Will My Solar Panels Be Damaged If I Have My Roof Cleaned?

Solar panels have become increasingly popular across Australia, thanks to our abundant sunshine and growing emphasis on renewable energy. Maintaining these panels is crucial to ensure their efficiency and longevity, however homeowners often wonder if having their roof cleaned might damage their solar panels. 

At Order Of The Lawn, we understand these concerns and are committed to providing roof cleaning services that protect your solar panels. In this blog, we’ll explain how we ensure your solar panels remain safe during the roof cleaning process.

Understanding the Basics of Roof Cleaning

Roof cleaning often involves methods like pressure washing, which uses high-pressure water jets to remove dirt, debris, and other contaminants from surfaces. This technique is highly effective for cleaning hard surfaces such as driveways and certain types of roofing. However, when it comes to solar panels, this method requires careful consideration due to their delicate structure.

Our Approach to Safe Roof Cleaning

We specialise in cleaning roofs without compromising the integrity of your solar panels. Here’s how we ensure your panels stay safe:

1. Avoiding Direct Pressure on Panels

We never apply high-pressure water jets directly to the solar panels. Instead, we focus on cleaning the surrounding roof areas to prevent any potential damage to the delicate PV cells, coatings and electrical components.

2. Using Gentle Cleaning Techniques

Our team uses gentle cleaning techniques to remove dirt and debris from the roof without impacting the solar panels. We understand the importance of maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your panels and take every precaution to protect them.

3. Preventing Water Ingress

By carefully controlling the water pressure and direction, we prevent water ingress into the seals and electrical components of the solar panels. This approach helps avoid short circuits, corrosion and other electrical issues that could compromise the functionality of your panels.

4. Adhering to Manufacturer Guidelines

We follow all manufacturer guidelines and recommendations for cleaning roofs with solar panels. This adherence ensures that our methods do not void your panel warranties, leaving you with peace of mind.

Why Pressure Washing Solar Panels Can Be Risky

While pressure washing is a powerful cleaning method, it is generally not recommended for solar panels due to several risks:

Damage to PV Cells and Coatings

Solar panels consist of photovoltaic (PV) cells protected by a layer of glass and often coated with an anti-reflective material. High-pressure water jets can damage these cells and coatings, leading to decreased efficiency and potential long-term damage.

Water Ingress

Pressure washing can force water into the seals and electrical components of solar panels. This water ingress can cause short circuits, corrosion, and other electrical issues that compromise the functionality of the panels.

Physical Damage

The aluminium frame and glass surface of solar panels are designed to withstand various weather conditions but are not impervious to high-pressure water jets. Pressure washing can result in broken glass, bent frames, and misalignment, all of which negatively impact the performance and appearance of the panels.

Warranty Concerns

Many solar panel manufacturers explicitly advise against pressure washing. Using this method can void warranties, leaving you financially responsible for any damage and necessary repairs.

Best Practices for Roof Cleaning with Solar Panels

When cleaning roofs with solar panels, it’s important to follow best practices to avoid any damage and ensure effective cleaning. At Order Of The Lawn, we adhere to these best practices:

Use Soft Materials

We always use soft brushes, sponges or cloths to clean the roof surfaces near the solar panels. Abrasive materials can scratch the glass and damage the anti-reflective coating.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

We do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. Mild soap or detergent mixed with water is sufficient to clean most dirt and grime without damaging the panels.

Safety First

We follow all safety guidelines when cleaning roofs with solar panels. Our team uses appropriate safety gear and takes necessary precautions to avoid accidents.

Conclusion

At Order Of The Lawn, we understand the importance of maintaining both your roof and solar panels. Our specialised cleaning techniques ensure that your solar panels remain safe and undamaged during the roof cleaning process. By avoiding high-pressure water jets and using gentle, effective methods, we protect your investment and help maintain the efficiency of your solar panels.

If you need professional roof cleaning services that prioritise the safety of your solar panels, get in touch today. We are dedicated to providing top-quality cleaning solutions without compromising the integrity of your solar energy system.