Clean Pollen Off Solar Panels: 3 Super Simple Cleaning Tips!
You know that solar panels can become pretty dirty. Pollen is one of the main culprits when it comes to making your solar panels less efficient.
To clean pollen off solar panels, you can use a soft cloth or brush to gently remove the pollen. You can also use a hose with a low-pressure nozzle to rinse the panels. If you have a lot of sticky pollen on your panels, you may need to use a soft brush with a little water and soap.
In this article, we will show you how to clean dirty solar panels that have accumulated a layer of pollen so that they can work at peak efficiency.
How to Clean Pollen Off Solar Panels in 3 Quick and Easy Ways
If your solar panels are covered in pollen, don’t worry! It is actually quite easy to clean pollen off of your solar panels. We have three quick and easy ways that we will show you how to clean your solar panels.
Method 1: Soft Cloth and Water
Our first method and the one we suggest trying first is using a soft cloth and some distilled water.
Simply wet the cloth with the distilled water and then gently wipe it across the surface of the solar panel. Be sure to avoid scrubbing or using too much pressure, as this could damage the panel.
Method 2: Water and Vinegar
Our second method for cleaning pollen off solar panels is with a mixture of slightly warm water and vinegar. This is especially a great cleaning solution when the pollen has dried in and has combined with tree sap or bird droppings.
Mix one part of distilled water with two parts of white vinegar. Then place the mixture into a spray bottle and then spray it across the surface of your solar panels. A soft cloth can be used to wipe away the vinegar mixture from the solar panels thoroughly.
If there are any stubborn areas of pollen, you can use a toothbrush or cotton swab to lightly brush them away. Once you have removed all the pollen, dry the panel with a clean, soft cloth.
Always make sure you rinse off your solar panels as well to ensure that no traces of the vinegar solution are left behind. Use a squeegee to wipe off any excess water.
Method 3: Low Pressure Water Hose
Our third and final solution to cleaning pollen off solar panels is to use a low pressure water hose to spray the panels. Try to avoid using a high pressure jet at all costs as this could easily damage your solar panels, and instead use a soft stream of water.
This will help to loosen any pollen that is stuck on the panels, and will also remove any dirt and grime that has built up over time at the same time.
Does Pollen Affect Solar Panel Efficiency?
It is unlikely that pollen will have a significant impact on the performance of your solar panels. The amount of pollen that would need to accumulate on the panels in order for there to be a noticeable decrease in solar power performance is substantial, and it is not typically windy enough for pollen to accumulate in large quantities on the panels.
However, if you live in an area with high pollen counts and your panels are not regularly cleaned, it is possible that over time there could be a decrease in performance.
The best thing to do to protect your solar panels from pollen is to clean them regularly. If you are worried about the amount of time it takes to clean your panels, or you simply don’t have the time to do so, there are professional solar panel cleaning services available that can do it for you.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Pollen from Solar Panels
When cleaning solar panels, it is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the panel surface. It is also important to avoid letting water pool on the panel, as this could lead to corrosion.
While the panels are wet, avoid using a broom to clean them. The bristles could scratch the surface and allow moisture to enter the panel crevices where it would be difficult to remove.
You may want to use a pressure washer to quickly clean your panels. We do not recommend cleaning solar panels at any time no matter what type of dirt is on your pollen, but especially pollen.
Pollen is soft (even when accumulated) and can be removed from solar panels with a soft cloth, but be careful not to scratch the surface. Unless the pollen has mixed with other debris or has become caked in dirt, it should easily wipe off.
Final Thoughts
The best way to clean solar panels that have pollen or other dust and dirt is by simply wiping them down with a soft cloth. Remember that it is very important to clean pollen off dirty solar panels in order to maintain their efficiency.
By doing so, you will prolong the life of your solar panels and save money in the long run. Regular solar panel maintenance will keep your solar power system running great for years to come and you will need to clean the panels less often.