Living Next To a Freeway? The Dust Challenge and Your Solar Panel
Panels are an environmentally friendly approach to producing domestic energy. They work by absorbing the sun's UV rays and converting it into electrical energy used in thousands of homes across Australia. The sun's energy has a lifetime supply, and in Australia, the peak of this precious energy comes with the summer heat. However, for homeowners living next to a freeway, dust accumulation is an everyday challenge. Are you and your solar panel ready for the closing in summer heat?
Ensure peak performance: Keep them clean
Solar panels have the ability to collect the sun's energy even with accumulating dirt. They only require cleaning once every few years. However, for families living next to freeways, the accumulated dirt can be quite significant. Dust in a freeway is highly uncontrollable and collects within a short period thus reducing your panel's efficiency. The only way to control the dust accumulation is to clean.
Turn it into a do-it-yourself project!
The idea of mounting the roof and giving your panel a good scrub is not as outrageous as it sounds. All you need is a good basic tool kit and knowledge of a few safety precautions, and you're good to go. Before you start, remember to switch off the system, as recommended by the manufacturer. Here's what you need:
- A few buckets of clean, warm water
- Vinegar
- A soft bristle brush
- A squeegee
- A mounting ladder
- A spray bottle
- Liquid soap
Mix half a bucket of warm water with a quarter cup of vinegar and half a cup of liquid soap. Mix well and fill a good amount in the spray bottle and give your panel a gentle scrub while spraying it to wash off the dirt. Once you're satisfied with a good job, rub off the excess water using a squeegee. Fill the spray bottle with some more warm water and rinse adequately. Use your squeegee once more to rub off excess water and leave to dry.
Tip: The best time to wash your panel would be early in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is setting. This will ensure no water spots are left on your panel, which leaves a good shine.
Call in a pro
If you can't get the time, consider scheduling a professional cleaning service, such as Launceston Cleaning Services, to face the challenge on your behalf. A thorough cleaning every two to three months ensures your panel is in peak performance and is within manageable wear and tear.
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