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44'cruisingcat · 09-12-2018, 17:12

I noticed when cleaning my windows that soap and water always left film or streaks. Polishing gets them much cleaner, easier and the stay clean for longer.

So I do the same with the solar panels.

**newhaul** · 09-12-2018, 17:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul L

If you wax the panel why wouldn't that reduce the sun energy hitting tbe cells?

actually Paul I have seen a slight increase in panel output as in about 2 hundredths of an amp over just washed and not polished.

Paul L · 09-12-2018, 17:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by newhaul

actually Paul I have seen a slight increase in panel output as in about 2 hundredths of an amp over just washed and not polished.

Was this on a calibrated industry standard ANSI meter or just a guess?😅

**newhaul** · 09-12-2018, 17:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul L

Was this on a calibrated industry standard ANSI meter or just a guess?😅

it was on my charge controller . On a 100 watt mono panel.
On the older flex panels that had turned milky it gave an additional amp

FlyingScot · 09-12-2018, 18:17

From my LG installation manual for mono panels:
•• 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.

I've heard of others using a special windex spray on and rinse off product since most solar panels are out of reach.

La Vie Dansante · 09-12-2018, 18:19

What kind of wax or polish would be best to use on solar panels if I decide to go
that route?

**newhaul** · 09-12-2018, 18:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by La Vie Dansante

What kind of wax or polish would be best to use on solar panels if I decide to go
that route?

I prefer nu finish
https://www.amazon.com/Nu-Finish-Liq...94360067&psc=1
Simple wipe on wipe off.

thinwater · 09-12-2018, 18:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by newhaul

it was on my charge controller . On a 100 watt mono panel.
On the older flex panels that had turned milky it gave an additional amp

Sun or artificial light?

If it was sun, the 2/100ths number is uncontrolled data.

As for an amp, I did this test, and the answer depended on the sun angle. Straight on it helped, below a certain angle polished was worse (reflection).

I have also known people who have had flex panels ruined by polishing.

Not simple.

**newhaul** · 09-12-2018, 18:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinwater

Sun or artificial light?

If it was sun, the 2/100ths number is uncontrolled data.

As for an amp, I did this test, and the answer depended on the sun angle. Straight on it helped, below a certain angle polished was worse (reflection).

I have also known people who have had flex panels ruined by polishing.

Not simple.

direct sunlight solar noon
The amp was on older flex panels in direct at solar noon as well using nu finish wipe on wipe off. Not much more effort than washing the panels

The big difference for the rigid panels was in the ease of maintaining the clean surface with a quick spritz with a hose using fresh water

Paul L · 09-12-2018, 22:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by newhaul

it was on my charge controller . On a 100 watt mono panel.
On the older flex panels that had turned milky it gave an additional amp

OK, I apologize for the snarky response. I thought you were being facetious mentioning .02 amps. Didnt seem all that relevant an amount to me.

**newhaul** · 09-12-2018, 23:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul L

OK, I apologize for the snarky response. I thought you were being facetious mentioning .02 amps. Didnt seem all that relevant an amount to me.

Paul you know me I don't take offense to anything ( to old to care).
As to the .02 that's just what my controller showed .
, which tells me a light polish is a good thing for several reasons .
Its better to gain .02 than loose.02