How to best clean your Solar Panel on the roof?

[Midnight Rider]

Any tips on cleaning my solar panel? Glass cleaner?

Once I clean it, can I put Rainex or my Hydro shield from Chem Guys on it or is that bad?

I would think I should clean it once a year? My rig is covered when not on the road.

Thanks all

 

[BryanValRox]

Any tips on cleaning my solar panel? Glass cleaner?

Once I clean it, can I put Rainex or my Hydro shield from Chem Guys on it or is that bad?

I would think I should clean it once a year? My rig is covered when not on the road.

Thanks all

Rider, I normally just use “Car Wash Soap” or glass cleaner while I am up on the roof doing other things.

Regarding any additional coatings, I have zero experience with how that might work out for you.

If I was to make a guess, I would think it would have a negligible impact (if any to the output).

Hopefully others that have more experience will offer their thoughts.

 

[Jwtsg]

Rider, I normally just use “Car Wash Soap” or glass cleaner while I am up on the roof doing other things.

Regarding any additional coatings, I have zero experience with how that might work out for you.

If I was to make a guess, I would think it would have a negligible impact (if any to the output).

Hopefully others that have more experience will offer their thoughts.

Good morning! We clean our 5th wheel solar panel with a squeegee, dish soap, water, and towels. Remove debris first to avoid scratching the panels. We do it every 6 months or sooner depending on time of year, recent weather & while on the roof cleaning & checking sealants, caulking, penetrations etc. Found it is best to do early morning or later in day to avoid heat. Am certain other members also have good advice and methods.Hope this helps 👍🌞🍀!

 

[stanburnb]

1800 watts on the roof and I clean them every 6 months when I wash/inspect the roof. I have done a lot of experiments with cleaning them versus leaving them dusty and there is a negligible reduction of output. My advice is don't worry too much about it unless you have an extreme accumulation of dirt on them. I also keep a daily log and record my solar output and battery state of charge along with other things so I have a good idea if there is any degradation. If there is, then I can investigate the cause. Monitoring and preventative maintenance is key.

 

[Oregon_Camper]

1800 watts on the roof and I clean them every 6 months when I wash/inspect the roof. I have done a lot of experiments with cleaning them versus leaving them dusty and there is a negligible reduction of output. My advice is don't worry too much about it unless you have an extreme accumulation of dirt on them. I also keep a daily log and record my solar output and battery state of charge along with other things so I have a good idea if there is any degradation. If there is, then I can investigate the cause. Monitoring and preventative maintenance is key.

100% agree. Our 2000w array hardly puts out any more amps, after I spent 30 mins up there cleaning them. I now only clean them 1x per year, but I do still get up there and inspect everything about 1x per month.

 

[Midnight Rider]

1800 watts on the roof and I clean them every 6 months when I wash/inspect the roof. I have done a lot of experiments with cleaning them versus leaving them dusty and there is a negligible reduction of output. My advice is don't worry too much about it unless you have an extreme accumulation of dirt on them. I also keep a daily log and record my solar output and battery state of charge along with other things so I have a good idea if there is any degradation. If there is, then I can investigate the cause. Monitoring and preventative maintenance is key.

What’s the log? Is it an app?

 

[Midnight Rider]

100% agree. Our 2000w array hardly puts out any more amps, after I spent 30 mins up there cleaning them. I now only clean them 1x per year, but I do still get up there and inspect everything about 1x per month.

I really try and stay off the roof if I can. I’m 6’6” 275lb and I always feel like I am going to mess up my roof. Go right through and land in my recliner 🥴 😂😂😂
‘Seriusly though it’s dangerous up there. I had an ownership lot in Vegas and a guy slipped off the roof of his RV 13’ 5” landed on his Mellon and that was it! Killed him. It was bad.
That said I haven’t been up there but once since I bought it? I need to check it.
i need a trained monkey?

 

[Oregon_Camper]

That said I haven’t been up there but once since I bought it? I need to check it.
i need a trained monkey?

You should check it at least 2x per year...more if possible. Catching something wrong early is so much easier to fix than waiting. Heck, you could even use a drone, but standing there looking is much better.