9 Tips for Cleaning Solar Panels With Hard Water in 2023

With the increased demand for renewable energy, more Americans installed solar panels on their property because they’re clean and cheap. More homeowners are switching, you know?

However, one component of solar panel maintenance that is sometimes forgotten is cleaning, which is critical for preserving its efficiency and lifespan.

When it comes to cleaning solar panels, utilizing hard water might be especially difficult.

Yo, check it out! This report from the United States Geological Survey says that over 85% of the US has hard water. Crazy, right?

Which is rich in calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that can accumulate on solar cell surfaces.

This increase can make the panels less effective and lead to less energy being made.

Hey, check out these tips for cleaning solar panels with hard water! You’ll want to ensure they’re working their best and giving you all the energy output you need.

---

What Is Hard Water? 💧

Mineral-rich hard water contains calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Mineral accumulation in pipes, appliances, and fixtures reduces efficiency.

Hard water can also generate soap scum in the shower, make soap lather poorly, and leave a film on dishes and glasses.

Water hardness is usually measured in GPG or PPM. Water under 1 GPG is mild, while water over 7 GPG is quite hard.

Many homeowners install water softeners or water conditioning devices that remove minerals from hard water.

This can extend pipe and appliance lifespans and reduce costly repairs and replacements.

Over 75% of Texas families and 90% of California households have hard water. Florida, Arizona, and New Mexico also have hard water.

---

Cleaning Solar Panels With Hard Water 💦

Solar panels are so awesome, dude! 🤗 They can absorb solar energy and free us from using non-renewable resources.

Yo, bro, if your solar panels are dirty, they won’t work as well. Cleaning your solar panels can help you save money and increase energy production.

Does Hard Water Damage Solar Panels?

Risks associated with cleaning solar panels using hard water include:

Solar panels must be maintained to maximize energy production. Location and environment affect solar panel maintenance.

Solar panels may need additional cleaning in dusty or polluted environments.

Soft water cleans solar panels best. Soft water’s low mineral content protects panels. To prevent scratches on solar panels.

Solar panels should be cleaned properly and protected from hard water buildup.

But, hard water is available in many locations throughout the US, making it necessary to clean solar panels with hard water in some cases.

So, in that case, using water softeners to convert hard water to soft water, works well.

Convert Hard Water to Soft Water For Cleaning Solar Panels

Hard water softeners remove minerals, making them safe for solar panel cleaning.

Mineral deposits form on solar panels cleaned using hard water. These mineral deposits can affect the efficiency of solar panels by blocking sunlight and reducing energy production.

Soft or filtered water should be used to clean solar panels to avoid this problem. Pure water removes all impurities, while soft water removes mineral deposits.

So to remove mineral deposits, rinse the solar panels after washing them with hard water. Consider using a hard water cleaning solution. Use a cleaning product to clean with hard water.

Solar panels require regular cleaning to be efficient and last longer. If you have hard water, you can purchase a water softener or use filtered water for cleaning.

If you’re not sure how to clean solar panels, hire a pro. These experts clean solar panels safely and effectively.

---

9 Tips For Cleaning Solar Panels With Hard Water 💦

There are many places where soft water is very difficult to get and hard water is abundant there, we got information about how the solar panel staff will use hard water only at such times.

Cleaning solar panels with hard water can be difficult to do thoroughly since the minerals in the water can deposit minerals on the panels’ surface, decreasing their effectiveness.

When cleaning solar panels, it’s crucial to employ the proper methods to avoid this. The following 9 suggestions can help for cleaning solar panels with hard water:

#1. Use a mild soap solution:

Solar panel cleaning requires a milder washing solution. This prevents panel scratches during cleaning.

Avoid using abrasive cleaning chemicals since they can damage the surface being cleaned. This surface should be cleaned without abrasives.

#2. Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge:

Using a sponge or soft brush, carefully scrub the panels without scratching or marring them.

This will help remove mineral buildup on the panels without damaging them. It won’t harm either.

Avoid using abrasive cleaning instruments at all costs. These cleaning tools can damage panel surfaces.

#3. Water softeners make the following jobs easier:

Water softeners are more popular than water conditioning systems for lowering mineral content in water.

This will make cleaning solar panels with hard water easier and reduce mineral accumulation. To achieve this purpose, water minerals may need to be reduced. This must happen.

#4. Rinse thoroughly:

After washing the panels with soap and water, they must be rinsed with filtered or softened water to remove any missing soap residue or mineral deposits.

This is necessary to remove soap residue and deposits. This can assist in cleaning the panels and remove any residue that could prevent them from performing their intended function.

#5. Avoid cleaning during hot or sunny weather:

When washing solar panels in sunny or hot weather, the soap solution may dry too rapidly, creating streaks.

Washing panels in cooler weather avoids this. Cleaning panels in the shade can prevent this issue.

Best time to clean solar panels

Cleaning solar panels with hard water is best done early in the morning or on a cloudy day.

Because the sun’s rays are weaker at these times. Solar panels are less likely to be harmed when the sun’s beams are weaker.

#6. Avoid high-pressure sprays:

Cleaning solar panels with hard water. High-pressure sprays can harm solar panels, so they should not be used for cleaning.

Low-pressure sprays do not do this. Sprays are best. Instead, use moderate-pressure sprays, which are advised.

#7. Squeegees can remove water from the following surfaces:

Before mounting, squeegee the panels after a quick wash and rinse.

This removes any moisture left on the panels after cleaning. Your activities will reduce moisture exposure, reducing water spots and streaks on the panels.

#8. Regular cleaning:

Regularly cleaning solar panels prevents mineral buildup and extends their useful life. Thus, you can use your solar panels more.

Solar panels should be cleaned at least once or twice a year, depending on dirt and debris and residence location. Solar panels need twice-yearly cleaning. Clean solar panels twice a year.

#9. Hire a Professional Cleaning Service:

Hire a specialist if you need help cleaning your solar panels. Ensures proper execution. These steps clean vehicle panels thoroughly.

They can safely clean your solar panels. They’ve always done this. They’ll utilize it.

---

5 Steps for Cleaning Solar Panels With Hard Water

Cleaning solar panels with hard water carefully to avoid damage. Five main steps are here:

Step 1: Preparation

Before cleaning solar panels with hard water, it is important to prepare.

👉 Gathering the necessary materials: Cleaning solar panels requires a soft-bristled brush, squeegee, pail of warm water, and cleaning solution. Use a panel-safe, residue-free cleaner.

👉 Safety precautions to take before cleaning: Before cleaning, protect your skin and eyes with gloves and safety glasses. Make sure the ground under the panels is stable and free of impediments.

👉 Selecting a cleaning time: Solar panels are best cleaned in the morning or late afternoon when they are cool and there is less direct sunlight. When cleaning hot panels, water evaporates too quickly, producing streaks and residue.

Step 2: Wetting Panels

To uniformly apply hard water cleaning solution to solar panels, moisten them first. Water the panels with a hose.

Hard water can remove dirt and debris on panels at this stage. However, excessive water pressure can harm the panels.

Wet the panels at the right time. Wetting the panels in the morning or evening will avoid streaks and blotches.

Step 3: Cleaning Solution

After wetting the panels, use a cleaning solution. Cleaning treatments can be homemade or purchased for hard water.

In a spray bottle, mix water and vinegar. This eco-friendly, easy-to-make solution cleans solar panels well.

Avoid steel wool and brushes, which can harm the panels and diminish their performance.

Look for a business solar panel cleaning product that is safe for hard water. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and avoid getting the solution on your skin or eyes.

Select a panel-safe cleaning solution that won’t leave a residue. Always test a small patch to confirm the solution is safe for your solar panel system.

Step 4: Cleaning Panels

Cleaning solar panels with hard water must be done properly to avoid damage. Panel cleaning tips:

👉 Proper technique for cleaning solar panels: Clean solar panels with a gentle brush or sponge. Work from the panel’s top down. Clean dirt with a gentle circular motion.

👉 Cleaning tools: Use a bucket or hose to rinse the panels. Squeegees can also remove water from panels.

👉 Precautions to take when cleaning: Avoid abrasive cleaners and chemicals that could damage the panels.

Clean the panels gently to avoid scratches. Direct sunshine can cause the cleaning solution to dry too rapidly and smear the panels.

Follow these ways to clean solar panels without damaging them.

Step 5: Rinsing Panels

Rinse solar panels after cleaning. Remove all cleaning solutions and dirt from the panels. Again, use a hose with a mild spray attachment.

Rinse the panels with the hose to remove all cleaning solutions and grime. Cover all panels, including edges and corners.

Look for dirt. Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to gently clean any remaining spots.

Rinse the panels until the cleaning solution and grime are gone. Squeegee or dry the panels after rinsing.

Before powering up, let the panels dry completely. This prevents panel water stains and streaks.

Rinse panels gently. Too much pressure or aggressive cleaning instruments can harm panel surfaces and diminish efficiency over time.

---

Final Words about Cleaning solar panels with hard water.

In conclusion, cleaning solar panels with hard water produce the most energy and works efficiently.

Follow these steps to clean your solar panels and eliminate hard water mineral buildup.

Avoid scratching panels by using gentle cleaning solutions and soft-bristled brushes or sponges.

To avoid water spots and streaks, rinse the panels with soft or filtered water to remove soap and mineral deposits.

Clean solar panels look good and yield the most electricity. Don’t allow hard water to stop you from using solar energy.

Follow these cleaning solar panels with hard water recommendations for years of clean and efficient panels.

---

FAQs on Cleaning solar panels with hard water.