Summary
Wildfires cause ash and soot to settle on your solar panels and reduce their performance. Find out how solar panel cleaning services can help.
Key takeaways:
- Wildfires in Los Angeles can affect your solar panels and reduce their output by as much as 30%.
- Ash and soot build up on the surface of your panels, while clogged vents force your system to work harder.
- At Solar Service Professionals, we understand the unique challenges wildfires cause for LA homeowners and provide solar panel cleaning.
When wildfires threaten Los Angeles, your priority is understandably to keep your home and family safe. Once things are back to normal, don’t overlook your solar panels.
Wildfires cause soot and ashes to build up on panels, greatly reducing the amount of energy your system can produce. Protect your power savings and restore your independence from the grid with solar panel cleaning services.
Why Wildfires Threaten Solar Panel Performance
Los Angeles experiences dangerous wildfires every summer. Drought and wind accelerate fire spread, blanketing entire neighborhoods in dark smoke and ash.
While your solar panels can handle high temperatures, heavy layers of soot and ash will affect their performance. These particles stick to panel surfaces and prevent sunlight from reaching the solar cells. Plus, when smoke hangs in the air, it dilutes sunlight and lowers solar output even before ash settles.
Researchers estimate that solar power generation can drop by 7% to 30% during a wildfire, but they’ve observed drops in energy production as high as 73%.
If you live in the Los Angeles area, you should prepare for dirty air, debris, and falling ash. Quick action after a wildfire is important for getting back to producing electricity with your panels. After all, your panels are an investment, and you need to keep them running to get your money back. Being able to produce your own energy is also a plus, given that wildfires can interrupt the local grid.
How Ash, Soot, and Debris Affect Energy Output for Your Panels
Particles from wildfires form thick layers on solar panels. Ash and soot are different from regular dust because they clump together and cling to panels. If you wake up after a fire and see a thin gray layer on your car or patio, chances are your solar panels got the same coating.
If you don’t clean your panels, you’re looking at higher electric bills and weaker returns from your solar energy system. Leaving a coating of soot and ashes on your panels can also damage them:
- With soot partially covering panels, hotspots can form. This leads to overheating and damage to the panels.
- Some of the ashes and soot produced by a wildfire are acidic, which can damage the protective coating on your panels or cause corrosion on the mount supporting your panels.
- Wiring and inverters are also at risk since wildfires typically cause higher temperatures. It’s a good idea to check these components after a wildfire.
There is a simple fix for these issues. Once the wildfire is over, clean your panels, and your electricity production will return to normal.
Professional Cleaning vs. DIY: What’s Safer?
Homeowners sometimes try to clean solar panels with garden hoses or household cleaners. However, during wildfire season, this do-it-yourself solution won’t remove sticky ash residues. Climbing on roofs after a fire can also be dangerous due to loose debris and weakened structures.
It’s best to call a Los Angeles solar cleaning service and have professionals take care of the issue. They’ll use specialized tools to clean your panels safely and follow strict procedures to climb on the roof without taking any risks.
They will also:
- Check your panels for signs of hotspots.
- Use special cleaning tools that leave no residues or streaks behind.
- Clean your panels with special products that won’t strip the surface coating.
- Take a look at the system’s electrical connections to make sure everything is safe.
Choosing a professional cleaning service is the safest option, and it preserves the warranty that came with your panels.
Benefits of Professional Solar Panel Cleaning After Wildfires
Energy savings matter most after a destructive fire season. Professionally cleaned solar panels generate more power, run cooler, and maintain their long-term value. Local experts know all about wildfires and the risks they pose for solar panels. They’ll know exactly what kind of damage to look for after cleaning your panels.
Plus, fire codes in Los Angeles require clear space around solar panels for firefighter access, so local cleaning services also inspect panel layouts and alert owners to any compliance risks. It’s a simple way to make your home safer!
Schedule Your Solar Panel Cleanup With Solar Service Professionals
Are you seeing ash and soot build up on your panels? Don’t wait, get them cleaned before your energy production drops.
At Solar Service Professionals, we know how vital your solar system is, especially in Los Angeles. We’re here to provide safe and reliable solar panel cleaning services so you can keep producing clean energy and get the most out of your solar panels.
Give us a call at 818-369-3057 to schedule your solar panel cleaning service today.
FAQ
How often should I clean my solar panels after wildfire season in Los Angeles?
After any wildfire event, schedule a cleaning as soon as possible, even if the smoke didn’t reach your block. Otherwise, plan cleanings at least every six months. Debris and soot stick to panels and lower output quickly.
Do ash and soot seriously reduce solar power?
Yes, ash and soot can cause up to a 30% drop in energy output, but it can be even higher if you’re close to the flames. Even a thin coating stops panels from working at full power.
Can I clean solar panels myself after a wildfire?
Cleaning panels yourself after a wildfire isn’t recommended. Ash sticks to the panels and is hard to remove, and climbing on the roof creates an extra hazard. It’s best to let the professionals clean the panels and inspect them for any signs of damage.
Are there fire safety rules for solar panels in Los Angeles?
Yes, Los Angeles County has strict fire safety codes. These require adequate venting, clear access paths and specific installation practices to protect buildings and emergency responders.
