Let’s talk about those shiny rectangles on your roof that turn sunshine into electricity.
Solar panels are pretty amazing, but just like your windows, they get dirty. And dirty panels? They don’t work as well as clean ones.
Your panels sit outside all day long collecting dust, pollen, bird droppings, leaves, and whatever else floats through the air.
All that gunk blocks sunlight from hitting the cells inside your panels.
Less sunlight means less power for your home.
I’ve seen panels lose up to 25% of their power output when they’re really dirty.
That’s like throwing away a quarter of your solar investment! The good news? A good cleaning can bring that power right back.
But here’s the thing – solar panels aren’t cheap, and cleaning them wrong can cause damage.
That’s why I put together this guide to help you do it right.
How To Clean Solar Panels?
Before we jump into the specific tips, let’s get a quick overview of what we’re doing here.
Cleaning solar panels isn’t rocket science, but it does require some care.
The basic process involves removing loose debris, gently washing the surface with the right tools and solutions, rinsing thoroughly, and maybe doing some spot treatment for stubborn gunk.
The goal is simple: get your panels clean without scratching or damaging them.
With that in mind, let’s dive into our top 10 tips.
Choose the Right Time of Day
The best time to clean your solar panels is early morning or evening when they’re cool to the touch.
Why? Because if you spray cold water on hot panels, the glass might crack from thermal shock – just like how a hot baking dish might crack if you put it under a cold water flow meter.
Morning has another advantage – any dew on the panels helps soften dirt, making your job easier.
Plus, in the early hours, you’ll avoid working under the blazing sun, which is always a bonus.
If you touch your panels and they feel hot, wait until they cool down.
Your panels and your water bill will thank you.
Use Soft Brushes or Sponges
When it comes to scrubbing tools, gentleness is key.
Solar panels have a special coating that can scratch if you use anything abrasive.
A soft brush with an extension handle works great for reaching across your panels without having to walk all over your roof.
Pool cleaning brushes are perfect for this job – they’re designed to be gentle on pool liners but effective at removing dirt.
Microfiber cloths or sponges also work well for smaller areas or spot cleaning.
The softer your tools, the better.
Remember, your panels cost thousands of dollars – it’s worth investing in the right cleaning equipment to protect them.
Stick to Mild Soap and Water
Cleaning solutions for solar panels should be simple – plain water works for most cleaning jobs.
If you’re dealing with more stubborn dirt, a tiny bit of mild dish soap in water will do the trick.
Avoid window cleaners, abrasive powders, or strong detergents.
These can leave streaks or even damage the surface of your panels.
The goal is to remove dirt without leaving residue behind.
Mix about a quarter teaspoon of dish soap in a bucket of water – that’s really all you need.
Too much soap means more rinsing, and that’s just extra work for you.
Rinse with Clean, Filtered Water
After washing comes rinsing, and this step matters more than you might think.
Any soap residue left on panels can attract dust and actually make them get dirty faster.
If you live in an area with hard water, consider using filtered water for the final rinse to prevent water spots and mineral deposits.
Those little white spots aren’t just ugly – they can block sunlight too.
Some folks use a water-fed pole system with purified water for a spot-free finish.
This might seem fancy, but it can save you time in the long run since you won’t need to squeegee the panels dry afterward.
Avoid High-Pressure Washers
It might be tempting to blast dirt away with a pressure washer, but this is a big no-no.
High-pressure water can damage the seals around your panels and potentially force water into places it shouldn’t go.
Even worse, the intense pressure might crack the glass or damage the delicate parts inside.
Remember, solar panels are sophisticated electronic equipment, not your driveway.
Stick with regular hose pressure.
It might take a little more time, but replacing damaged solar panels will take a lot more money from your wallet.
Remove Stubborn Dirt Carefully
Sometimes you’ll find sticky spots that won’t come off with gentle washing.
Bird droppings, tree sap, or stuck-on leaves might need special attention.
For these stubborn spots, soak them first.
Put a damp cloth over the spot for a few minutes to soften it.
Then, with a very gentle touch, work at it with your soft brush or sponge.
Never use metal tools, scrapers, or abrasive pads.
If something won’t come off with gentle cleaning, it’s better to leave it than risk scratching your panel trying to remove it.
Check Weather Before Cleaning
Planning your cleaning day around the weather makes a huge difference.
Obviously, don’t clean during rainy days – that’s just silly.
But also avoid very windy days when dust and debris can blow onto your wet panels.
The ideal day is calm, overcast, and not too hot.
This gives you comfortable working conditions and enough time for panels to dry naturally without water spots forming in intense heat.
Also, keep an eye on pollen counts.
Cleaning right after a heavy pollen drop means you’ll just need to clean again soon.
Wait until after a light rain has washed some pollen away for better results.
Regular Maintenance Schedule
How often should you clean your panels? It depends on where you live, but a good rule of thumb is 2-4 times per year.
If you’re in a dusty area, near trees that drop leaves or sap, or if birds seem to target your panels specifically, you might need more frequent cleaning.
Desert areas might need monthly cleaning during dry seasons.
Set a regular schedule and stick to it.
Many people clean at the change of seasons, which is an easy way to remember.
The key is consistency – don’t wait until your panels are visibly dirty because by then, you’ve already lost power production.
Inspect for Damage While Cleaning
Cleaning time is the perfect opportunity to check your panels for any issues.
Look for cracks in the glass, discoloration, or water getting inside the panel (which might look like fogging under the glass).
Check the mounting hardware too – are all brackets secure? Any signs of rust? How about the wiring – any exposed wires or loose connections?
If you spot anything concerning, take photos and contact your solar installer or a Professional solar panel cleaning service.
Small problems caught early are much easier to fix than big problems discovered late.
Consider Professional Solar Panel Cleaning Services
Sometimes the best way to clean your panels is to hire someone else to do it.
Professional solar panel cleaning services have the right equipment, experience, and insurance to safely clean your system.
This option makes particular sense if:
- Your roof is steep or difficult to access
- You have physical limitations that make the job risky
- Your panels are very high up
- You’re not comfortable working on your roof
Professional cleaners typically charge $10-20 per panel, which might seem expensive, but compare that to the cost of repairing damaged panels or, worse, a trip to the hospital after falling off your roof.
Many companies offer lawn maintenance plans where they’ll come out regularly, which can save money in the long run while keeping your panels running at peak efficiency.
Conclusion
Clean solar panels mean more electricity and more savings on your bills.
Taking care of them doesn’t need to be complicated – just follow these tips and you’ll be all set.
Remember the basics: clean when cool, use gentle tools and mild soap, rinse thoroughly, and be careful up there on your roof.
Regular cleaning keeps your solar investment working at its best for years to come.
Whether you do it yourself or hire help, the important thing is that it gets done.
Your wallet and the planet will both thank you for keeping those panels sparkling clean and working efficiently.
