Protecting Your Solar Investment: Why High Wind Areas Demand Professional Solar Panel Cleaning

If you live in a windy inland valley location, your solar panels face unique challenges that can significantly impact their performance and longevity. Solar panel cleaning is especially critical in dry or windy areas where dust and debris can accumulate quickly, leading to a buildup that reduces energy production. Understanding these challenges and taking proactive steps to maintain your solar investment is essential for maximizing both energy output and return on investment.

The Wind Factor: More Than Just Dust

Wind can have both positive and negative effects on solar panels. While it can help cool the panels and increase their efficiency, strong winds can also cause damage to the panels, particularly if they are not properly secured. One of the most common physical effects of wind on solar panels is the bending or flexing of the panels themselves, which can cause microcracks to form in the solar cells and reduce overall efficiency.

Hailstorms, high winds, heavy snowfall, and extreme temperatures can all potentially cause physical damage to your system, including micro-cracks in solar cells and loosened mounting materials. In windy weather, the panels and brackets should be carefully inspected, and the panels should be cleaned in time.

Dust Accumulation in Windy Inland Valleys

Inland valleys are particularly susceptible to dust accumulation due to their geographic characteristics. Dust storms are notorious in areas like Palm Springs and surrounding desert communities, where dust blocker technology helps solar panels shed dust, keeping them cleaner longer and helping to produce more energy. The dry, windy conditions can quickly lead to a buildup of dust and debris on solar panels, making regular cleaning not optional but a necessity.

In the U.S., soiling can account for up to 7 percent of energy loss from blockage, with the areas of the southwestern U.S. seeing the highest levels of soiling. That loss may range as high as 25% in some areas according to the National Renewable Energy laboratory, with individual dealers reporting losses as high as 30% for customers who failed to ever clean their panels.

Frequency Matters in High Wind Areas

If your home is in an area that gets lots of rain, you don’t need to clean your panels that often. If you’re in a drier location with more dust and pollen, you may need to do this more frequently. In general, it’s recommended to clean your panels at least once or twice a year. If you live in a dusty or heavily polluted area, you may need to clean your panels more frequently.

For residents in windy inland valley locations, professional solar panel cleaning in french valley and similar communities should be considered every 3-6 months due to the accelerated accumulation of dust and debris. Cleaning every 6-12 months is generally advised, but local conditions in areas like San Bernardino may require more frequent cleanings.

Professional vs. DIY: Safety and Effectiveness

For most homeowners, solar panels will be mounted on the roof where it is dangerous to undertake a manual cleaning process. In situations such as this, use a telescopic pole from a safe distance, or consider hiring a professional who will have the proper safety equipment. If your solar panels are installed on your roof, consider hiring a professional when it is time for a cleaning. Hiring a professional can ensure the job is done both safely and effectively, with the least personal and financial risk involved.

Cleaning improperly can lead to damage like microcracks that cause more issues down the road. Professional cleaning services use specialized equipment and techniques designed specifically for solar panels, including pure reverse osmosis deionized water, ensuring a chemical-free, safe, and effective clean.

Wind-Specific Maintenance Considerations

Make it a habit to check your panels every few months or after significant weather events, such as storms or high winds. While cleaning your solar panels, take the time to inspect the mounting hardware for signs of rust, wear, or damage. Tighten loose bolts, replace damaged components, and ensure the mounting structure is stable and secure. A well-maintained mounting system will help protect your solar panels from damage due to strong winds or other environmental factors.

Avoid windy, damp, and snowy conditions when attempting to clean panels yourself. Clean early in the morning or in the evening when the panels are cool. In high heat, water and soap can evaporate quickly, leaving streaks and smears.

The Investment Protection Perspective

Your purchase of solar panels represents a significant investment. Allowing solar panels to become dirty due to airborne particles, bird droppings, and tree leaves can greatly diminish your solar power output. In other words, you are not getting the production you paid to get.

If you don’t maintain your solar panels, their performance can decline over time. Dust, dirt, and debris can block sunlight, reducing efficiency. Without regular checks, issues like damaged panels, loose wiring, or wear and tear may go unnoticed, leading to higher energy costs or costly repairs. Regular maintenance helps keep your system running efficiently and extends its lifespan.

Conclusion

Living in a windy inland valley location means your solar panels work harder against the elements. While wind can have both positive and negative effects on solar panels, it is important to take steps to mitigate the risks and ensure that your panels are properly installed and maintained. With the right precautions, solar panels can be a reliable and efficient source of renewable energy in even the windiest of areas.

Regular professional cleaning, proper maintenance, and vigilant monitoring are essential for protecting your solar investment. By understanding the unique challenges posed by high wind environments and taking proactive steps to address them, you can ensure your solar panels continue to provide maximum energy output and long-term value for years to come.