Solar Panels In Pennsylvania

The prices range greatly depending on the size of the solar panel system that needs cleaning, the panel’s location, and the angle of your roof. The harder it is to get up to and reach your panels the more you can expect to pay. In general, costs can range from $20 – $30 per panel, but will depend on the specific company you contract.

Solar panels are comprised of an array of solar cells (photovoltaic cells). These cells, made of silicon semiconductors, absorb sunlight to create electricity and then transfer the energy into the inverter. The cells are then networked together inside of a case along with some other components to create the panel. You can read more about how a solar panel is made in this article.

In most cases, your solar panels will get a good cleaning every time it rains. However, if you’re in an area that doesn’t get rain very often, you can use a garden hose, a large sponge, and mild dish soap to clean your solar panels. Never use harsh chemicals, pressure washers, or any abrasives that might scratch the surface of your panels. Many solar panel installation companies will also offer inexpensive panel cleaning and maintenance.

The time it takes to break even on your solar panel investment will depend on a number of things including the total cost for your system, whether you’re financing or you buy outright, and several other factors. However, the typical time range to break even is about 8 to 11 years for most residential solar panel systems.

Yes! Properly installed solar panels are much more resilient than people imagine. Just because they’re thin and reflective like glass doesn’t mean they are fragile. In fact, many solar panel owners report extensive damage to the rest of their home, cars, and property, while their solar panel system stays undamaged. The angle and direction the panels are installed facing make the biggest difference regarding their vulnerability during a hail storm, and like the rest of your property they can be insured against hail damage.

Snow and Ice are rarely an issue for a properly installed and maintained solar panel system. Solar panels generate a good amount of heat through their operation and will usually melt any snowfall or ice accumulation. Solar panels are also almost always installed at an angle so snow and ice will generally slide right off. If your panels become entirely blocked by snow or ice, however, they will not generate power, the same as with any other debris that might cover your panels.