Solar panel cleaning services in Florida

In Florida’s humid climate, regular cleaning is essential because moisture combined with pollen can attract and hold more dirt and grime. Cleaning panels ensure efficient energy production, especially crucial during the longer daylight hours in summer.

! Always follow the appropriate safety guidelines. PPM is not responsible for any issues/damages/harm caused by self-cleaning or following these recommendations. We strongly recommend hiring a professional contractor!

Here are some of common mistakes to avoid:

1. Electric Shock. 

Make sure to turn off both AC and DC disconnects, and keep in mind that the solar panels produce electricity whenever they are exposed to the sunlight, In some systems, dangerous voltages (300 – 1500V) may still be present after all disconnects are turned off, presenting a shock hazard, especially when exposed to water. Always have an accompanying person (buddy).

2. Risk of Fall. 

Have a plan! Make sure to use OSHA-approved, fully rated fall protection, as roofs become extremely slippery when wet, and carrying cleaning equipment adds additional risks. Always tie-off your ladder to prevent the ladder sliding and harness yourself appropriately. Avoid trapping yourself above wet surface, unable to safely descend back to the ladder, even when wearing fall protection. Using other, dry roof surfaces may be ideal, so set your ladder up accordingly. On metal roofs, it may be helpful to have a dry towel to wipe your shoes off. Always have an accompanying person (buddy).

3. Temperature Shock.

Avoid Spraying cold water onto hot solar panels, as this can cause damage due to rapid and uneven material contraction, causing the glass to shatter or for the panels to age premature. Use the opportunity to clean during cooler times of the day, preferably mornings.

4. Avoid Pressure Washer.

Never use pressure washer to clean the solar panels, as it can cause delamination.

5. Avoid Regular Glass Cleaners.

Ammonia-containing glass cleaner will corrode the metals and can degrade the backing which acts as an insulator.

6. Avoid Harsh Chemicals.

Any unapproved chemicals can cause damage to the panels, wiring, or even the roof surface. Only use solar-panel specialized cleaners.

7. Avoid Abrasive Brushes or Squeegees.

Use only gentle, bristle brushes that you would use on a vehicle paint, for example. Solar panels are made with low-iron, high transmissivity glass that has etched anti-reflective coating, helping solar panels absorb more light and reducing reflection. Scratching this coating reduces the performance of the solar panels for years to come.

8. Skylights. 

Don’t step in them. Wear fall protection. Don’t walk backwards when washing. On average, 7 people are killed each year in the US after falling through skylights.

More information for proper hazard and safety assessments can be found here.:

https://www.osha.gov/green-jobs/solar/falls

Given Florida’s frequent rain, pollen, and bird activity, it’s recommended to clean solar panels at least once a year. During the pollen season in spring and after hurricane season in the fall cleaning your solar system is a must.

Use soft brushes or sponges to avoid scratching the panels. However, opting to hire a professional cleaning service is generally preferable due to the specialized equipment and techniques required. Professionals possess the right tools and expertise to safely and efficiently clean your panels, ensuring they operate at maximum efficiency without risking damage.

While you can clean solar panels yourself, consider potential safety risks given the frequent wet conditions that make roofs slippery. It is recommended to use professional cleaning services for safety and effectiveness.

Residential cleaning services typically range from $450-600, depending on accessibility and the size of the system. Larger systems or those needing more frequent cleaning might require custom quotes.

In Florida, rain can help remove some surface dirt but often leaves behind mineral and salt residue that can impair panel efficiency. Proper cleaning to remove these residues is essential. Panels installed at a higher tile ages require less frequent cleaning due to natural rain water runoff. But there is still a gradual build up that accumulates on the bottom of the module frame.

The best times to clean your solar panels is after the pollen season.

PPM uses specific solar cleaning solution that is deigned for solar panels and is approved by most solar manufacturers.

Naturally, by having more qualified attention on your system, typically some early issues can be prevented and therefore, the lifespan of the project can increase. However, most importantly, the energy yield that is generated is dramatically higher with the system that gets regular cleanings.