Solar panel cleaning is a crucial part of maintaining your solar energy system. You could end up with a lower energy output if you are making these common solar panel cleaning mistakes. 1. Not cleaning panels regularly enough Many people think they can go long stretches of time without cleaning their solar panels and still get the same performance from them. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. Solar panel efficiency decreases significantly when not cleaned on a regular basis, so it’s important to make sure you are cleaning your panels at least once every three months or so. 2. Using the wrong products or tools It is important to use the right products and tools when cleaning your solar panels as some chemicals or abrasive materials can cause damage to your solar cells. Make sure to use only specialized solar panel cleaners that won’t harm your cells and clean with a soft cloth or microfiber towel instead of anything abrasive like steel wool. 3. Cleaning in direct sunlight If you clean your solar panels in direct sunlight, you risk having streaks on the surface that could hinder its performance. The best time to clean them is early in the morning or late in the evening when there is no direct sunlight, as that will help prevent any streaking due to hot spots on the panel caused by direct sun exposure during cleaning. 4. Improper water pressure If water pressure is too high when cleaning, it can cause permanent damage to your cells, reducing their ability to collect energy efficiently. To avoid this, only use a low-pressure garden hose with a nozzle set at its lowest setting while washing with water—it should be enough for most dust particles but will not put too much stress on the surface of your panels. 5. Neglecting to check for Damage Before Cleaning Before beginning any kind of cleaning process on your solar panels, it's important to check for any signs of damage such as cracked glass surfaces or loose wiring that might need repair before continued cleaning activities begin since these issues could further complicate matters if left unattended before attempting a full scale clean up job! 6. Not paying attention to contaminants on the panel You need to pay attention to what kind of contaminants may be stuck on the surface of your panel—just using plain water might not always be enough for removing certain things such as bird droppings and tree sap which require specific chemical cleaners designed specifically for those purposes only! 7. Taking shortcuts with safety procedures While working with electricity and water simultaneously can be dangerous (and should never be attempted without proper knowledge). Taking shortcuts such as reaching into pools of standing water near electrical components due to lack of safety precautions can lead to serious injury or death so take all necessary safety measures including using insulated rubber gloves and bonding wires connected directly between both pieces of equipment being handled before attempting any kind of maintenance related activity involving electricity around pools. The Bottom Line Solar energy is a great choice for your pockets until you neglect its health. If you have been committing these above-mentioned mistakes, it’s time to fix them for the longevity of your solar panels.