Warning: My neighbor's solar advice saved me $200 on my electric bill

Old guy named Jim across the street told me to clean my solar panels with vinegar and water. I thought he was crazy. Been 6 months since I actually did it. My panels were caked with dust and bird droppings from spring. After I cleaned them, my August bill dropped from $80 to $60. He said most people forget the panels need washing twice a year. Now I set a reminder on my phone every May and November. Anyone else notice a big difference after cleaning their panels?

2 comments

2 Comments

leebrown21d ago

Did you use a soft brush or just spray them down? I always worry about scratching the glass or messing up the seals around the edges.

shah.evan21d ago

You are right to worry about the seals, @leebrown. I learned that lesson the hard way. I only ever use a very soft microfiber cloth and a gentle spray of water, nothing harsher than that. Those rubber seals around the edges can dry out and crack if you hit them with too much pressure or harsh chemicals. I actually lost a whole panel once because I got too aggressive with a regular garden hose nozzle. A soft brush is fine for the frames as long as its bristles are not stiff, but I keep it far away from the glass itself.