How often should you clean your solar panels?
Dirty solar panels can lose 20% of their energy output, so whilst there’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to cleaning frequency, the general rule of thumb is at least twice a year to ensure they’re working as efficiently as possible. Different factors like location, weather conditions and the type of panels you have can impact how often they end up with dirt, grime and debris on them.
For example, if you live in a desert region, you may need to clean your panels more frequently due to the buildup of sand and dust. Whereas if you live in a region with frequent rain or snow, your panels may not need quite as much attention due to the natural cleansing effect of the rain and snow.
As mentioned earlier, it’s also important to consider the type of panels you have installed. If you have older, textured panels, they may require more frequent cleaning due to the buildup of dirt and debris in the grooves. Newer, smooth panels are easier to clean and may require less frequent cleaning.
What is the best way to clean your solar panels?
We recommend getting your panels cleaned by a professional. But if you do decide to take on the task yourself, the first and most important step is to ensure you use the appropriate safety equipment, such as a harness.
The best solution for cleaning is a combination of water and a mild soap or a cleaning solution specifically designed for photovoltaic panels.
We’ve also compiled a handy step-by-step guide to walk you through the process:
- Rinse the panels with water to remove loose dirt and debris.
- Mix a cleaning solution of water and a bar of mild soap, such as dish soap, or a specialised solar panel cleaning solution.
- Apply the cleaning solution to the panels with a soft cloth or squeegee.
- Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away any stubborn dirt or debris.
- Rinse the panels thoroughly with water to remove all cleaning solutions and soap residue.
- Use a clean, soft cloth to dry the panels.
What should you not do when cleaning solar panels?
When cleaning solar panels, it’s important to avoid certain practices that can damage the panels or reduce their efficiency:
- Don’t use abrasive materials or chemicals: Scratches or damage to the panels can reduce their ability to absorb sunlight and generate electricity. Avoid using abrasive materials, such as scouring pads or wire brushes, and harsh chemicals that can damage the panels.
- Don’t clean the panels on a sunny day: Cleaning the panels when they are hot can cause the cleaning solution to evaporate too quickly, leaving streaks or residue on the panels. Clean the panels on a cloudy day or in the shade.
- Don’t use high-pressure hoses or gurneys: High-pressure water can cause damage to the panels and their seals, reducing their efficiency and potentially causing water damage to the electrical components.
- Don’t walk on the panels: Walking on the panels can cause physical damage, reducing their efficiency and potentially voiding the manufacturer’s warranty.
Use professional solar panel cleaning services
If you’re worried about damaging your solar panels, consider a professional. Hiring a professional solar panel cleaner brings several benefits to your solar panel system. These benefits include increased efficiency through the use of the latest cleaning techniques, reduced damage due to the cleaner’s training in avoiding scratches or physical damage, improved safety as the cleaner is trained to handle the safety risks of cleaning and warranty protection as some manufacturers require professional cleaning to maintain the warranty.
If you’re looking to level up your solar system, a solar battery could be for you. Solar batteries open up a world of energy self-sufficiency – reducing your reliance on grid power and helping lower energy bills.
