Maintenance is key to a 25-year solar investment, but the wrong methods can lead to permanent damage and voided warranties.
1. Using Tap Water: Perth’s tap water is "hard," meaning it contains minerals like calcium. When this water dries on hot glass, it leaves behind scale that is nearly impossible to remove without professional chemicals.
2. Cleaning in the Midday Sun: Spraying cold water on panels that have been baking in the sun can cause "thermal shock," leading to micro-cracks in the glass.
3. Using Abrasive Brushes: Kitchen scrubbers or stiff brooms can scratch the delicate anti-reflective coating, permanently reducing how much light the cells can absorb.
4. High-Pressure Washers: The force from a pressure washer can compromise the seals between the glass and the frame, leading to water ingress and electrical failure.
5. Using Detergents: Soaps leave a sticky film that actually attracts dust and grime faster than before.