Solar panels and the common misbeliefs associated with them
Solar panels are becoming more and more important on the energy scene. We have known for a long time that fossil fuels are terrible for the environment, and now alternative energy technologies are becoming affordable and efficient enough for businesses and homeowners to install and use them all over the world. Because this is still an emerging technology, there are many misconceptions and myths that are spread around about solar panel usage. Here are several common misconceptions about solar panels and solar panel cleaning, along with the facts you need to know.
Myth 1: Solar panels don’t need to be cleaned
Solar panels do need to be cleaned. If they aren’t cleaned, a layer of dirt and grime will build up which will prevent light from reaching the photovoltaic cells.
This means they won’t function efficiently. Also, if you don’t have your solar panels cleaned and checked regularly, you won’t know if squirrels are chewing on the wires or the frame is cracking, or anything else that can cause major damage down the road.
Myth 2: You can easily do DIY solar cleaning
Actually, don’t try this at home! Most solar panels are on the roof, which is already dangerous to climb around on. And the roof becomes even more dangerous when it’s wet – like when you are cleaning solar panels. Furthermore, you can’t use cleaning chemicals because they might damage the coating, and you can’t use tap water because it might leave mineral deposits.
Myth 3: Cleaning solar panels is safe
Actually, there is a risk of lethal electrocution from cleaning solar panels. If the glass has cracked, either from a branch falling, a rogue golf ball hitting it, or even a bird of prey dropping a critter on it, the electric unit is exposed. You know enough about bathtubs and hair dryers to know that mixing electricity and water hardly ever ends well. This is why we inspect your solar panels before attempting to clean them.
Myth 4: Commercial solar panels need to be cleaned the most frequently
The award for most frequent solar panel cleaning actually goes to farms. Many farmers have solar panels on top of chicken houses or barns, where they are exposed to massive amounts of dirt and are placed at shallow angles where they do not get well washed off during the rain. Agricultural solar panels need to be professionally cleaned every couple of months.
Myth 5: You always save more by having your solar panels cleaned
Actually, this depends on the price you are paying to have the cleaning done. You’re getting a certain benefit from producing electricity with your solar panel, and you lose a certain amount of money from having it stay dirty. You need to make sure that the money you save from having your solar panel clean is greater than the price you pay to have it cleaned. Some solar panel cleaning companies charge more than you save. Here at Shine Up Solar, we have factored in energy costs in Sacramento and the surrounding areas to make sure that you do save money by having us come and clean your solar panels. Give us a call today at 888-560-6669 to set up your appointment!