Solar Panel Maintenance Guide: You Need to Clean Your Panels
Solar panels don’t have much in the way of moving parts, so they don’t require a lot of upkeep. But there are a few things you should do regularly.
Jackie Lam is a contributor for CNET Money. A personal finance writer for over 8 years, she covers money management, insurance, investing, banking and personal stories. An AFC® accredited financial coach, she is passionate about helping freelance creatives design money systems on irregular income, gain greater awareness of their money narratives and overcome mental and emotional blocks. She is the 2022 recipient of Money Management International’s Financial Literacy and Education in Communities (FLEC) Award and a two-time Plutus Awards nominee for Best Freelancer in Personal Finance Media. She lives in Los Angeles where she spends her free time swimming, drumming and daydreaming about stickers.
- She is the 2022 recipient of Money Management International’s Financial Literacy and Education in Communities (FLEC) Award and a two-time Plutus Awards nominee for Best Freelancer in Personal Finance Media.
Erin Gobler is a personal finance writer based in Madison, Wisconsin. She writes about topics including budgeting, student loans, credit, mortgages, investing and insurance. Her work has been published in financial publications and startups such as NextAdvisor, The Simple Dollar, LendingTree, Robinhood and more.
There’s a lot to love about installing solar panels for your home. For starters, they’re a great way to save money on your energy bill. Plus, they reduce your home’s carbon footprint. And while solar panels aren’t exactly inexpensive, they can last about 25 to 30 years.
But to get the most value and productivity out of your panels, you need to maintain them properly. And while solar panels aren’t as maintenance-heavy as other major home systems, you can’t just forget about them.
Can solar panels save you money?
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In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about solar panel maintenance, including how often maintenance is required, the cost of upkeep, and how to tend to your panels so they’re in tip-top shape.
Do solar panels need to be maintained?
The good news is that panel maintenance is minimal.
Can solar panels save you money?
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Unlike a car, where you drive it every day and there’s moving parts and a much higher chance of something happening, solar panels don’t really have any moving parts, said Zain Jan, co-founder and CEO of Better Earth, a California-based solar installer. Of course, there’s issues that happen just like with any product, but for the most part, there aren’t many issues that happen.
That being said, it is important to keep an eye on the condition and performance of your home solar panel system.
Mostly, you’ll need to give your panels a good cleaning. That’s because dirt and debris can collect on your panels, especially during storms and long periods without rainfall. Beyond that, you might want to schedule an annual inspection with a solar specialist. They can make sure everything is working properly.
Can you monitor the health of your solar panels?
To monitor the health of your panels, check them periodically for dirt and debris buildup, which could hamper the solar panel’s performance. Over time it’s natural for your home solar panels to decrease in performance, but if they’re underperforming it might be a good idea to see if they need a good cleaning.
Some solar companies have mobile apps that show you the energy production of every panel in your system in real time, Jan said. And if there’s a dip in performance that’s unusual for the age and condition of your solar panels, or something seems to have gone awry with your panels, you’ll receive an alert.
How do you maintain solar panels?
As the buildup of dust or debris can affect the production of renewable energy, maintaining your solar panels might just require grabbing a hose or bucket of water and spraying off your panels. That’s the only self-maintenance you really need, Jan said. You can hire someone to do it super cheaply.
For any other issues, you can request an inspection from your solar installer. They can determine if there’s any other maintenance that can be done.
Keep a log of any maintenance appointments, as well as cleanings you do yourself. That can help you stay on top of tending to your solar panels.
How often do solar panels need maintenance?
As solar panels require minimal maintenance and the most common issue is dirt and debris buildup, the frequency depends on where you live, the climate, environment and weather. If you live in an area where there’s a storm season, you might need to clean your panels more often during that time of year. Or if you’ve experienced a stint without a drop of rain, it might be a good idea to climb on your roof.- or hire someone to.- and check on the accumulation of dirt on your panels.
Solar companies recommend cleaning your solar panels at least twice a year, regardless of the weather conditions and where you live. That will lower the odds of there being too much dirt and debris collecting on your panels. The more time that passes, the more buildup.- and the harder it might be to clean.
Read the manual that comes with your solar panels. Look for the suggested maintenance practices and cadence.
The cost of maintaining solar panels
While the cost of maintaining solar panels is typically pretty low, it could be worthwhile to factor in any costs. That can help you figure out how long it takes the panels to pay for themselves. This includes an annual inspection, which isn’t typically included in your home solar system. The cost can vary, and ranges from 150 to 300 per visit.
Additional maintenance or fixes that stem from that inspection should also be considered. Some solar panel companies offer a free mobile app to monitor usage. If not, you can get your own. These solar monitoring apps might come with a small fee.
If you’re spending, say, 300 annually to have someone clean your panels twice a year, plus 200 for an annual maintenance inspection, fold that into your annual costs when considering the break-even point for getting solar.
What to know about solar panel warranties
A warranty is a promise from a solar company that it will fix or replace the home solar panels if they don’t work properly or there are defects. Manufacturer warranties typically cover solar inverters, solar batteries, and workmanship and material defects. The panel warranty, which is also known as an equipment or materials warranty, covers the actual equipment.
There are also warranties from the installer. The workmanship warranty from solar panel companies covers any damage or defects during the installation of your home solar panel system. A production, performance or power output warranty guarantees your solar panels will produce a certain amount of its original energy.- or output.- over time. A weatherization warranty can cover your roof and solar panels from leaks or damage from wind or rain. Manufacturer and installer warranties are good for a limited period, usually 10 to 25 years. They vary according to the manufacturer or installer, type of panels and where you live. There are caveats and restrictions. Read the fine print.
Your solar panel warranty may stipulate that your panels are only covered if they are properly maintained. For example, if you don’t clean your solar panels regularly and built-up debris cuts their useful life short, then your warranty may not cover it.
To decide what you need in a warranty, gauge how long you plan on staying in your home, the odds of you needing to tap into the coverage provided by a warranty, and what your budget is for out-of- costs.
The bottom line
To make sure your solar panels are working like they should and you’re getting the greatest energy output possible, maintenance is key. Staying on top of these needs can help you save on costs and get the most out of your solar panels.
Clean your solar
How often do you clean your solar panels? Most people don’t clean theirs as often as they should, and a dirty solar panel can have a big impact on the amount of energy generated to power your home or equipment. If you live in a drier climate that doesn’t receive much rain, solar panel cleaning is even more crucial as there will be much more dust buildup on the panels with nothing to naturally clean them. While rainwater can help to clear off dust, it isn’t the best way to clean solar panels. When rainwater evaporates, it can leave rings of dust and debris, which will affect how efficiently the panels produce solar power. Read on to learn everything you need to know about solar panel cleaning, including how to clean solar panels, the necessary equipment to do so, as well as where to find solar panel cleaning services if the job is too big for you to do on your own.
Why You Should Clean Your Solar Panels
Do solar panels need cleaning? The short answer is, YES! Learning how to clean solar panels as well as how to maintain solar panels will go a long way toward extending not only their life but how efficient they are in the long run. Solar panels degrade at a rate of 0.5% every year, and regular solar panel cleanings will do a lot to slow this rate down and extend the life of the solar panel. Cleaning solar panels regularly will also keep them producing power at a maximum rate. A study found that a combination of dust and particulate air pollution reduces solar energy production by 17-25%.
The most common reasons solar panels become dirty and less efficient are dust, leaves, water, and bird droppings. Birds are enemy number one when it comes to maintaining solar panels and keeping them clean. Birds and their droppings can cause much more damage to solar panels than a layer of dust can. Their droppings can chemically damage solar panels, and some birds like to nest underneath the panels, too, which can restrict air flow and cause them to overheat and get damaged. If you notice birds nesting underneath your solar panels, you can look into adding a bird barrier to the underside to deter them from doing so.
How to Clean Solar Panels
Can you clean solar panels yourself? You absolutely can clean solar panels yourself, but there are some things to know before you start the process. Before you start your solar panel cleaning project, you’ll need to invest in the right equipment to do so; there are solar panel cleaning kits to make this step easier. For those wondering how to clean solar panels on the roof or elsewhere on your property, follow the steps below to get your solar panels looking (and working!) their best.
Solar Panel Cleaning Equipment You’ll Need
- A simple garden hose can be used to spray down the panels, but don’t use a pressure washer, which could damage the panels.
- Don’t be too hard on a solar panel. A cleaning brush with soft bristles or a squeegee can be used to scrub grime and bird droppings from the panels.
- Create a gentle solar panel cleaning solution by using things like vinegar, mild detergent, and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning solar panels.
- Make the whole process of gathering the proper solar panel cleaning tools and mixing your own cleaning solution even easier by purchasing a solar panel cleaning kit.
Steps to Solar Panel Cleaning
Step 1: Choose a cool time of day to clean your solar panels. Cleaning them during the hottest part of the day can make the water evaporate quickly and leave marks behind, and the combination of cold water hitting the hot glass of the solar panels can cause them to crack.
Step 2: Shut your system down completely before you begin to clean the solar panels. If you have rainwater collectors or gutters, shut them off or disconnect them from the system to avoid dirty runoff water going into them.
Step 3: Remove any loose debris or leaves from the solar panels using a soft brush or cloth. It’s safest to clean solar panels from the ground, so use a brush with an extension to make it easier to reach.
Step 4: Spray the panels down with a garden hose to wash the dust away and loosen any debris. Use a hose with a nozzle so you can easily direct the spray at the panels.
Step 5: Use a soft brush and a solar panel cleaning solution to scrub any stubborn grime or debris off of the solar panels.
Step 6: Spray the panels again with water to rinse away the loosened debris, and use a squeegee to wipe the leftover water off of the panels. Only spray water onto the top of the solar panels; do not spray water on the back of them.
Step 7: Clean your solar panels every six months or less to keep them clean and operating at their best.
Solar Panel Cleaning Services
If the task of cleaning solar panels seems like too big of a job, there are also solar panel cleaning services that you can hire to do the job for you. By hiring a professional, you’ll know that your solar panel cleaning will be done correctly. To find the right person for the job, ask for a recommendation from others who have solar panels on their property, or do a Google search for “solar panel cleaning service near me” and review the options that come up. Check reviews of different companies to find the most highly rated ones to do the job.
How To Clean Solar Panels (2023 Guide)
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- Cleaning Solar Panels
- Understanding Solar Panel Components
- When and How Often To Clean Solar Panels
- Preparation for Cleaning
- Step-by-Step Guide Cleaning Solar Panels
- Maintenance
- The Bottom Line
Leonardo David is an electromechanical engineer, MBA, energy consultant and technical writer. His energy-efficiency and solar consulting experience covers sectors including banking, textile manufacturing, plastics processing, pharmaceutics, education, food processing, real estate and retail. He has also been writing articles about energy and engineering topics since 2015.
Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.
Solar panels are very durable — the best solar companies now offer a 25-year product warranty, and most panels have a typical lifespan of 25 to 30 years. However, photovoltaic (PV) cells are only productive when sunlight can reach their surface, so knowing how to clean your solar panels is important. Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to clean your solar panels to prevent dust and debris build-up from reducing your system’s power output.
The Importance of Cleaning Solar Panels
If dust build-up blocks 50% of the sunlight reaching your solar panels, their energy output can drop by half. This decrease in productivity can negatively affect electric bill savings — if you were previously saving 100 each month, you might notice that savings drop to around 50 a month.
Regular cleaning helps keep your solar panels operating at optimal capacity, which means your system generates its expected electricity output. A dirty solar energy system does not operate at maximum efficiency, which can result in higher power bills and, as a result, a longer payback period. Professional solar panel cleaners use the term “soiling losses” to describe the efficiency loss caused by dust and dirt buildup on your PV system.
Understanding Solar Panel Components
Solar panels consist of photovoltaic cells fully encapsulated by other materials, which prevents exposure to dust, dirt, bird droppings and weather conditions. However, grime can accumulate on external surfaces over time, which you should clean regularly. Here are some tips to clean different solar panel components:
Cleaning the Glass Cover
A transparent glass cover protects the PV cells in a solar panel. Ideally, you should clean the glass surface with non-abrasive cleaning tools like a soft bristle brush or squeegee. Avoid using wire brushes, roof rakes or any other tools that may leave scratches.
You can wash solar panels with a garden hose, but you should never do this when they are hot since the drastic temperature change can crack the glass. Keep in mind that solar modules may still be hot after sunset, especially on summer days.
Make sure you have a clean water supply when cleaning your panels. Washing your panels with hard water will leave behind a mineral layer after the water evaporates, defeating the purpose of the cleaning process.
Cleaning the Aluminum Frame
Solar panels have an aluminum frame that holds all other components together. Solar manufacturers use powder coating and other treatments to improve corrosion resistance, making the aluminum frame suitable for outdoor use. However, the frame is constantly exposed to dust, just like the glass cover.
Since the aluminum frame is corrosion-resistant, you can wash it safely with a standard water hose. Never use a pressure washer: it can damage the seals around the aluminum frame, and you may void the product warranty. Cleaning solutions with detergents or other chemical agents can also damage the seals and should be avoided.
If your panels have not been cleaned in a long time, washing may not be enough to remove grime. In this case, you should brush away dried-up dirt before using a hose. You should avoid chemical agents in general but can use a small amount of soapy water to clean spots with excessive dirt buildup.
Cleaning the Polymer Backsheet and Junction Box
The back of a solar panel is covered with a backsheet, typically made of a durable polymer. The back surface also contains a junction box with electrical terminals used to wire multiple panels into a string circuit.
Since the backsheet and junction box are not always outward facing, these components require less cleaning than a panel’s glass cover and aluminum frame.
- In rooftop solar installations, the backsheet and junction box are hidden by a small gap between the back of your panels and the surface of your roof. This positioning creates minimal exposure to dust and dirt.
- But a ground-mount system or solar carport exposes your panels to dust from all directions. In this case, the back surface may also need frequent cleaning.
You can follow the same cleaning recommendations for the glass cover and aluminum frame to clean the backsheets. Soft brushes and non-pressurized water are suitable, but avoid pressure washers and chemical agents.
Never open the junction boxes or manipulate electrical connections in any way. If your solar installation includes a workmanship warranty, you can contact your provider to inspect any electrical malfunctions. Many companies also offer professional solar panel cleaning services.
When and How Often To Clean Solar Panels
Many solar manufacturers and installers recommend cleaning your solar panels at least two times a year, but cleaning needs can vary depending on site conditions. Your panels may need additional cleaning if your home is close to a construction site or industrial zone. You can expect large amounts of dust in the air, which can accumulate on your PV system in a short time. Be mindful of locations with high concentrations of trees or other foliage as leaves and pollen can also build up on your panels.
If you live in a place with frequent rainfall, your panels will require minimal cleaning during their service life since rain washes away most of the dirt for you.
Preparing for Solar Panel Cleaning
We at the MarketWatch Guides Team only recommend cleaning solar panels on your own if you can safely access your system from the ground or have a flat roof. The task should be left to a professional cleaner if you need to climb your roof or other tall structure to access your panels.
Solar Panel Cleaning Checklist
In general, you need the following tools to clean your solar panels:
- A non-abrasive cleaning tool such as a soft brush or a squeegee
- A water hose
- A telescopic extension pole, in case you need to reach solar panels on a roof
If you are not comfortable cleaning your panels on your own, contact your solar installer for professional panel cleaning services.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Solar Panels
You can clean your solar panels more efficiently by following these steps:
Brush Away Dried-Up Dirt and Residue
Washing your solar panels is quick and effective when they are not very dirty. However, spraying water is counterproductive when there is a lot of dust and grime. Water and dirt create mud when mixed, which will dry up on your panels. Use a soft brush to remove dried-up dirt, bird droppings and other debris when your panels are dry.
Wash Your Panels with Clean Water
Once you have cleaned dried-up dirt and debris, you can wash your panels to remove any remaining dust and particles. Make sure your water supply is clean and avoid high-pressure nozzles. You do not need to wipe your panels dry since the water will evaporate on its own.
Remove the Remaining Dirt
If your solar panels are very dirty, brushing and washing may not be enough to clean them completely. You can scrub trouble spots with water and normal soap, but avoid detergents and other strong cleaning agents.
Maintaining Your Solar Panels Between Cleans
Solar panel maintenance not only involves frequent cleaning. You should also monitor energy production on a regular basis to rule out electrical issues. Many solar inverters include a monitoring app for homeowners, which you can use to track daily power generation with your smartphone.
Low productivity is normal on overcast days since your solar panels are exposed to minimal sunshine. However, you should call your solar provider if the monitoring app shows lower-than-average electricity output on a sunny day.
The Bottom Line
The best residential solar panels have a 25-year warranty to cover product and installation issues but still need regular cleaning to stay productive. Dust buildup negatively affects panel efficiency, which can reduce your power bill savings.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) cleaning is suitable if your solar panel system is installed on the ground or on a flat roof that you can easily access. If you have a single-story home with a pitched roof, you can also use an extension pole with a squeegee. Due to the risks involved, professional cleaning services should be used if you can only access your solar panels by climbing the roof.
Suitable cleaning tools methods for solar panels include:
- A soft cloth, sponge or brush
- A squeegee
- Washing with soft, non-pressurized water
On the other hand, you should avoid these methods and tools:
- Hardwire brushes
- Roof rakes
- Abrasive cleaning tools
- Hard water
- Chemical agents
Solar panels have a high upfront cost, and protecting your investment is important. A solar panel system typically costs 2.85 per watt or 17,100 for a 6 kilowatt (kW) system, and the 30% federal solar tax credit reduces your total to 11,970. With those figures, you can expect a payback period of around 8.5 years. When you combine a 25-year warranty and regular cleaning, you can utilize your solar panels for over a decade after paying off your system.
Solar System Maintenance: Do Solar Panels Need Cleaning?
Home / Blog / Solar System Maintenance: Do Solar Panels Need Cleaning?
Cleaning your solar panel system
Do solar panels need to be cleaned? While you probably don’t need to clean solar panels for daily dust and pollen, if you live in an area where it doesn’t rain a lot or where airborne particulate matter such as smog is dense, then your solar panels should be cleaned more often.
Types of solar panels
When you shop for solar panels, you will encounter three types of panels. Those are:
- Monocrystalline (single crystal): Monocrystalline solar panels begin with a single silicon crystal with super clear qualities, from that single-crystal an ingot is made. The ingot is sliced to create ultra-clear cells that become one PV Cell.
- Polycrystalline (multi-crystal): Polycrystalline solar panels are like monocrystalline solar panels. The exception is that inside each PV Cell are multiple crystals. That tightly packed formation slows down the movement of electrons.
- Thin-film (amorphous): Thin-film (amorphous) solar panels – are not crystalline; they are amorphous. They are one of the highest efficiency solar panels available but only if you can apply them to a larger area. The advantage is that these are much easier to build, so they are often less expensive. They are also flexible and work on surfaces where it would be difficult to use a mono- or polycrystalline solar panel.
The differences are how they are made, their cost, maximum efficiency in creating energy, and their best use scenarios. But, of course, those factors also change based on the solar panel manufacturer.
The key to understanding when to clean your solar panels has everything to do with solar panel efficiency.
All three types of solar panels need cleaning at least annually. The actual frequency of cleaning depends on the environmental condition that your solar array faces.
To clean or not to clean
The efficiency of a solar panel is all about how many photons the cells can collect. For example, sunshine has photons in it, and as it strikes the surface of the solar panel, some of those photons are captured by the solar cells. However, if you have dirty panels, the dirt and grime block more of the solar photons, and few are captured by the solar cells. Generally, that is not a big deal, but cleaning the panels will help keep electricity production at its peak efficiency. Here’s a closer look at what that means.
Should you clean solar panels?
For the most part, you do not need to clean solar panels, but there are situations where cleaning is essential. That may sound like a contradiction, but here is why that is not so.
First, solar panels are tilted. That means when it rains, the rain will wash all the loose material off the panels. If you live where it does not often rain, consider having your solar panels cleaned at least twice per year. Some materials require a garden hose and a soft brush to remove them. Those include bird droppings, pitch from trees, leaves, and debris too large for the rain to remove.
So, the basic rule of thumb is that you do not need to clean solar panels often, but they do need cleaning. How often you clean them depends on the environmental abuse they suffer.
How often do solar panels need to be cleaned?
How often does a system need to be clean? The answer to this question is “it depends.” If you live in an area with a lot of wind, dust, smog, or near trees, the answer is each season. On the other hand, if you live in an area where the solar panels are sheltered and not prone to dust storms, flocks of birds, or sappy dripping trees, you may only need to have the solar panels cleaned yearly.
How do you know the solar panels need cleaning? The best way to tell is when you notice a drop in energy production from the solar array. Dirt on the panels can build up and cause a drop in energy output. You can also be proactive and clean before you notice a drop in energy.
When Should You NOT clean solar panels?
Never clean solar panels when they are turned on or when the array is active. Always clean them when the system is turned off for both the AC and DC isolators. Remember that electricity will always follow the path of least resistance. With a solar system, the energy can flow in both directions.
Never clean the units in bright sunlight. Not only will the sunlight charge the solar panels, but it will also heat the surface of the panels and cause soapy water to stain the surface. So instead, clean the panels in the morning, later afternoon, or when weather conditions are favorable, such as on cloudy, overcast days when the temperature is cooler and never allow the water to dry on the panels.
Cleaning methods for solar panels
Water, a soft brush and a long garden hose with a suitable nozzle are all you need to clean most solar panel systems. Make sure the brush is rated for use on glass surfaces so that it does not scratch the panels.
A rubber squeeze or a plastic blade is also helpful to remove the water from the solar panel’s surface. Finally, never use harsh chemicals on solar panels. Some may have a chemical reaction that mars the solar panel’s glass.
If there is a substance on the solar panel that will not come off with a light brushing and water, use a mild detergent, but make sure that the surface temperatures of the solar panels are cool. You do not want the detergent to dry on the glass as it will cause a haze and block more solar photons.
Another option is to hire service like Coldwell Solar that specializes in cleaning and maintaining commercial solar installations. The benefits of using a professional solar company means:
- A professional will handle turning on and off the electricity
- You don’t need to be on a wet, slippery roof.
- They will have the tools and solutions to clean the solar panels safely.
- They will also have the experience to handle hard-to-clean residue off the panels, such as pitch.
- Some solar maintenance programs also include solar panel cleaning as part of their regular maintenance programs.
What are the overall benefits of solar maintenance?
With most things “solar,” the most significant benefit is that the array continues to run at peak efficiency. That means your array produces the most energy possible given its location and the amount of sunlight it receives.
Solar panel cleaning is akin to removing “shading” from the solar panel. That is especially important if your solar system is set up with string inverters.
Shading occurs when something blocks the sunlight from striking a solar panel. Usually, it is a tree branch or a shadow. Remember that solar panels do not function without sunlight. If the panel becomes shaded, it stops producing electricity. If the solar panel is wired in a string and becomes shaded, then the entire production of the string of panels decreases. That drop can be significant and large enough to cause a reduction in power.
If a panel has debris, dirty, or grime on it and it is wired in a string, the substance on the panel can cause shading. You may not notice the power drop until you get a larger bill from your utility company.
Other reasons why you should consider a professional solar maintenance company to clean and maintain your commercial solar array:
- It is safer to let professionals clean your solar panels because they keep you off the roof and from electrical components.
- They understand how to properly turn the system off and back on.
- They check for and repair other solar issues, such as faulty panels.
- They have the tools and expertise to safely and efficiently clean hard-to-remove debris from solar panel glass, including pitch, tar, and pollen, without damaging them.
Learn more about solar panel cleaning and maintenance by giving our team a call. We are happy answer your questions or schedule a service and maintenance call.