Solar panel cleaning is important for maintaining optimal solar system performance. Dust, grime and environmental pollutants severely impact the efficacy of solar panels. In fact, studies have shown panel performance can degrade by 20% or higher without regular cleaning and maintenance.
As you already know, living in Long Island we get plenty of pollen in the air during spring, it can accumulate on solar panels and lower energy production. Regular washing is recommended during this season to prevent pollen buildup. While rain will certainly wash away certain substances that accumulate on the panels, it won’t be as effective as a manual clean.
Solar systems are only productive when their surface is kept clean. Dust, particles and objects will not cause permanent damage, but their electricity output can be reduced drastically. If your solar panels are producing less electricity than usual, even with sunny weather, they could need cleaning or maintenance.