Tips for cleaning/maintaining your panels

[jb2022]

I bought some used solar panels from a reputable company and when they arrived the glass was dull looking and would not wash off.Is this normal?They seem to work ok for used panels ,should i try to clean them before i put them in service ?

 

[GXMnow]

The antireflective coating may give a dull appearance because it does not reflect off as much light as normal window glass. Don't use a harsh cleanser. The coatings are durable, but not indestructible. You just want to get off dirt and bird crap, they should not be shinny/reflective. A good car wash soap is about as strong as I would use. Dish soap is too harsh and might cause damage. So far I have only used straight water for the dust and dirt that settles on mine. And I used some car wash soap with a very soft brush on a few tough bird droppings once.

 

[Zork Arg]

This is copied from my installation manual​

LG Electronics.
• Water, ethanol or a conventional glass cleanser
with a micro-fiber cloth can be used for regular
washing or rinsing of the front glass to remove
dust, dirt or other deposits.
• Aggressive and abrasive cleansers or chemicals
such as alkali chemicals including ammonia based
solution should not be used on cleaning the module.
• Always wear rubber gloves for electrical insulation
while maintaining, washing or cleaning panels.
• Deposits of foreign material on the frame surface
can be cleaned by using a wet sponge or cloth and
dried in air or by using a clean chamois.

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND ALL PANELS ARE DIFFERENT (in some way) > REFERRER TO MANUFACTURER MANUALS​

Unless it's DIY panel.
eddie1261
Do you have a bottle of this Rain X?
What is the active ingredient, the CHEMICALS in the mix (HASCHEM)? Very important that you don't compromise the glass lamination if any or the backsheet of the panel!
Note* the safety comes after the what to clean with...
Too late I'm suffering electrocution and the Ethanol has reached it's flash point. For those who only read part their of.

Very helpful, AJ - thanks