First and foremost, always adhere to the manufacturer’s manual when cleaning solar panels on your own. In general, you will only need to use a soft cloth or a soft-bristled brush to clean the panel’s surface. Avoid anything abrasive, as you do not want to scratch the surface. You can also use your garden hose (do not use a pressure washer) to spray and rinse the solar panel to make accumulated dust and grime easier to remove. Of course, preventative measures are still the best way to keep your solar panels in good shape.
For a more exhaustive cleaning, opting for a professional solar panel cleaning service is highly recommended. This will minimize any risk of damaging the panel, as these services will have the appropriate tools to clean solar panels thoroughly and safely. Solar panel maintenance costs vary, but you can expect to shell out between $400 and $750 annually.
Additional expenses can also arise if there are components that will need replacing. Fortunately, most solar panel companies provide a generous warranty for many major parts, but customers will most likely need to shoulder the delivery fee. Also, some companies will offer a special app to their customers that can be used to monitor the current state of the solar panel, allowing them to keep track in real-time.
