As solar energy becomes an increasingly popular choice for homeowners, the importance of maintaining the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems and solar panel cleaning in Tucson cannot be overstated. In the desert climate, solar panels are subjected to extreme conditions, including frequent dust storms and minimal rainfall. Without proper care, dust and debris accumulation can significantly reduce the energy production of your system. Some scholarly studies have shown that dust and debris can reduce solar panel efficiency considerably. This reduced efficiency leads to lower energy output which ultimately costs homeowners money. This is why it is important to regularly clean your solar panels and have a solar cleaning company in Tucson come out once a year.

How Dust Reduces Solar Panel Efficiency

In Tucson’s arid environment, dust and dirt can accumulate on solar panels at an accelerated rate, leading to a considerable reduction in efficiency. Studies indicate that in desert regions, dirty solar panels can experience an energy loss of up to 30-50%. This significant reduction happens because dust forms a barrier that blocks sunlight from reaching the photovoltaic cells, which are responsible for converting light into electricity. As a result, the more dust and dirt accumulate on the panels, the less sunlight is absorbed, and the energy production decreases.

It is also important to note that the impact of dirt is not uniform across all types of solar panels. Certain models, particularly those with flat surfaces, may be more prone to dust buildup, while others with a steeper angle might shed some dust naturally. However, even panels with a higher tilt are still subject to some level of energy loss due to dust accumulation in Tucson’s dry climate.

Recommended Timeline For Cleaning

The frequency of residential solar panel cleaning in Tucson depends on environmental factors, but experts generally recommend cleaning panels 1-2 times per year in the desert region. This schedule ensures that dust does not build up to levels that would result in significant energy losses. In areas where dust storms are more frequent or if the panels are situated near dirt roads, more frequent cleaning may be necessary. A reliable solar cleaning company in Tucson can provide tailored cleaning schedules to optimize your system’s performance based on the specific conditions in your area.

It’s important to understand that rain is unlikely to sufficiently clean solar panels in Tucson due to the region’s dry conditions. Therefore, regular cleaning is necessary to prevent the accumulation of dust and maintain energy production levels.

The Financial Benefits of Regular Cleaning

The Tucson homeowners who have invested in solar panels may not realize the financial implications of not cleaning the panels. With potential energy losses of up to 30-50%, dirty panels could result in a major underperformance of your solar system, affecting both your energy savings and return on investment. In contrast, cleaning your solar panels can restore their efficiency and ensure that you are generating the maximum amount of electricity.

The cost of cleaning is relatively low compared to the potential losses in energy production. Regular maintenance by a professional solar cleaning company Tucson can extend the life of the panels and reduce the need for costly repairs. Moreover, it ensures that your system continues to perform at its optimal capacity, lowering energy bills and maximizing savings over time.

A Solar Panel Cleaning Company in Tucson

In Tucson, where the desert environment can lead to rapid dust accumulation, regular cleaning of solar panels is very important for homeowners. As mentioned above, a reduced efficiency costs money. By hiring a professional solar cleaning company, homeowners can ensure that their panels are operating at peak performance, protecting their investment and maximizing energy production.  

Desert Sky Roofing can take care of your dirty solar panels. We use a special reverse osmosis / deionization system that purifies the water we use to clean your solar panels. This ensures your solar panels are streak free and ready to produce the energy they were created to produce. Call us today to get your solar panels cleaned.  While we are on your roof, we can also provide a free roof inspection and let you know if there are any other issues you need to address.