Support Centre for Homeowners

Yes. However, it may produce less electricity depending on the density of the cloud cover.

Your SunPower system was designed with typical soil accumulation in mind, and seasonal rains are usually enough to adequately clear any soil or dust that might accumulate. We strongly recommend that you do not go onto your roof for panel cleaning or inspection. If severe soiling occurs and you feel it is absolutely necessary to clean the panels, you can clean them by spraying them from the ground with a standard garden hose. We recommend that homeowners only clean panels early in the morning or late evening rather than when the sun is at its peak or when the panels are warm.

To clean a module, wash with potable, non-heated water. Normal water pressure is more than adequate, but pressurized water up to 100 bar may be used. Fingerprints, stains, or accumulations of dirt on the front surface may be removed as follows: first rinse off area and let soak for a short period of time (about 5 minutes). Re-wet and use a soft sponge or seamless cloth to wipe glass surface in a circular motion. Fingerprints typically can be removed with a soft cloth or sponge and water after wetting. Important things to keep in mind:

As a rule, stay on the ground. Never get up on your roof without a secure ladder and proper fall-protection equipment. Turn off your system before you start cleaning. Consult your local Installer if you need help turning off your system. As a rule, avoid using hard, or mineral rich, water. It can damage panels over time. If your area only has hard tap water, you can buy an inexpensive water-softening hose attachment to filter out minerals. Otherwise, you can use distilled or de-ionized water.

Use soft brushes and squeegees. Do not use harsh cleaning materials such as scouring powder, steel wool, scrapers, blades or other sharp instruments to clean the glass surface of the module. Use of such materials of cleaning without consultation will invalidate the product warranty.

Clean early in the morning or in the evening when the panels are cool. During the heat of the day, water and soap can evaporate quickly, which risks smearing the soap and dirt.

When using a high-pressure water nozzle, don’t get close to the panels. While they’re extremely durable, you don’t want to damage them.

Do a monthly visual inspection to look for any dust buildup. Also, you can watch your bill for any noticeable drop in efficiency. Only then should you worry about cleaning. Even then, in most cases, nature is going to clean them for you.

Don’t expose yourself to any risk. If you have any doubts about your ability to safely clean your panels, hire a professional.

PV solar panels produce direct current (DC) electricity, where electrons flow in a single direction, like a battery powering a light bulb. In contrast, alternating current (AC) electricity alternates the electron flow, similar to a car engine's movement. AC electricity is generated by spinning a coil of wire near a magnet, powered by various energy sources like gas, hydro, nuclear, coal, wind, or solar.

Get ready to save money on your electric bill each month while also helping save the environment. Your family’s energy usage and the size of your solar energy system installed will determine the size of your savings.

The amount you save with a solar energy system depends on several factors. These include your current energy consumption, local electricity rates, system size, available sunlight, and any incentives or rebates. Generally, home solar panels can significantly reduce or even eliminate your electricity bills. Over time, the savings can accumulate as you generate your own clean energy. Our Partner installers will help you choose the right solar technology and can help estimate potential savings based on your specific circumstances.

Solar panels can be a worthwhile investment, especially in regions with abundant sunlight and favorable incentives. They offer numerous benefits, including cost savings on electricity bills, reduced environmental impact, and potential increases in property value. Solar panels typically pay for themselves over time through energy savings and potential government incentives, making them an attractive option for many homeowners and businesses interested in sustainable energy solutions and long-term financial benefits. The return on investment, however depends on factors like your energy consumption, location, available incentives, and long-term goals. That's why we recommend to conduct a thorough evaluation and consult with one of our solar professionals to determine the specific economic and environmental advantages for your situation.

The average payback period for a solar panel installation can vary based on factors such as location, system size, energy consumption, panel technology and available incentives. On average, payback periods range from 5 to 10 years. This means that after this period, the cumulative savings on energy bills typically offset the initial investment.