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The Importance of Keeping Solar Panels and Skylights Clean

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Tag: Solar Panel Cleaning

The Importance of Keeping Solar Panels and Skylights Clean

Posted on by Chris Dobson

At Gutter-Vac Northern and Southern Tasmania, our services do not just stop at cleaning gutters. We also clean solar panels as well as skylights. In recent years, the adoption of renewable energy sources has gained significant momentum, with solar panels being one of the most popular choices for homeowners. Alongside solar panels, skylights have also become a sought-after feature that provides natural light. To ensure optimal performance and longevity, it is crucial to keep both solar panels and skylights clean. So, how can you do this?

Maximising Energy Efficiency
Solar panels are designed to harness sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. However, when dirt, dust and debris accumulate on their surfaces, this greatly reduces their efficiency. Regular cleaning helps to remove these obstructions.

Extending Lifespan
Solar panels are a long-term investment with their lifespan ranging from 25 to 30 years or more. Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning, plays a vital role in extending their life. By keeping them clean, you can prevent unnecessary wear and tear.

Enhancing Skylight Performance
Skylights make an excellent addition to any building, providing natural light and reducing the need for artificial lighting. However, like any other window, skylights accumulate dirt, dust and even animal droppings. This can be an eyesore that is easily taken care of by regular cleaning and maintenance.

Safety Considerations
Regular cleaning of solar panels and skylights also has safety implications. Accumulated debris, underneath solar panels and around skylights, can create a fire hazard, especially when the weather begins to warm up. By prioritising cleanliness, you reduce the risk which creates a safer environment.

The importance of keeping solar panels and skylights clean cannot be overstated. Remember, a little effort in keeping them clean goes a long way in maximising their potential and preserving their value.  

Need your solar panels and/or your skylights cleaned? Did you know if you book in a gutter clean at the same time as your solar panel clean, the price is discounted for the solar panel clean! You can get a free quote here or you can call 1300 654 253 to book in.

The Importance of Regular Solar Panel Cleaning

Posted on by Clinton Mc Coy

Have you ever noticed how a dirty car windshield can make it difficult to see the road ahead? Well, the same concept applies to solar panels. When solar panels are covered in dirt, dust, or debris, it can make it difficult to absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. This can result in a significant decrease in energy production, which can be frustrating for homeowners who have invested in a solar energy system to reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint.

But fear not! Regular solar panel cleaning by Gutter-Vac Coffs Harbour’s experienced solar panel cleaners can help ensure that your solar energy system operates at peak efficiency and generates as much power as possible. By removing the dirt and debris that can accumulate on solar panels, you can increase their ability to absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. This means more power for your home and more savings on your energy bills!

Cleaning solar panels regularly not only increases energy efficiency but also helps extend the lifespan of solar panels. Dirt and debris can create hot spots that damage the cells and reduce efficiency over time. By keeping panels clean, homeowners can prevent this damage and ensure their solar panels last for years to come.

So, if you want to get the most out of your solar energy system and maximise your return on investment, it’s essential to prioritise solar panel cleaning. Not only will it help increase energy efficiency and reduce your energy bills, but it will also help extend the lifespan of your solar panels and keep them performing at their best.

Get a quote if you’d like Gutter-Vac Coffs Harbour to clean your solar panels safely. We’ll make sure your solar panels are in tip-top shape, and ready to generate clean, renewable energy for many years to come.

The Best Process For Cleaning Solar Panels

Posted on by Phillip Valencour

Your solar panels must be spick and span to continue functioning efficiently for years. Regular cleaning and maintenance sessions will ensure they remain in good shape and provide all your energy needs.

Solar panels are high-functioning devices that can easily get damaged if one doesn’t follow the correct cleaning procedures.

Whether you’re calling a commercial cleaner or doing a DIY job, here is the best process to follow when cleaning solar panels:

Solar Panel Equipment and Tools

The first step involves preparing all the right tools and equipment needed for an efficient cleaning job. Preparing these ahead of time will ensure a smooth and hassle-free process.

Here are the tools you need:

  • Cleaning solution (no harsh chemicals)
  • Clean water
  • Water hose
  • Cleaning brush with soft bristles
  • Squeegee
  • Hose nozzle

Using the right cleaning solution, soft brushes, and clean water is crucial. Any other equipment may lead to irreparable damage to your solar panels.

Safety Precautions

While some cleaning can be done from the ground, you will need to go where the panels are installed to complete the job.

Take all necessary safety precautions if you have to step on your roof. Assess the safety risks and determine whether you can do such a job yourself. If not, call in professional cleaners—they will clean your solar panels efficiently and safely, and you can rest assured that no damage will be done to your roof and installations.

Solar Panel Cleaning

Step 1

Shut down your solar panel system and all adjacent electrical components connected to it.

Step 2

Using a soft brush or cloth, carefully remove loose debris. You can use an extendable brush if working from the ground or a distance away.

Step 3

Wash away the dirt and loosen stubborn grime using a low-pressure garden hose with a nozzle.

For grime that won’t come off, try scrubbing with a cleaning solution and soft brush or microfibre cloth. The cleaning solution must be mild, non-abrasive, and non-caustic.

Step 4

Once again, use water to rinse off the dirt. Then, take a squeegee and wipe off all the water from the solar panels.

Repeat this thorough cleaning process every six months.

Gutter-Vac to the Rescue

Cleaning your solar panels yourself might save some money upfront, but you are putting your pricey installations. Plus, it is a lot of work when you consider all the preparation and care you need to take.

Why not give these high-functioning power sources the care they deserve and call a professional instead?

Gutter-Vac can help keep your solar power running strong by ensuring your solar panels are always ready to absorb all available sunlight. Give us a call to book an appointment today!

Gutter Cleaning in Coningham, An Incredible Job

Posted on by Chris Dobson

“Always happy with the level of professionalism provided. Operator was punctual, courteous and did an incredible job. I had to leave part way through but all gates and areas that needed to be secured were as I instructed which is important to me as we have an elderly dog and the operator acknowledged that and made sure they closed gates behind him so thank you.. Will go again in twelve months’ time. Thank you 👍”

Karlo, Coningham Tas
Gutter Clean in Coningham

Our technicians pay close attention to detail and endeavour to accommodate our customers’ requests. Customers trust our technicians to enter their property and complete work, you can trust that they have a high level of integrity. We look forward to seeing you again next year Karlo. Thank you for your feedback and business, it is greatly appreciated. 

Solar Panel Clean

Before and After Solar Panel Clean

Gutter Clean

Before and After Gutter Clean

Solar Panel Cleaning In Launceston

Posted on by Chris Dobson

Have you been told that your solar panels are self-cleaning?

If they are on a very steep angle and you get a fair amount of rain, then maybe you could get away with not cleaning your panels.

But most solar panels will require a clean. Birds defecate on them, trees leave pollen on them and moss and lichen grow on them. Everyday dirt and grime builds up and forms a layer over the glass.

Consider trying to look out of dirty glasses or a dirty window or windscreen. It is much clearer when they have been cleaned. The same can be said of solar panels. The cleaner they are the more efficient they are.

And let’s face it, you have gone to the expense of installing them so you may as well get the most out of them.

Just look at the difference in the before and after photo of the solar panel clean we completed in Launceston.

Solar Panel Cleaning in Launceston

This client has requested that we clean their gutters every year and at the same time clean the panels. As we are there already, cleaning the gutters, we charge a reduced rate on the panel clean. 

If you have not considered your solar panels before, it might be time to start now. And why not get the gutters done too?

Two jobs ticked of the list every year with a reminder from us when they are due. We will get the work done with as minimum of an interruption to your life as an email to see if you want the work completed that year. You don’t even have to be home when we do the work, as long as you are happy for us to be there without you.

You will be emailed a report and photos of the completed work along with your invoice, with our bank details. There is no face to face contact where COVID 19 is concerned. But if you want to talk to us we are happy to talk over the phone, through the door or window  or face to face in keeping with the regulations of social distancing.

Booking a job is as easy as ringing, emailing or submitting a website enquiry.

Gutter Cleaning and Solar Panel Cleaning Done Together Saves Money

Posted on by Chris Dobson

Did you know that when you combine a gutter clean with a solar panel clean, it is cheaper?

Gutter clean

If you have solar panels, have you considered cleaning them? Keeping the panels clean, maximises the efficiency of them.

  • Solar panel clean
  • Solar panel clean

These solar panels are now clean and ready for the task at hand.

We use our safety equipment to attach to the roof to clean the gutters on most jobs. It takes time to get our ladders out and then access the roof and install our temporary anchor system.

If you have solar panels on the roof and you were to clean them at the same time as the gutter clean, it would mean setting up and packing up once to do two jobs.  Gutter-Vac Tasmania provides a reduced rate on the solar panel clean when both jobs are done together.

Vacuum cleaning gutters from the roof is a safe exercise when using our company, as we are all trained to work at heights. The job can be done easily with no mess left behind.

gutter clean Hobart
gutter clean Hobart

Our insurances cover us to work at any height. 

We provide free, no obligation quotes. Contact us to get yours today.

Does cleaning solar panels really matter?

Posted on by Warren Ballantyne

Yes, cleaning solar panels does matter.

Over time, the surface of your solar panels will collect dust and grime.  This dust and grime will actually reduce the efficiencies of your solar panels and the amount of electrical power they will produce.  This is why it is important to clean your solar panels.

But before you go up and try and do this yourself, there are some things to note.

  • Lots of water, on a roof, with no safety equipment is a disaster waiting to happen so don’t DIY
  • You shouldn’t use chemicals on solar panels as this can damage them
  • You need to look out for wires – especially if birds or critters have been ‘nibbling’ on them
  • Special brushes should be used to clean solar panels

It is always best to leave this to the professionals to do, but rain alone will not clean your solar panels.  A bit like rain on the windscreen of your car gets it wet, but it is the windscreen wipers that clean the window.

So yes, it does matter if you do or don’t get your solar panels cleaned, but it also matters on how they are cleaned.  #leaveittotheprofessionals

Do You Have Moss Growing On Your Solar Panels?

Posted on by Chris Dobson

Just the slightest of spots on a solar panel can cause an inefficiency in the output of power.

Dirty solar panels can lose up to 50% of efficiency, when compared to clean solar panels. These are the results of recent university research.

Do you drive around with a dirty windscreen on your car?

It is so much clearer looking through a clean windscreen. Using the wiper blades keeps the middle of the windscreen clear but when you look at the edge of the windscreen a dirty film collects and is not wiped by the blades. The visibility of light is obscured in the outer parts of your windscreen. This is the case on a solar panel, if light is obscured then this loss of light will decrease the efficiency of the panel.

Solar Panel Cleaning

Dust and grime collects and settles on the panel. Rain water carries particles that are left on the panel after the rain has evaporated. Moss and lichen grow in spots and reduce the efficiency.

If you have gone to the trouble and expense of installing a solar panel system, then you want to get the most out of them.

Gutter-Vac Tasmania cleans solar panels and we have a scheduling program to send out a reminder every year. We also reduce the price per panel when combining the solar clean with a gutter clean.

Why not obtain a no obligation free quote today for both solar cleaning and gutter cleaning.

Going Solar: The Benefits and Challenges of Solar Panels

Posted on by Phillip Valencour

Solar panels are an excellent investment.

With technology improving every single year, the level of power they can provide for your home is continually increasing and energy storage provides non-stop power come rain, shine or solar eclipse.

Solar panel maintenance is essential though and being aware of the potential issues of rooftop panelling will maintain efficiency and give your panels a longer lifespan, providing free power and better return on your investment.

Follow these five tips to make more of your solar:

1. Clean Surfaces Make More Power

Salt residue, leaf litter and day-to-day grime can build up quickly on your panel surfaces. Over time, the efficiency of your panels will decrease, making less power and reducing your return on investment. By keeping your panels clean, you will maximise their effectiveness and make your money back far sooner.

2. An Added Fire Hazard

As we have mentioned before, leaf build-up in gutters, valleys and elsewhere can create a potential fire hazard and increase your property’s damage risk in the event of a domestic or bushfire. Solar panels also create potential a collection point for loose, dry leaves and increased fire risk. By regularly cleaning around and beneath your panels, you will remove this hazard.

3. Vermin Love Solar Too

It’s warm, it’s cosy and it’s sheltered from the rain – what better place to roost, nest and raise your young than under a solar panel! Birds, mice, squirrels and other vermin view solar panels as prime real estate and this can be a disaster for homeowners in several ways.

Pigeon poo can become toxic over time and can damage your solar panels, surrounding roof, the paving below, and even your health. Nesting materials are not only messy, they will also add to that fire risk we mentioned. Lastly, there’s the noise factor. Between the squawking and squeaking, vermin can make for restless nights and frustrating days, so preventing the issue with wire mesh and other devices has numerous benefits.

4. Smaller Pest Issues

It’s not only larger vermin that can create dramas with your solar panels; smaller bugs and insects can also take up residence around your solar panelling. The issue with this is twofold: firstly, they can damage and decrease the lifespan and efficiency of your panels. Secondly, termites, cockroaches and other pests can migrate into your home, causing damage to timbers and property.

By using pest control products, you can eliminate or deter infestations and avoid these issues.

5. Gutter-Vac is Your One-Stop Solution

Cleaning your own solar panels is an option, but without an angled roofing ladder it can be both challenging and dangerous. Also, if there is a build-up of pigeon mess, protective equipment will be essential to keep you safe.

Without the correct tools, you can risk scratching or damaging your solar panels, reducing efficiency, voiding warranties and potentially breaking them completely.

Pest control products can also be damaging to your health so again, without the correct gear, this can be a risky job to tackle yourself.

Gutter-Vac franchisees are fully equipped to deal with all of these circumstances, removing the hassle and risk of tackling the job yourself.

Using specialised products, we remove and deter pests of all kinds with repellent solutions for insects and long-lasting coated stainless steel mesh to prevent vermin from nesting beneath or around your solar panels. We also use professional clips for vermin mesh, protecting your panels from damage without voiding warranty.

Professionally maintaining your solar panels is essential to help keep them efficient and protecting your return on investment for many years to come.

Contact Gutter-Vac today for a quote on your solar panel maintenance.

Solar Panel Cleaning in Devonport

Posted on by Chris Dobson

Do these look like they are self-cleaning panels to you?

Some of our clients have been told they would not have to clean their panels. The rain would wash away the filth. But dirt and grime collects and adds a film over them.

And what about the lichen that may grow? There is also pollen. It sticks to the panel in little yellow spots and even when cleaned off can leave a residue mark.

Cleaning your solar panels regularly will increase the output to your system. Even a small amount of dirt or lichen on your panel can decrease the output efficiency.

Imagine looking through dirty glasses all the time… It makes it hard to see through.

Then you clean them and how bright everything suddenly is!

It is the same with your solar panels.

Imagine just how much more rays can be soaked up if the panels are clean…

There is a certain process you need to follow when cleaning the panels on the roof.

To stay safe from slipping, we start with the lower panels, working from one end and to the other. Then we make our way to the top row of panels and stand above the row so we are not standing in the water used to clean the panels.

Always work either from bottom to top or across the roof and keep ahead of the water you are putting on the roof to clean the solar panels.

Solar Panel Cleaning in Devonport

This is not a D.I.Y. task, as it requires safety equipment to work on the roof and has a high risk factor if you do not know how to manoeuvre around the roof and solar panels, avoiding the excess water.

Avoid the risk and get those panels soaking up the rays again. Call in the professionals and see what we can do for you. Combing a gutter clean with a solar panel clean gets you a special rate on the solar panel clean.

Call us for more information, PH 1300 654 253

Call 1300 654 253

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