Maintenance of Solar Panels: How and When
Thanks to the Netherlands’ relatively mild winters and summers, precipitation falls throughout the year. All that rain is good for something! Your energy yield can benefit greatly from a thorough cleaning every five years. OptimaSolar explains how. After all, you don’t want your energy to disappear like snow in the sun!
Yield Loss Without Solar Panel Maintenance
When dirt accumulates on your solar panels, the cells can no longer function at full capacity. That’s why it’s smart to clean them regularly. The yield loss caused by dirt depends on the location and positioning of your panels. Several factors can affect performance, including fine dust, soot near highways and industrial areas, air pollution, algae buildup near wooded areas, and bird droppings.
Maintenance of the Rest of the Solar System
Other components, such as the mounting system, require minimal maintenance. It is important to keep the inverter—if you have one—free of dust, and to turn it off completely from time to time. Most importantly, monitor your system’s output to detect any defects early.
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Is Solar Panel Maintenance Really Necessary?
Thanks to Dutch weather conditions, maintenance of solar panels isn’t too demanding. However, if your panels become heavily soiled, it’s wise to have them cleaned. We recommend hiring a specialist for this task. If you prefer to do it yourself, be sure to follow the correct procedures to avoid damaging the panels. Never use tap water!
Shutting Down the System for Maintenance
Before cleaning, it’s important to turn off your solar panel system:
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First, switch off the inverter.
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Then, turn off the switch located next to the inverter.
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Finally, switch off the circuit breaker in your meter box.
Cleaning the Panels
Use demineralized water to clean your panels. This water doesn’t conduct electricity because all minerals and salts have been removed. Avoid using abrasive sponges, as they can damage the surface. A soft sponge with demineralized water is perfect for removing stubborn dirt. Do not use a pressure washer or cleaning agents.
Safety First and When To Clean
Never lean on the panels while cleaning. If you have a sloped roof, it’s best to hire a professional, as the area may be difficult and unsafe to access. Still want to clean them yourself? Be sure to use proper fall protection and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
For best results, clean your panels in spring, the season with the most sunlight. Choose a cloudy day, or clean early in the morning or late in the evening when there’s little direct sunlight. This helps prevent the cleaning water from evaporating too quickly and leaving stains or residue.
Costs: Professional Cleaning or DIY?
If you let nature take its course, maintenance costs remain low. However, if you prefer professional cleaning, the cost depends on the number of panels, the number of roof sections, and whether the roof is flat or sloped. A cost-effective compromise is to clean the panels yourself—just be sure to do it safely and with the right materials.
Don’t have solar panels yet, or is your current system due for replacement? Feel free to make an appointment or request a free quote.
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We are very happy with our solar installation from OptimaSolar. Wim took the time to meet us at our house to give us advice and estimations. The work was carried out very neat and tidy and Wim himself... [ lees meer ]
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