I've been struggling with pollen buildup on my solar panels, which really hurts my energy output. I usually just spray them down in the mornings, but I'm looking for a more sustainable solution. I've considered buying Windex, but I wanted to check if anyone has better suggestions.
4 Answers
If hard water's the problem, maybe look into getting a water softener? They can be a bit pricey, but they really help with washing your panels and will benefit more than just that. A reverse osmosis filter might also be an option for cleaning, but you’ll need to see how much water you actually need to use.
Honestly, the best option might just be to wait for some rain to wash them off! I've cleaned mine when it was raining before. No need for soap, just let nature do the work. If you can't wait for rain, you could hose them off in the early mornings when they're cool. Just avoid any harsh chemicals like RainX, as they can mess up the panel coatings.
I tried hosing them down, but I ended up with hard spots. Seems like a tough situation!
Have you thought about installing a timed sprayer above the panels? It could clean them every few hours and might help with the pollen issue. I know it might be a bit pricey, but it could save you a lot of hassle in the long run!
I haven't considered that, but it's a great idea! Thanks!
You might want to look into some advanced surface treatments like wipe-on polymers used for aircraft canopies. They repel water really well and could help keep your panels cleaner. Maybe try something like RejeX on a test section? It might not keep the pollen off entirely, but it should help reduce water spots. Just remember to reapply it annually!
That sounds interesting! I guess if it helps the water bead up, it could work. I'll definitely check it out.
Make sure to test it first, though. Too many chemicals might harm the solar panels!
Sounds like a solid investment if it helps in the long run!