Ensuring the optimal performance of your solar panel is crucial for uninterrupted power supply to your Ring devices. Regular cleaning is essential to remove dirt, dust, and debris that can accumulate over time, hindering the efficiency of the panel. In this guide, we’ll help you understand how to clean Ring solar panels.
Why You Need to Clean Your Ring Solar Panel?
Your Ring solar panel needs to be clean in order to generate electricity efficiently. When dirt, grime, and other debris build up on the solar panel, it can block sunlight from reaching the photovoltaic (PV) cells. This reduces the amount of electricity that the solar panel can generate.
The dirt on your solar panel may not be visible to the naked eye. It can be the same dark color as the PV cells, or it can be clear but block certain wavelengths of solar light. This is why it is important to clean your solar panel regularly. Now, let’s learn how to clean Ring solar panels.
How to Clean Ring Solar Panel
There is a lot of confusion about how to clean Ring solar panels. Here is some clarification so you can keep your solar panels clean.
Ring solar panels are not as sturdy as the solar panels on your roof. Rooftop solar panels can be cleaned with soft bristle brushes, water jets, and mild detergents. However, Ring solar panels are smaller and need a gentler touch.
To clean your Ring solar panel, first, assess the type of dirt and debris on it. You want to use the most basic method to clean your solar panel. The best way to clean this panel is to do minimal cleaning.
If you can remove all of the debris from your Ring solar panel with a soft bristle brush, that is a great way to keep it obstruction-free. A dry microfiber cloth can also be a good choice for quick cleaning.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing too hard, as this can damage the solar panel. If you need to use a cleaning solution, a mild dish soap and water mixture is a good option. Be sure to rinse the solar panel thoroughly after cleaning.
One of the biggest controversies about cleaning Ring solar panels is whether or not it is safe to use glass cleaner on them. The answer is yes, you can use glass cleaner on the photovoltaic cells. Just be sure to use a small amount of glass cleaner and spray it directly onto the cells. Do not spray the glass cleaner onto the entire solar panel, as this could damage it.
With proper care, your solar panel will last for many years. Now, after learning how to best clean Ring solar panel, let’s also see if Ring solar panel is waterproof or not.
Is Ring Solar Panel Waterproof?
Ring solar panels are not waterproof, but they are designed to withstand rain. However, using a water jet from a hose or a sopping wet sponge could be too much water for the solar panel to handle. A dry microfiber cloth is a good way to remove stubborn debris.
Also Read: Simple Effective Cleaning Hack: Cleaning Solar Lights With Toothpaste
What are the Challenges in Cleaning the Ring Solar Panel?
After learning how to clean Ring solar panel, it’s also important to learn about the challenges associated with this cleaning process.
Cleaning the Ring solar panel can pose certain difficulties, mainly due to improper cleaning methods. Following the advice provided above will help ensure the safety of your solar panel. Here are a few factors to avoid and bear in mind when cleaning the solar panel:
1. Use Minimal Water When Cleaning the Solar Panel
Attempting to hose it down or using excessive water can inadvertently lead to water damage. Anything more forceful than rainfall can compromise the device’s water sealing.
2. Avoid Using Harsh Detergents
While larger solar panels can tolerate mild detergents, these smaller panels are not designed to withstand soaps. Some cleaning solutions can also erode the water sealing, resulting in future issues.
Also See: Does Cleaning Solar Panels Make a Difference?
3. Apply One or Two Sprays of Glass Cleaner
The ideal choice for a cleaning solution is to apply one or two sprays of glass cleaner directly onto the photovoltaic cells. For cleaning the housing of the device, you can use warm water and a microfiber cloth to effectively handle most dirt and debris.
4. Exercise Caution During the Cleaning Process
We have received reports of incidents where excessive scrubbing led to unintentionally dislodging the Ring solar panel from its base. This can be particularly hazardous since the solar panel is physically screwed into the Ring camera, and knocking it down can cause the camera to fall or even result in the power cord snapping.
By regularly cleaning your Ring solar panel, you can ensure it operates at its best, capturing sunlight efficiently and keeping your Ring devices powered. For more insightful solar content, keep reading our blogs.
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