The popularity of installing a commercial solar water heater in both commercial and residential properties has greatly increased. At the same time, it is important to note that such energy systems require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure their smooth and efficient functioning. Moreover, it is necessary to get some components repaired or replaced from time to time to avoid problems like scaling and corrosion that are the most common issues in hot water systems.
Some of the basic maintenance and inspection can be handled by yourself, but you will need professional help from qualified technicians to ensure the system is working in optimum performance. In some cases, replacing the entire commercial solar water heater can even be more cost-effective than repairing it.
Here are some of the important tips that you should follow while cleaning solar water heater panels:
1. Cleaning the Panels from the Ground
It is important to start cleaning the solar panels from the ground, especially due to safety reasons. This procedure is quite simple as all you need is a good-quality soft brush and a cloth-covered sponge with an extension that you can use to thoroughly clean the panels. Moreover, you will need a hose with an appropriate-sized nozzle to let the stream of water reach every part of the panel.
Bear in mind if you are not able to clean the panels from the ground, then you should not try to do it from the rooftop without having any safety equipment and training. Therefore, it is always a good idea to acquire professional help to clean the hot water system as they will be familiar with the best cleaning techniques.
2. Timing
If you want to get maximum benefits from cleaning the commercial solar water heater, you must schedule it at a suitable time. Consider cleaning the solar panels early in the morning or later in the evening because if the sun is shining too bright on the panels, then the water used to clean the panels will evaporate and dirt will get accumulated all over the panels.
Most of the professional cleaners also prefer cleaning the hot water systems early in the morning because the dew usually plays a vital role in softening the grime. As a result, less water and energy are needed to fully clean the panels.
3. Cleaning Materials
There is a variety of dirt and dust that accumulates on the solar panels over a period of time. It is not necessary to get rid of all the pollutants with water or just one single product. Brushing off the loose materials without water is important to get rid of the hard material that might have stuck on the panels.
Another important aspect of cleaning is that harsh products like metal objects should not be used for removing the material from the panels because excessive scratching can severely affect the performance of the solar panels and overall hot water system. Using the right cleaning material is essential to make sure you are not damaging the solar panels during this process.
Generally, clean water and a soft cloth, brush, or sponge is enough to remove most of the dirt and dust from the good-quality solar panels. The quality of the water that you use in cleaning plays a crucial role in determining the overall efficiency of the cleaning process. It is advisable to use water that has low mineral contents and low water hardness.
4. Removing Oily Stains
Oily stains on the solar panels do not only affect their appearance but also reduce their output. Such stains are quite common in numerous installation cases, especially when you are living near an airport or a highway that is often visited by lorries. The good thing is that you can easily get rid of the oil stains by using isopropyl alcohol as a spot-cleaning substance.
In a Nutshell
There are various aspects of cleaning solar panels. As a result, it can be quite difficult for the user to manage this process. In most residential areas, users tend to ignore the importance of regular maintenance and cleaning of hot water systems. Similarly, some organizations also do not maintain their commercial solar water heater due to which they have to bear even more expenses of reinstalling or replacing the entire system.
In fact, such charges can easily be avoided by regular inspection and cleaning of the solar panels. Typically, these systems have the guarantee of up to 10 years so you do not have to worry about replacing them unless they are not regularly cleaned or have been irreversibly damaged. For more information, feel free to get in touch with us.