Source
r/SolarDIY•
Oppodeldoc

Solar panel cleaning?

My parents have a solar system off the grid, battery storage, and have had it for about 18 months. It is out of town in the bush with a dirt road leading to it, and it is next to the coast. Their battery has recently been slow to charge, and the solar guy who installed it said that it may be that the panels are dusty, so that would be the first thing to exclude. What is the best way to clean the panels without damaging them? Would a window cleaner squeegee be safe to use or would it damage the panels? And can you put any dust/water repellant chemicals/coating on them without reducing the efficiency of the panels?

Posted Apr 20, 2019, 11:21 PM UTC

15
Eschaton707•

Just some water and soap, I wouldn't use anything else that would leave film. If they are dusty enough you should see a difference.

2
Eschaton707•

Make sure the batteries have enough distilled water too if they are flooded lead acid.

1
sirboogerhook•

http://www.hardwood-cleaner-resources.com/proddetail.php?prod=SH-Mop-8-x-15&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhuvlBRCeARIsAM720HodxvtwMP-Y7RG1YZxc_KIngtXH6AmLivIj_BHIOS5BTAqxsFsoTMAaAngoEALw_wcB

I use dish soap and a telescopic moo like above.

Works like a champ

2
foxtrot258•

Just use water and a sponge/brush. Don't use soap as it can leave a film.

2
marksburgunder•

If your parents collect rainwater for drinking water, be carefull what you put in the water you use to clean the panels. That might end up in your parents water tanks / drinking water...

Just use plain water and sponge / softish brush to start and see how you go.

1