, mild detergent, and water. Always avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning your solar panels.

Solar Panel Cleaning Steps

Step 1: Choose a cool time of day to being cleaning your solar panels. Cleaning them during the hottest part of the day can make the water evaporate quickly and leave soap marks behind. Plus, cold water hitting hot glass can cause the solar panels to crack.

Step 2: Shut your system down before cleaning. I

Step 3: Remove any loose debris like leaves with a soft brush or cloth. It is safest to clean solar panels from the ground, so use a brush with an extension if your panels are high and out of reach.

Step 4: Spray panels with a garden hose to wash away dust and loosen debris. Use a hose with a nozzle so you can direct the spray at the panels.

Step 5: Use a soft brush and solar panel cleaning solution to scrub any stubborn grim off the panels.

Step 6: Spray the panels again to rinse them and use a squeegee to wipe any leftover water from the panels.

We recommend cleaning your solar panels every six months or less to keep them clean and operating at peak efficiency.

Solar Bear Orlando

If you don’t already have a solar panel system, but want to install one, look no further than Solar Bear Orlando! We are Central Florida’s premier solar company and can get you set up with your very own solar system so you can take advantage of Florida’s ample sunshine.

Contact us for a consultation today; (727) 471-7442!

Can A Solar Battery Run My Home If I Lose Power?

Did you pull a Christmas Vacation and string up a little too much lighting this year? Worried it may cause a power outage and make you the talk of the neighborhood? But you should be good if you have solar panels…right? Maybe. Solar Bear of Tampa shares more on solar batteries below and how you can prepare your home should the holiday cheer go into overdrive.

Houses that install a rooftop solar panel system tend to connect to the electric grid in their area. This connection allows homeowners to draw power from the electrical grid at night or when their panels aren’t producing enough to keep up with their home’s energy consumption. This partnership also works reversely, where panels that overproduce can send power back to the grid through net metering. In this case, your system uses the grid as a “battery” instead of storing power in an actual battery to store energy produced. So when a power outage occurs, these grid-tied solar panel systems are designed to shut down. This is a safety precaution that protects utility workers from live electricity injuries during repairs. But, it also means you have no backup power available.

However, if your system includes a solar battery, you may be singing “Joy to World” if an outage occurs. A solar battery may provide a seamless transition from the grid to battery backup power. With this installation, a system will keep the power on by “islanding,” or disconnecting itself from the grid when an outage is detected. During the blackout period, the system will continue to charge the batteries during daylight and then discharge them during nighttime hours. Essentially, you could keep your home running on this system as long as the batteries have enough capacity. There are many types of solar batteries available. Our team of professionals can help you determine the best type for your energy needs during our complimentary evaluation.

Solar battery systems – they’re a beauty! If you’re interested in learning more about the power of solar batteries, speak with our team at Solar Bear of Tampa. Call us at (727) 741-7442 or schedule your free estimate online today!

Is Off-Grid or On-Grid Solar Better?

Are you considering installing a solar system but not sure which setup is better for your home? Both off-grid and on-grid system options carry positives and negatives but truthfully, it comes down to the electrical needs of your home. Solar Bear of Tampa takes a look at both systems and what factors may influence your decision.

As we mentioned above, electrical usage is the most critical variable that can affect your decision. During an initial energy audit consultation, our team will examine recent electricity bills, weather and climate patterns in your area in addition to your family’s energy needs.

Achieving a solar-powered home is possible with both on and off-grid systems. They will both reap financial incentives however, on-grid systems have a major financial benefit. With an on-grid or grid-tied system, any surplus electricity produced is not stored but rather sent to the power grid in exchange for utility credits towards your bills through a process called net metering. Off-grid systems use battery storage (that must be purchased) to store excess energy. This option is energy-independent but users must be conscious of electrical usage because there is no way to draw extra electricity from the grid.

On-grid systems use photovoltaic (PV) panels to convert sunlight into usable electricity for homeowner needs. They are either installed on the roof or as a ground mount system in an area that receives ample sun exposure. They also require an inverter in order to communicate with the grid. Most of these systems don’t require battery storage, making installation easier and more cost-effective. It’s important to note that because there is no battery storage, grid-tied solar systems will provide no backup power should an outage occur. Oppositely, an off-grid system will utilize battery storage and remain operational should an outage occur.

This comparison is by no means exhaustive. If you want to learn more about the most efficient solar panel system for your needs, schedule a free estimate with Solar Bear of Tampa. With the help of our professional team, making these improvements could be easier than you think. Call us at (727) 471-7442 today!

Is It OK to Hose Off Solar Panels?

Whether you already own a solar panel system or are looking into buying your first set, you may be wondering about the process of cleaning and maintaining them for optimal performance. After all, solar panels aren’t something that you can just set and ignore while expecting them to work like they did when they were brand new. So what’s the best way to go about cleaning your solar panels? Solar Bear Dallas is here to show you the way.

Why Do My Solar Panels Need to Be Cleaned?

First off, you may be wondering why solar panels need to be cleaned in the first place. Isn’t the whole point to get them installed and let them work on their own? While quality solar panels do work automatically in gathering heat and sunlight to supply your home with clean energy, they still need proper cleaning like most appliances. This is because, over time, lots of dirt and dust tend to settle on top. If you think about it, this makes sense since your panels sit right on top of your roof completely unprotected. And when your solar panels get dusty, the cells inside aren’t able to see and absorb the sunlight. This is why your solar panels should be cleaned regularly.

Regular Hose vs Pressure Washer

Now that you understand the importance of keeping your solar panels nice and tidy, what is the best way to clean them? Many homeowners like the idea of using a pressure washer as a heavy-duty method that’s sure to work, but using such a tool can actually have a negative effect. While solar panels are designed to be able to take on most elemental occurrences, the force of a pressure washer is still enough to induce scratches and other damages that could affect performance. So if pressure washers are out of the question, what should you use to clean your solar panels?

Believe it or not, your regular garden hose is the best option for washing your solar panels. This is because the average traditional hose is capable of reaching the top of your roof where your setup is located, and they provide a gentle enough flow to get the job done while being easy on your panel’s structural integrity. No need to rent or buy some fancy equipment because the best tool is already on your porch!

When to Clean Your Solar Panels

For the best results when cleaning your solar panels, you should rinse them off during a time when the sun isn’t at its peak. When you clean with water in a hot environment, the liquid will dry too fast and leave spots all over your solar panels. If you can help it, try rinsing off your panels during a cooler time of the day such as the early morning or late evening.

The Best Solar Panel Company in Texas!

If you want high-quality solar panels in Texas, Solar Bear Dallas is the place to go! Our qualified solar contractors can equip your home with the most ideal setup for your property for long-lasting energy savings and satisfaction. Call (727) 471-7442 today to get started on a free quote!