One solar owner's detailed experiment revealed surprising findings about what really affects energy production at home.
The Redditor shared results from washing experiments conducted on their solar setup in Missouri, posting the information to the r/solar forum. They tested the panels' performance back in 2018, cleaning off heavy pollen accumulation using just a garden hose. The washing added roughly 90 watts of output at 6,000 watts total — just a 1.5% increase.
However, cooling down the panels had a much larger effect. "That pop from the panels getting cooled down! 490W, about an 8% increase in power output," they wrote. "Makes me fantasize about ways to cool the panels down."
The OP's post also included graphs showing year-over-year production data. Most drops occurred during summer when trees were full and creating more shade.
Understanding these factors can help you get the most value from your solar installation, which is itself one of the best ways to cut your home's total energy costs. If you're thinking about making the switch, TCD's Solar Explorer can lay out all the options and connect you with trusted partners who make going solar straightforward.
These partners provide concierge-level service and can help you save $10,000 on installation by curating competitive bids from local installers. For homeowners working on a budget, there are also $0 down subscription options — Palmetto's LightReach leasing program can cut your utility rate by up to 20%.
EnergySage, another Solar Explorer partner, offers helpful tools for snagging incentives and comparing bids from installers. Pairing solar panels with an ultra-efficient heat pump or other HVAC system can drive your utility costs lower still, and TCD's HVAC Explorer can help you find the right unit for your home.
As for keeping your panels at the top of their game, fellow Redditors had a few ideas of their own.
Get $1,000 cash to slash your bills with rooftop solar panels for $0 down and low monthly payments Whatever your solar budget, Palmetto can help you save. If you want to buy your own panels, Palmetto's advisors can help you save up to $10,000 on installation through a network of preferred installers. And if you'd rather get solar savings without upfront costs, Palmetto's revolutionary LightReach subscription program can deliver — including an exclusive $1,000 cashback offer for TCD readers. LightReach lets you lease solar panels with no money down, making it painless to lock in long-term savings of up to 33% off your current power bill. Palmetto covers a 25-year warranty for the panels, which means you'll get reliable performance without unforeseen costs. To get started, just book a short meeting with Palmetto's experts to explore your options and find the solution that's right for you. |
"Low pressure jet wash w/ distilled water. I've done the soap scrub thing and just a quick wash is just as good, very quick so you can do it more often. I hit it once a quarter or so. Less in winter, more in pollen season," one added.
"There are injection systems that work with sprinklers to spray cleaner and rinse water on the panels on a timer. I might look into it — usually they are used for fertilizer," someone else said.
|
What's your biggest motivation for converting to electric appliances? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Saving money 💰 
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
Cool Picks
