How Often Should You Clean Dirty Solar Panels?

To determine your solar cleaning rate, it will really depend on where you are located and your surroundings that can impact the cleanliness of your panels.

If you live in a dusty area, the wind can kick the dust up onto the solar panels and can create a layer on the panel surface over time, reducing the production of the solar panels.

If you’re close or near overhanging trees, it can indicate that your panels may be covered in leaves or other debris that need cleaning.

It is good practice to inspect your panels every 6 months, with a yearly clean on average.

How to DIY Clean Dirty Solar Panels?

If you want to clean your dirty solar panels yourself, there are elements you need to consider before getting on the roof. We really recommend getting a professional to clean your panels.

What Tools and Equipment do you Need to Clean Solar?

Lucky for you, you’ll only need standard cleaning equipment like a sponge or a soft-bristled brush that scrubs the panels without scratching the glass, as well as a hose to rinse off the soap/dirty water for a deep clean.

Simply spray the dirty solar panels with soap and lightly scrub to remove the dirt using the long scrubber. Removing moss from the solar panels may take longer.

Once scrubbed, simply rinse and you’re done! You may need to repeat depending on how dirty the panels are.

Wear eye protection to protect your eyes from soap, dust, or any other debris from cleaning. Use water-based or solar cleaner specific soap products.

Exercise care for yourself and those around you.

DIY vs. Professional Solar Cleaning: When to hire an Expert?

If there is more than just dirt on your solar panels, consider getting a professional cleaner to do it for you. By hiring a professional cleaner to clean your solar panels, they can safely do it with specific cleaning gear.

You should hire a professional solar cleaner when you have tall trees close to your house, i your panels are too dirty to clean yourself, can't access the panels safely like a double storey home..

How do I know if I cleaned my Solar Panels properly?

In addition to visually checking the panel condition once the clean has been completed, you can also check your solar app and see the production level differences in your solar generation.

A dirty system will produce less, so by visualising your generation, you can see how much you've improved your production.

What NOT to do when Cleaning your Panels

When attempting to clean solar panels yourself, there are a few things to avoid ensuring minimal risk of injury and damage the solar panels. We recommend hiring a professional solar cleaner to maintain your panels if they are not easily accessible from the ground.

No Harsh Soaps

Avoid using harsh detergents that consist of strong chemicals that may result in corrosion of panels, resulting in damage.

Use either cleaner that is designed for solar panels, or a water-based cleaner soap and rinse with water.

Avoid Close Pressure Washing

Only use a pressure washer when spraying from a distance. Spraying closely will result in damage to the panel waterproofing and potentially negatively impact its production.

Avoid Scratching

Don't use harsh brushes or anything with ‘teeth’ (brooms with hard bristles, anything that is not soft etc.).

You may scratch the surface of the panels, lowering its efficiency, defeating the whole purpose of cleaning your panels in the first place.

Cleaning at Heights

We do not recommend attempting to clean your solar panels from the roof or any high places, as it is unsafe and could cause serious injury, and in some cases, death.

Contact expert solar panel cleaners today.