Solar panel cleaning

[Diabalo]

I normally just wash the solar panels with car shampoo now and then. Are the panels coated with anything? I use Rain X rain repellent on the windscreen which I find very good, so wondering if it would be ok on the solar panels as it may keep them cleaner for longer.

 

[Richard n Ann]

Just glass as far as I know, I use waterless wash & wax

 

[nabsim]

I think it may depend on what type of panel you have, my rigid ones are glass as far as I can tell. I was told by friends not to use Rainx on them as they could be damaged but I don’t see why if glass. Saying that I only ever wipe them over to remove dust or soapy water when washing.

 

[Brains]

I find that a simple wipe over with a damp cloth up's the rating of my panels three fold!

I need to do it every time I get my van out of the storage site
The problem Diabalo is where we park our vans.
All that rubbish that comes off those trees!

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

I usually give mine a good waxing ,the rain then washes the dirt off easier.

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[MitchandJenny]

Wet wipes work followed by kitchen towel
work for me.
Mitch

 

[Diabalo]

Wet wipes work followed by kitchen towel
work for me.
Mitch

Sorry, I'm not interested in you sex life

 

[MitchandJenny]

Pillock.

Mitch

 

[GJH]

I use Onedrywash, same as the rest of the van.

 

[Brains]

Sorry, I'm not interested in you sex life

You do it on the roof of your van as well ?

I've found from experience you need to watch the heat those solar panels generate,
A Hot Lady takes on a new meaning!

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[gus-lopez]

needs doing daily here.

 

[Raul]

New panels have a coating, ARC anti reflecting coating, if is still on, the water does not like to sit on it, and forms beads. Agresive detergents, and harsh materials can strip it. I use a cloth or a rubber squeegee, with very little window cleaner. The ARC it’s still on after 3 years.

 

[Fulham Dave]

I use water and a cloth, no additives required, just elbow grease

 

[nabsim]

New panels have a coating, ARC anti reflecting coating, if is still on, the water does not like to sit on it, and forms beads. Agresive detergents, and harsh materials can strip it. I use a cloth or a rubber squeegee, with very little window cleaner. The ARC it’s still on after 3 years.

Wonder if that’s why I was advised against using RainX? Removing some coating on the glass

 

[MitchandJenny]

Sprayed the van (after cleaning) with a polish called “Lucas Slick Mist”..
It’s a VERY fine mist !!! Just over £10..
Only took me 20 mins to do the whole van.
We’ve had it for 6 months and have done both cars after every wash and it’s still 2/3
full..
Bloody good value and SO easy.
Admittedly it’s probably not as good as a hand applied and buffed wax…
But, it’s a hell of a lot easier !!! And that suits us..
Mitch.

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[Don Campbell]

Anybody asked the manufacturers for their recommendations?

 

[Diabalo]

Anybody asked the manufacturers for their recommendations?

Not me, looking online most panels are coated with nano technology these days, not sure how long it lasts. The big solar farms arrays probably get cleaned and re-coated as there are companies online doing it. I suppose a slight drop in performance in individual panels spread over 1000's of panels will make a big difference to the total solar output, a couple of panels on a motorhome with a 5% drop in efficiency probably wouldn't be noticed as much.

 

[Don Campbell]

I'll just carry on using a wet cloth until someone tells me something different works better. I think the main thing is to keep them clean and unshaded.

 

[nabsim]

I'll just carry on using a wet cloth until someone tells me something different works better. I think the main thing is to keep them clean and unshaded.

Me too but usually a dry cloth to move dust. Must admit I only do it rarely, probably more in winter if I have to shove snow off if the sun comes out

 

[s20hymer]

hya i use ceramic hob cleaner on the solar panels it works well

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[Don Quixote]

I use RainX on the solar panels and have for years. Water and dirt run off..... like water on a ducks back. I use the same stuff on te windows mirror etc and find my glasses do not steam up ever when wearing a mask or cold weather.

 

[Diabalo]

I use RainX on the solar panels and have for years. Water and dirt run off..... like water on a ducks back. I use the same stuff on te windows mirror etc and find my glasses do not steam up ever when wearing a mask or cold weather.

Rain X is a nano coating so I can't see it being a problem, I will give it a go.

 

[Speve]

hya i use ceramic hob cleaner on the solar panels it works well

Would think that will remove any coating that was on them?

 

[Don Campbell]

Ceramic hob cleaner is mildly abrasive and I won't be using it, but thanks for the tip about RainX to stop glasses fogging up when wearing a mask.

 

[s20hymer]

hya i use it once or twice a year and the panels look as good now as they did in 2005 when fitted and work well

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[Don Campbell]

hya i use it once or twice a year and the panels look as good now as they did in 2005 when fitted and work well

Fine. I just happen to think soap and water are probably just as good. Whatever works for you.

 

[Mickey1]

Fairy liquid on a long handled brush, then a good rinse off with the hose.