FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my solar panels?
The cleaner your solar panels are, the more energy they produce. It is generally agreed upon that dirty and soiled panels can lose up to 20% of renewable energy production. Most solar panels require at least annual cleaning, though cleaning them more often is not uncommon. Remember that solar panels are electrically charged and naturally attract dust, therefore the general rule of solar panel maintenance is to have them cleaned and inspected every six months. Solar panel cleaning frequency also depends on other factors such as the natural environment. Are they located in an area that’s windy and dusty? Are they located next to a freeway or airport? Are there pigeons on the roof or under the solar panels making a mess on them? And even the slope of the roof can have a dramatic affect on cleanliness and production. Are they installed on a high-pitched roof? Or are they installed on a flatter low-pitched roof? The flatter the roof, the faster they get dirty.
I thought the rain cleaned my solar panels?
There is a well established misconception that solar panel cleaning is unnecessary because the rain will clean them. This is false. Have you ever owned a car, especially a dark colored one? You know first hand how quickly these dark painted surfaces accumulate dirt and grime very quickly. The dark glass of the solar panels are similar. Just in the way that rain never cleaned a dark colored car, the rain will also not clean solar panels. Why? This is because just like a car, the glass of the solar panel needs to be agitated and routinely scrubbed off before these surfaces will get clean once again. When you hire the licensed and insured Affordable Solar Cleaning Pros to clean your panels you can rest assured that we will never use any harsh chemicals or detergents to clean your panels, potentially voiding their warranty. We only use professional solar panel cleaning brushes which will scrub and agitate the debris away cleansing and rinsing the panels with our pure mineral free water created by our deionizing water filtration system.
Why should you hire a professional to clean your solar panels?
Professional solar panel cleaning is necessary to ensure they are functioning properly at their maximum efficiency, and to extend their lifespan. Dirt, dust, pollen, algae, moss, bird droppings, ash, and even firework debris can accumulate on the surface of solar panels over time, which can reduce the amount of sunlight that is absorbed by the solar panels. Most experts agree dirty and neglected panels can lose up to 20% efficiency. Having an accumulation of debris on the solar panels is equivalent to the energy production loss of shading on the panels due to trees or other objects above or adjacent to them. The licensed and insured cleaning experts at Affordable Solar Cleaning Pros will thoroughly clean your panels with our mineral and chemical free pure deionized water filtration system with brushes specifically designed for cleaning solar panels. With each solar panel cleaning service we provide before and after pictures/videos of your solar system, we will also inspect them for any potential problems like cracked or loose panels, notify you of any potential wiring issues, and even show you how to read your smart electricity meter to monitor your energy production and usage.
Can't I clean my own solar panels?
When we first got our 8 kWh solar system installed, I would check our Enphase solar monitoring system religiously to look at the energy production of our new solar system. Over time I noticed that the peak production energy was slowly beginning to decline year over year. That’s when I decided to look into the reasons why. To my surprise I learned that solar panels need regular maintenance and cleaning, which is something we were never told when we purchased our system. I immediately began to do my own google research on how best to clean solar panels. To my dismay, there was a lot of conflicting information on how to clean them and what are the necessary precautions and tools needed to safely and effectively clean solar panels. By hiring the licensed and insured Affordable Solar Cleaning Pros to clean your panels, you can rest assured that we will safely and effectively clean your solar panels in accordance with established industry practices and use professional solar panel cleaning equipment to maintain the maximum renewable energy production of your system.
Why should you get your windows and screens professionally cleaned?
You should get your windows professionally cleaned because they can improve your home’s energy efficiency with regular maintenance, sparkling clean windows will enhance and beautify your home and help maintain its value, and increase the lifespan of your windows by identifying any potential problems before the warranty expires, saving on any major window repairs.According to most home care experts, you should schedule professional window and screen cleaning twice a year. However, if you live on a busy street, or a place with a lot of dust, pollen and trees, you might choose to get your windows cleaned three times a year.
Are regular thermal camera inspections necessary for solar panel maintenance?
Inspecting your solar panels with a thermal camera helps identify potential issues like hotspots, defective cells, or wiring problems that may reduce efficiency or lead to costly repairs. Thermal imaging provides a non-invasive, accurate way to detect hidden issues early, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of your system. Regular inspections can also maximize energy output and protect your investment.
What is Power Washing?
A power washer uses a high-pressure stream of very hot water to blast away dirt and materials from outdoor surfaces. The combination of high pressure and the temperature of the water make it better at removing all those truly stuck on materials from surfaces. It’s great for removing residue like salt, mildew, and mold from outdoor patios, decks, driveways and more. The added heat also makes it particularly good at removing things like chewing gum from sidewalks. Power washing is also exceptionally great for handling grease stains on driveways or garage floors. “Note:Not all surfaces can withstand the hot water used with power washing.
What is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing is what you’ve most likely used at your home before. It uses the same high-pressure water blast as power washing but doesn’t use heated water. Sometimes, soaps and other cleaning agents are also used. They are expertly mixed in precise ratios with the water to easily free up the dirt and grime so they can be washed away.
What is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is a cleaning method using low pressure water. More recently, the term “soft washing” has been used to describe any form of spraying chemicals at buildings where solutions are used to remove mildew, bacteria, algae and other organic stains from roofs, decks, fences, concrete, pavers and other building exteriors.
Do you clean Tesla Solar Roofs?
Yes we do! We have the proper training, equipment, and best practices to properly clean and maintain your Tesla Solar Roof. To help maintain system performance, it is recommended to routinely have your Tesla Solar Roof cleaned by a professional cleaning service. Tesla does not recommend that Tesla Solar Roof owners step onto their roof so as to avoid danger of slipping, falling and injuring themselves. As per Tesla guidelines, Affordable Solar Cleaning Pros will direct the flow of water downwards off of the roof to avoid directly spraying the front edge of your tiles, as well as in between your tiles. For more challenging areas, such as where dust or debris has built up, we use a telescoping soft brush to gently wipe your Tesla Solar Roof surface. We do not use any detergents, abrasives, solvents or other types of cleaning products on your Tesla Solar Roof, as specified in the Tesla owner’s manual.
How long does the solar panel installation process take?
The entire process, from consultation to activation, typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. The actual installation is usually completed within 1 to 3 days.
How much can I save by installing solar panels?
Savings vary depending on your energy usage, the size of the solar panel system, and local energy rates. On average, homeowners can save up to 70% on their electricity bills over the life of the system.
Do solar panels work during cloudy days or at night?
Solar panels generate the most electricity during sunny days, but they can still produce power on cloudy days, albeit at a reduced rate. At night, your system can draw power from the grid or a solar battery if you have one installed.
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels are designed to last 25 to 30 years or more. Most come with a warranty that guarantees their performance for at least 25 years.
Are there any maintenance requirements for solar panels?
Solar panels require minimal maintenance, primarily cleaning to remove dirt and debris that can reduce efficiency. Affordable Solar Cleaning Pros offers professional cleaning services to keep your panels operating at their best.
What happens if I sell my property?
Solar panels typically increase the value of your property, making it more attractive to buyers. In many cases, the remaining balance of the solar loan can be transferred to the new owner, or you can pay it off at closing.
