Is Pressure Washing Safe for Solar Panels?
While pressure washing is convenient and highly effective for cleaning other surfaces, it poses significant risks for solar photovoltaic panels.
The forceful spray can seep into any small cracks in the panel glass or penetrate the junction between the glass and solar cell material. Over time, this can cause the cell to delaminate or separate from the backing. Even one compromised solar cell means reduced energy production for that entire panel.
The high-pressure water streams can damage delicate solar panel components if not performed carefully.
The main concern is that water spray directed at high pressure can crack or fracture the solar cells or backing material that makes up photovoltaic panels. Careful considerations must be made regarding an individual system's specifications.
For pressure washing to be safe for solar panels, the pressure and nozzle types used are critical. The wand must also be held at least one foot away from the panels to avoid impact damage. Soft fan-tip spray nozzles that produce a wide water pattern work best.
Tips for Safe Pressure Washing
If you determine pressure washing can be done safely on your solar panel system, following these expert tips will help minimize any risks:
Keep pressure below 1000 PSI and increase the distance between the wand and panels to at least 1-2 feet as pressure rises.
Use wide fan-tip nozzles that are 15 degrees or greater. Narrow jet nozzles should be avoided. Work in small 2×2 foot sections and rinse each one individually before moving to the next.
Always spray at a 90-degree angle to the panel surface, and never aim up or down the panel. Move slowly and deliberately across panels. Never forceful scrub or push down on surfaces.
Check weather forecasts and aim to clean on cloudy days to avoid the potential for electrical shock from wet panels. Allow thorough drying time between rinsing sections and before finishing. Overnight is optimal.
When Not to Use Pressure Washing
Some instances when it is not recommended and alternative cleaning methods should be considered:
Thin film or flexible solar panels are less durable and more easily damaged by pressurized water jets.
Heavily soiled panels, covered in thick pollen, dust, or debris, may be safer to initially clean by hand before using any water spray.
Panels that are cracked, chipped, or show any prior signs of damage are at higher risk of water ingress and should only be cleaned manually.
Alternative Solar Panels Cleaning Methods
Use a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth along with a bucket of water and mild dish soap. Gently wipe panels down in sections and rinse clean with a garden hose.
Blowing off loose dirt and dust from panels using compressed air is a dry method that doesn't require any water contact. Use extension wands for safer distances.
Handheld or backpack dry vacuums can suck up stubborn particles without moisture. Extendable microfiber dusters also work well for high or hard-to-reach areas.
Read also: How To Proper Clean Your Solar Panels At Home (5 Ways)
Conclusion
Pressure washing can potentially be utilized to clean solar panels if done with extreme care and following all recommended safety guidelines. However, the risk of damage will always be present compared to alternative water-free cleaning methods. With proper knowledge and precautions, options exist to keep panels performing at their cleanest potential for years to come.