HOW TO CHOOSE SOLAR PANEL CLEANING COMPANIES

If you've purchased solar panels for your home or business, you've made an important investment that conserves energy and saves you money on your utility bills.

Many residential and commercial property owners don't realize, however, the importance of keeping their solar panels clean so they get the most out of their investment.

When solar panels get dirty, their efficiency diminishes. And if you're thinking the next rain storm will do the trick, water pouring down from the sky alone does not wash off the dirt and dust – especially if you live somewhere in which smog, dust, and blowing dirt and sand is present.

If properly maintained, solar panels can last for several years – even several decades. While it might be tempting to hop on a ladder and clean them yourself, hiring a professional solar panel cleaning company can provide a more thorough and effective clean – ensuring your solar panels remain at high performance levels.

While the installation of solar panels is becoming more popular in both homes and businesses, more cleaning companies are also popping up, claiming they can provide your panels with any necessary maintenance.

With a number of choices available, how do you pick the right company to safely and expertly care for this major investment you have made? Here are some tips that will help you find the best professional solar panel cleaning company for your home or business.

Where you live has a direct impact on how often you should have your solar panels cleaned. Hiring a company that is knowledgeable about what elements can impact your panels the most is important.

Though solar panels are durable, they're located outside 24/7. That means they're exposed to the elements, and easily can gather dust, debris and even bird droppings. Accumulations of dirt and other items can block the sunlight from reaching your panels – reducing their efficiency.

If you live in a region where there is an excessive amount of pollution (such as in the city) or where your property is exposed to blowing dirt (such as in a desert climate), your panels may need cleaning more often.

A company familiar with these elements will have the right equipment to clean your solar panels and be able to recognize any outdoor issues that may interfere with their productivity.

It may be tempting to pay someone a few bucks to grab some cleaning solution and a rag, and wipe down your panels. You even may be tempted to save a few dollars and do it yourself.

While you can, you may not want to risk walking around your roof and accidentally voiding the warranty. There is a risk of damage, scratching or inadequately cleaning your panels if done improperly.

One important characteristic of a professional solar panel cleaning company that should never be compromised is whether the company carries all of the appropriate insurances. Making sure a reputable company is insured will give you reassurance that it's there to do the job right.

Cleaning residential and commercial solar panels is challenging. It's important to entrust your panels to trained technicians who have years of experience cleaning solar panels safely and effectively.

Experienced solar panel technicians will:

• Assess your project and perform a visual inspection to determine any safety issues, the condition of the panels and the best method for cleaning them.
• Discuss their recommendations with you based on the assessment. Reputable technicians always will discuss costs upfront and give you a timeline for completion.
• Arrange for equipment and supplies, such as deionized water, cleaning equipment and staff.
• Clean and restore your solar panels, and leave your home or business tidy and clean.
• Discuss a maintenance program that addresses how often your panels should be cleaned.

Asking for references and reading testimonials are some of the best ways to gauge the type and level of work a solar panel cleaning company has completed. Whether you're a homeowner or business owner, there are three easy ways to do this.

• Research using review sites. These include sites like Yelp or Angie's List, which will provide recommendations and ratings from others who have used a company's service.
• Check the company's BBB rating. The Better Business Bureau allows customers of a business to leave reviews on the BBB's website. Some businesses even have a BBB rating based on several factors, including the company's complaint history with the BBB and transparent business practices.
• Asking for references or referrals. Chatting with other customers of a company can provide insight into their experiences.

Choosing the right company to care for your investment will ensure you continue to maximize power production while reducing your carbon footprint.

While solar panels do not require a lot of time and energy to maintain their operation, it's important not to neglect your panels. Doing so will reduce their efficiency and energy production.

A professional solar panel cleaning company can provide high-quality maintenance services, providing you with peace of mind that your panels are generating maximum solar energy while generating maximum savings.