How to Clean Solar Light Panels
Installing solar lights is a great way to go green on outdoor lighting. Being much smaller than traditional solar panels, solar light panels have special cleaning requirements. Since these lights-cum-panel devices are installed in outdoor spaces, they are prone to accumulating dust and debris over a period of time and must be cleaned regularly to maintain optimum performance.
The surface of the panels can usually be cleaned with water and some sort of cleaning solution. More materials are required for deep cleaning. In this blog, we discuss the need to clean light solar panels, the materials required, ways to clean panels, and precautions to keep in mind.
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How to Clean Solar Light Panels
Why to clean Solar Light Panels?
Solar light panels are sensitive to variable weather conditions of rain, humidity, and cold snow and may deteriorate or become faded and hazy over time because of prolonged exposure to the weather elements, eventually coming to a stop. If dust accumulation is not cleaned from the panels, it results in serious damage and may even result in the cancellation of warranty (if there is one). Gradually, it would lead to the rusting of metal parts of modules. This is not just about rusting; it could also lead to scraping and brushing of the surface of the panel.
Solar Light Panel Cleaning Materials
Here’s a list of materials required to clean solar light panels:
- Alcohol: Alcohol works as a perfect cleanser for the panels. Just rubbing the panel with alcohol does the magic( Isopropyl alcohol is ideal)
- Soft brush: Since the solar light panels are usually small in size, a toothbrush can be effectively used.
- Sandpaper: A sandpaper is used to sand away the dirt and grime off the surface of the panel.
- Tape: Tape is put around the solar panel so that when scrubbing the panel with sandpaper, it will not scratch the panel..
- Detergent: The type of detergent used should not be too harsh or caustic, to avoid damaging the panels. To make this type of cleaning solution, lesser quantities of the deterrent are added to the water. Also, ensure that bleach must not be added to the solution.
- Vinegar: Vinegar is a naturally mild acidic solution that can help get rid of dirt and grease. The tough dirt possibly cannot usually dissolve in water, which has made cleaning of the panel difficult. The contaminants may react with vinegar to produce water-soluble substances which water can easily wash out.
- Toothpaste: Toothpaste forms a mighty cleaning agent because of the inclusiveness of its ingredients. The ingredients are divided into solid and liquid phases. The solid form is mainly the powdered rubbing substance that, when rubbed against the stains, removes them with efficiency. It is simple but a great inexpensive material for cleaning panels.
How to Clean Solar Light Panels?
There are different methods for cleaning solar light panels depending on the needs. In this section, we discuss the general steps of cleaning solar light panels along with the cleaning procedures for special cases.
Basic Steps to Clean Solar Light Panels
- Preliminary Surface Cleaning: First, remove the cover if it exists to protect the bulb of the unit. Dip a cloth in warm water to gently wipe off excess dirt and dust off any organic debris from the whole unit’s surface. At that time, special attention has to be paid to cleaning the bulb and any other electrical components found on the unit’s surface so that no water damage is caused to those. Avoid soaking the cleaning cloth for extra precaution.
- Check the Electrical Component of the Unit: This is a sensitive area, and its cover should be removed using a screwdriver. Observe the wires and cables to check if they are clean. Clean them if they are dirty, using a soft dry cloth or an old T-shirt. The wires and the exposed metals need to be checked for rusting or damage. Dab off any dampness carefully with a dry cloth, keeping the area dry. As a precautionary measure, always use rubber slippers before cleaning this area.
- Cleaning the batteries: The first thing to notice is if corrosion marks are visible as white or gritty deposits around the batteries. Use a wet cloth, a soft-bristled brush, or even an old toothbrush for good service in taking out the obstinate corrosive film. Make sure to clean the battery compartment also. Let both the compartment and batteries dry properly before putting them back. Any moisture invites corrosion.
- Deep Cleaning with detergent: After replacing the cover of the electrical components and the battery, clean off the remaining filmy residue coating on the surface of the panel, light, and cover using soap solution. A cloth soaked in the solution of detergent is usually useful for this step. But to cleanse tougher grime buildup, vinegar can be used.
It should have 8 parts of water, 1 part of vinegar in case vinegar is to be used, adding a small drop of detergent. Mix well and transfer it to a spray bottle. Allow it to sit on stubborn residues. Scrub the surfaces with a soft-bristle brush or soft cloth.
Cleaning Plastic Parts
Cleaning oxidized plastic solar lights
This is because the yellowing of plastic parts is due to the oxidization of elements for long periods. Another thing is that it will not only affect the outlook of the panels but also the structural hardness of the light, thus shortening their life spans.
For such yellowed plastic solar lights, initially start cleaning with a soft cloth or sponge dipped into the detergent solution and scrub the light fixtures till clean of dirt and grime. Then, after cleaning it well with soap, use some cold water to remove the residual soap solution.
Before installing the lights back, let them be completely dry.
how to clean cloudy solar light panels
Before cleaning, cover the plastic part of the light with painting tape, so that it wouldn’t get damaged and discolor. Mark off the border of the panel and cover the rest of the plastic part with it.
Also, do not use sticky tape like duct tape or packaging tape, as one would find that removing it is quite a task, and it may leave behind all the stickiness. Painting tape is available in any local hardware store. Masking tape may also be a good alternative.
Otherwise, clean the panel using a solution of detergent and water to remove any debris. That is important to ensure the debris does not get trapped under the clear coat and, in turn, damage the light. Scrub the panel, removing the remaining grime.
Spray a clear coat on the panel to remove fading. Take a clear coat, like Lacquer, and shake well before spraying. To spray a layer of Lacquer, hold it 6 inches away from the panel. Then, spray a thin layer on the panel to make it shiny. Leave to dry for 30 minutes. After it is dried well, take off the tape.
Apply a single coat only. If the panel is still cloudy, then spray the second coat and let it dry for another 30 minutes. Apply a clear coat that has to be brushed on, lest it feels too thick. Another thing to remember is to keep the spray can moving. Make sure that the clear coat does not pool in any spot.
How to Clean Solar Light Batteries
- To remove the battery corrosion, first put on the gloves. Then take out the batteries. Clean the batteries and test if they still work before discarding them. Also, wear goggles while handling corroded batteries to ensure safety. The residue may splash up while cleaning, and get into your eyes.
- In case alkaline batteries were used, then it is better to replace them with special solar batteries after cleaning the terminals.
- To get rid of corrosion on the batteries and terminals, vinegar works its best. Vinegar neutralizes and dissolves the corrosion. Let the vinegar sit for a minute to soak in before wiping it away. Do not pour out the vinegar as it may flood the electronic components. Apply a drop of vinegar instead. You can dip a paper towel into the vinegar and rub away the corrosion as well.
- A hard-bristled toothbrush can be used to scrub in a circular motion to dislodge the buildup. Wearing goggles while scrubbing off the corrosion to ensure safety would be best suited.
- If the corrosion is stubborn, using fine-grit sandpaper would be great. Use 400-grit sandpaper for this purpose and dislodge the corrosion in a circular motion. After removing the corrosion, check if the batteries are working by placing them back again. If the batteries are not working, it’s time to replace them.
- As alkaline batteries are more prone to corrosion in comparison to rechargeable batteries specifically designed for solar use, replace the alkaline batteries with them.
Check this video on how to clean solar light panels https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4HGLGpim68
When To Clean Solar Light Panels?
Clean once every 3 months
It is necessary to clean the panels every 2-3 months to maintain their performance. These solar light panels are installed outdoors. Therefore, it is easy for the dust and debris to accumulate on the panels. Thus, thorough cleaning every 2-3 months is a must.
In case you live in a damp environment, light does not need to be cleaned as often. But if you live in a dry and dusty environment, cleaning the panels monthly would be preferred.
Final Thoughts
Solar Light Panels are efficient ways to save the electricity used to light up outdoor spaces. Since these panels are installed outdoors, they are prone to accumulation of dust and debris. As these panels are close to the ground, the surface of the panels needs to be cleaned regularly. To clean the panels, the efficient, cost-effective, and easiest way is to use a soft cloth soaked in the cleaning solution. After cleaning the panels, it is necessary to ensure the parts of the panels are dried before using them again. The panels may get oxidized, get cloudy or the battery may corrode. Depending on the problem the cleaning process is different as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, solar farms do not increase the possibility of a thunderstorm while they produce a rise in temperatures but they do not contribute towards the formation of thunderstorms or hurricanes.
No, because hurricanes are found on seas and solar farms are found on land thus they do not attract hurricanes.
Solar farms do not pose any risk related to severe weather
Yes it is a misconception, Thus the idea that solar farms could bring about wind patterns is not true according to certain studies.
Solar farms reduce climate change and greenhouse gas emissions by providing clean energy which helps in reducing climate change and contributes to long-term stability.
