How to Clean Solar Panels: Upkeep & Products

Solar panels are a substantial investment, so keeping them well-maintained and properly functioning for a long time is important. Negligence is very consequential for your solar power system, affecting its efficiency, performance, and its capacity to operate for longer years. Considering the hefty costs of installing a solar PV system, it’s in your best interest to ensure your panels are regularly taken care of. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of keeping your solar panels clean and some ways you can do to make this process more effective and easier. 

The Importance of Keeping Solar Panels Clean

Keeping your solar panels clean increases the lifespan of your system. High-quality solar panels generally last for 25 to 30 years. You can ensure your solar system lasts this long if you take its upkeep seriously. 

Dirty solar panels can lead to decreased system efficiency over time. In fact, panels can lose about 0.05% efficiency per day if not cleaned. Lower efficiency also translates to lower energy production, which means higher electricity bills. Clearly, higher energy costs only defies one of the most important purposes of switching to solar power in the first place. 

In short, your panels need to be clean in order to absorb sunlight at its maximum, convert it into usable energy, and save money on your energy bill.

How to Clean Solar Panels? 

You have a couple of options if you’re wondering how to clean solar panels on your roof, which we discuss below:

DIY Solar Panel Cleaning

First, you can choose to do it yourself if you reckon going up on the roof to do the cleaning yourself would be a simple undertaking. 

You just need to be equipped with the right cleaning products and equipment, as well as the ability to calm down when you realise you’re a couple of metres away from the ground. If you have a fear of heights, DIY solar panel cleaning isn’t probably for you. 

DIY solar panel cleaning is a great way to maintain your panels without the need to spend some extra cash for a solar panel cleaning service. Nature can also chip in every now and then when it rains. 

If you’re up for it and there are no complications like thick trees that may get in the way or you live in a heavily polluted area, which would make it more laborious without properly trained solar panel cleaners, DIY cleaning is great to get you into the habit of regularly maintaining them. 

Here are more tips for cleaning solar panels yourself: 

• Before you begin, make sure the solar panels aren’t too hot to prevent accidental burns. You will also need to use a stable ladder or platform to get to the panels safely. 
• It’s better to clean solar panels early in the morning or late in the evening. This way, cool enough to prevent water from evaporating too fast and leaving strips. 
• Panels need to be cleaned as mildly as possible, so use a soft cloth, brush or sponge, a mild detergent, and a bucket of warm water. Soaps with harsh chemicals can be corrosive to the panel’s unit surface, while rough cleaning tools like coarse cloths and sponges can scratch your solar panels. 
• Mineral deposits and residues can accumulate on your panels if you don’t use clean water. Opt for filtered water as part of your cleaning solution to make sure this doesn’t happen. 
• Gentle scrubbing is recommended when cleaning the panels. Let them air dry once done. 

Professional Solar Panel Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning your solar panels is best left to a professional cleaner if you live in a coastal or largely polluted area since that would entail more than the average dust. You might also want to call in the professionals if there are deciduous trees nearby or you discover there’s a notably thick buildup on your panels caused by bird droppings. Lastly, DIY solar panel cleaning isn’t the best idea if you don’t feel good about getting up on your roof. 

Generally, solar panels mounted on the roof are best cleaned by professionals. Equipped with experience, training, and the appropriate safety gear and tools, they can ensure scrupulous cleaning without compromising your safety.

How often should you clean your solar panels? 

Considering Australia’s harsh climate, it’s recommended to clean solar panels at least every six months. But if you live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions for a longer period of time, causing fires, dust storms or rainstorms, you’ll need to do more frequent cleaning to ensure your panels are properly maintained. 

The same goes for homes located near a highway or a construction site or residences in coastal areas. 

Solar Panel Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Here are more tips to ensure your solar panels are properly cleaned and maintained: 

• Regularly inspect your solar panels for issues like damaged wiring, loose connections, or alarming accumulation of debris. Periodic inspection allows owners to address problems quickly. 
• Always prioritise your safety. Ensure you’re accessing rooftop panels with appropriate safety equipment like a stable ladder or platform and appropriate footwear. It will also be much safer if you’re wearing a hard hat. If heights cause you discomfort, consider getting a professional cleaning service. 
• Overhanging branches may cause problems by casting shade on the panels, reducing their exposure to sunlight, hence, significantly decreasing energy production. 
• Monitor your solar power system’s energy production using softwares provided by the manufacturer.

Solar Panel Cleaning and Maintenance in Australia

There’s not a fixed price when it comes to the cost of solar panel cleaning. It will depend on numerous factors, including your solar power system size, location, and accessibility. 

If you need trained electricians to perform solar maintenance, inspection, and cleaning, Volteam Electric offers comprehensive solar solutions that include these services. 

Call us now at 1300 865 832 or request a free quote online if you need your solar panels checked and cleaned.