Solar Panel Cleaning: What Is the Proper Way to Clean Them. Solar plate cleaner

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?

Interested in understanding the impact solar can have on your home? Enter some basic information below, and we’ll instantly provide a free estimate of your energy savings.

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?

Interested in understanding the impact solar can have on your home? Enter some basic information below, and we’ll instantly provide a free estimate of your energy savings.

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.

Solar Panel Cleaning: What Is the Proper Way to Clean Them?

Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable and cost-effective source of energy. They are low-maintenance, but keeping them clean is essential to ensure they continue to operate at maximum efficiency. In this article, we’ll cover the importance of cleaning solar panels, how often you should clean them, the best time to do so, safety precautions, cleaning tools and materials, a step-by-step guide to cleaning solar panels, professional cleaning services, and maintaining solar panel efficiency. We’ll also answer five frequently asked questions about solar panel cleaning.

Why Cleaning Solar Panels Is Important

Dust, dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and other debris can accumulate on solar panels, reducing their ability to absorb sunlight and generate electricity. The less sun that is absorbed by a panel, the less electricity it produces. In fact, studies show that dirty solar panels can lose up to 25% of their efficiency, leading to higher energy bills and reduced system lifespan. Another study by Sonsuz, O., Adıgüzel, E., Kabaoğlu, R.O., Ersoy, A. (2020). The Effect Of Pollution On Photovoltaic Panels Under Climate Conditions In Hatay. Erzincan Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü Dergisi. found that “it has been calculated that cleaning the panels periodically will significantly increase the electricity production in powerful solar power plants.”

Regular cleaning helps maintain optimal performance to extend the life of your solar panels.

How Often Should You Clean Your Solar Panels?

The frequency of cleaning photovoltaic (PV) solar panels depends on several factors, such as your location, climate, and the angle of your panels. In general, it’s recommended to clean PV solar panels at least once or twice a year. However, if you live in a dusty area or experience heavy snowfall, you may need to clean them more frequently. Regular rain periods can help reduce the frequency of cleaning, as rain will naturally remove the build-up of dust, dirt, bird droppings, and other foreign objects on the glass of the panels. Nonetheless, it is essential to monitor your PV solar panels’ performance and cleanliness, as the efficiency of the panels can be significantly affected by even small amounts of accumulated debris.

Best Time to Clean Solar Panels

The ideal time to clean solar panels is early morning or late afternoon when the sun’s rays are less intense. This prevents the risk of the panels becoming too hot, which can make cleaning more difficult and potentially damage the solar cells such as stains occurring from cleaners that have been left to dry on the panels during the hot sun.

Safety Precautions

Before you begin cleaning, consider these safety precautions:

• Turn off the solar panel system.
• If your panels are on the roof, use a secure ladder and wear appropriate safety gear.
• Avoid using high-pressure water or abrasive materials, which can damage the panels.
• Do not walk on the solar panels.

Cleaning Tools and Materials

To clean your solar panels, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

Soft brush

Using a soft brush is crucial when cleaning solar panels to avoid causing any damage to their delicate surface. Soft-bristled brushes are gentle enough to remove dirt, dust, and debris without scratching or damaging the glass surface or the solar cells underneath.

When selecting a brush, opt for one with an extendable handle, allowing you to reach all areas of the solar panels with ease, especially if they are installed at a height or on a roof.

Keep the elbow grease to a minimum as well, you don’t want to be too forceful.

Lastly, be careful with the use of a sponge as dirt and debris can easily get trapped in the fibres.

Microfibre cloth

Using a microfiber cloth is another excellent tool for cleaning solar panels without causing damage to their surface. Microfiber cloths are made from soft, synthetic materials that effectively lift and trap dirt and dust particles, making them perfect for cleaning delicate surfaces like solar panels. Additionally, these cloths are highly absorbent, which helps to remove excess water after rinsing the panels, preventing streaks and water spots.

Squeegee

Some imitation Squeegee’s are made from cheap plastic and the blade can scratch your solar panel’s glass surface. so, even a good quality Squeegee tool can suffer from a build-up of dirt or debris, which can be abrasive and therefore scratch the glass surface. Whilst using a Squeegee is perfectly fine – please use them carefully to avoid damaging your panels. Our personal recommendation is to use a Water-fed system or clean Microfiber cloth.

Mild soap or detergent

Using a mild soap or detergent is essential when cleaning solar panels to ensure their surface and solar cells remain undamaged. Harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners can cause scratches or corrode the protective coating on the panels, reducing their efficiency and lifespan. Mild soaps or detergents, on the other hand, are gentle enough to effectively remove dirt, dust, and debris without causing harm to the panels.

When selecting a mild soap or detergent, opt for a biodegradable, non-toxic formula that is safe for the environment and won’t leave harmful residues on the panels. To create an appropriate cleaning solution, mix a small amount of the soap or detergent with water in a bucket. The solution should be sudsy but not overly concentrated, as too much soap can leave streaks or residue on the panels after rinsing.

Hose with a spray nozzle

Using a hose with a spray nozzle is a convenient and effective method for rinsing and cleaning solar panels. The spray nozzle allows you to control the water pressure and adjust the spray pattern, ensuring a gentle yet thorough rinsing process that removes dirt, soap, and debris without damaging the panel’s surface or solar cells.

When selecting a spray nozzle for your hose, opt for one with adjustable settings that allow you to choose a gentle spray or mist. High-pressure settings can cause damage to the solar panels and should be avoided.

Water-fed cleaning system

If you want to do it the right way, invest in a water fed cleaning system that you can use on the dirtiest parts of your installation once every six (6) months. A water-fed cleaning system uses a low-pressure spray of water, fed through soft brushes to clean solar panels without causing any damage. A water-fed system can include an extension pole that will stretch up to 9m. The soft brushes on the pole will agitate the dust, bird poo and other debris before rinsing it away.

The water-fed pole’s effectiveness is due in part to the fact that only pure water is used to clean the solar panel. To enhance the water quality and remove all minerals and pollutants, the water is passed through a reverse osmosis filter. Once the grime is washed away, there’s no need for detergent. Because the water is clean (the filter ensures there is no trace of any dirty water), it won’t leave behind any water streaks, residue, or mineral deposits. The Windows are streak-free because the water-fed pole only uses clean water, even though they are not sponged or chamois. If you like, you can also use the water-fed system to clean Windows around your house.

Be mindful that water fed systems are not a pressure washer, the water quality is pure meaning it doesn’t need a high pressure to be effective. Most systems will simply dribble water out of the house near the brush which can then be used for cleaning.

Don’t use a high-pressure washer

When completing a solar panel clean, never use a strong high-pressure washer or harsh chemicals. Many people assume a Karcher cleaner from their local Bunnings store is a good option for doing a wash of their panels however this isn’t the case. Your panels may be harmed by high-pressure cleaners or hazardous chemicals, causing you to do more harm than good.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Solar Panels

Follow these steps to clean your solar panels effectively:

Preparing the cleaning area

Turn off your solar panel system and ensure you have all your cleaning tools and materials ready. If you have trees near your solar panels, check for bird droppings, mud and leaves that may fall onto the panels. Usually, if you have trees or other nature plants near your panels you will find you experience a build-up of dirt and debris more often – reducing the efficiency of the panels.

Wetting the solar panels

Use the hose with a spray nozzle to gently wet the solar panels, starting from the top and working your way down. This helps to loosen dirt and debris.

Applying soap or detergent

Mix a mild soap or detergent with water in a bucket. Dip the soft brush into the soapy solution and gently apply it to the solar panels.

Brushing and scrubbing

Using the soft brush, gently scrub the solar panels in a circular motion to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as it may scratch the surface. Use the squeegee to remove excess water and dirt, working from the top to the bottom of the panels.

Rinsing and drying

Rinse the solar panels with clean water from the hose, ensuring all soap and debris are removed. Allow the panels to air dry or use a soft cloth to gently wipe them down.

Professional Solar Panel Cleaning Services

Depending on the size of your solar system, it can cost you between 200 upwards to have a professional company clean them. This can be money well spent when you consider the risk of working metres off the ground.

The good news is that some companies do offer discounts if their customers subscribe to a maintenance plan or have repeat cleans throughout the year. We recommend that you always ask for their credentials and customer reviews before committing to any one company.

Some situations, such as when you have solar panels on an apartment building, will require a professional and shouldn’t be attempted by anyone else due to the risks involved should an accident occur.

An important aspect of choosing a solar panel cleaner is whether or not they offer warranties. If the company provides guarantees on its workmanship, this means they could return and clean your panels again for free should they fail to do their job. But again, make sure the warranty comes with fine print that includes specific details about what’s included in the contract.

If you would like recommendations on solar panel cleaning services please reach out to our friendly staff at Skyline Solar.

Flat solar panels definitely need cleaning

Flat panels require a wash more frequently than tilted solar panels. Why? Because water collects on the flat panels and has nowhere to go if there are no drains. The water will evaporate, leaving dirt behind.

It’s highly likely that a solar panel in a flat position will need a good clean, especially if it is in a place where it cannot be rained on directly. You can also get dirty panels from factory residue (particularly in commercial installations) and high traffic dust. This can result in lost production because the dust impedes the energy output of the cells (and therefore your energy bill).

Maintaining Solar Panel Efficiency

In addition to regular cleaning, monitor your solar panel system’s performance to ensure they’re working efficiently. Keep an eye on your energy bills and the system’s output to identify any potential issues. Regular maintenance, such as inspecting the wiring and mounting hardware, can also help prevent potential problems.

Conclusion

Cleaning your solar panels is an essential part of maintaining their efficiency and prolonging their lifespan. By following the steps outlined in this article and taking necessary safety precautions, you can ensure your solar panels continue to produce clean, sustainable energy for years to come. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact the solar power experts here at Skyline Solar.

Pro tip: Never use soap to clean dirty solar panels

One thing learned during the coronavirus pandemic was the effectiveness of soap and water — regularly washing our hands was our best defense. While dirty solar panels do benefit from a regular washing to ward off reduced output and efficiency, soap isn’t the answer here.

Courtesy: Premier Solar Cleaning

California-based solar installer and maintenance provider Bland Company never uses a cleaning agent on solar panels, instead relying on deionized water and a rotating-brush system to wash solar panels.

“Soaps can leave a film or residue that not only shades panels like the dirt that was just washed off, but it can also encourage dirt to stick and build up faster,” said Daniel Green, Bland marketing director. “We use deionized water that is applied through our rotating-brush system. This is the best way to leave the solar panels with a spot-free shine that’s as beautiful as the first day they were installed.”

Rather than risk Bland employee safety or potential damage to the solar panels they’re cleaning, the company has been using Sola-Tecs brush cleaners since 2018. A rolling brush is attached to wheels that glide across the solar panels, allowing for an almost-hands-free deep clean. Bland also runs the customer’s water through a demineralizing and ionizing system.

Courtesy: Premier Solar Cleaning

“[Sola-Tecs] is the only cleaning system we use. We’ve found that in combination with our water treatment procedure, it’s the best way to clean solar panels,” Green said. “It requires less water, fewer passes and no harsh chemicals or detergents.”

Premier Solar Cleaning (PSC) in Southern California also finds that using deionized water through water-fed poles and brushes works just fine to clean solar projects.

“If you have ever smelled your hands after washing them with soap, what you smell is the soap left behind, even though you cannot see any soap afterwards,” said Adam Fuller, co-founder of PSC. “If we used soap to clean panels, the very small molecules of soap would leave something behind for dust and dirt to build upon.”

PSC offers a full maintenance suite, including infrared inspections to find damaged panels that need more than just a good wash. Fuller also stays busy doing year-round “pigeon evictions,” cleaning underneath panels and installing critter guards to ward off birds and other animals. He takes pride in giving customers honest answers and showing how production will increase after panels are cleaned.

Courtesy: Premier Solar Cleaning

“The homes and factories nearest the airport and highways gather smog or oil-based pollution, which resist running off with a normal rainfall,” Fuller said. “These make some of the older blue panels appear black at first glance. Dirt on the surface reflects light away from the panels. A clean panel remains cooler, allowing the flow of electrons to move more easily.”

National residential and commercial OM provider SunSystem Technology also stays away from soap and uses filtered water and a rotating brush to clean panels, but director of marketing Jeff Struhm said the company uses a mixture of diluted vinegar and hydrogen peroxide to aide in scrubbing away dirt and grime.

“When rain happens, soil accumulates at the bottom edge of the solar panel, obstructing the lower PV cell row and hindering the production efficiency,” Struhm said. “It’s like a car getting hosed down — you still need to scrub it or use a soil-releasing mixture in order to avoid scrubbing.”

Sometimes just water isn’t enough, but everyone agrees that soap should never be used. That’s why lubricant manufacturer Polywater released its Solar Panel Wash five years ago. The highly concentrated additive isn’t a filmy soap; instead it enhances water’s ability to clean solar panels, said Charlie Cole, Polywater international VP.

Non-soap Solar Panel Wash from Polywater

“We’re giving the water the capacity to lift the soil off the panel as opposed to a solvent, which is basically surrounding the dirt particle and taking it off the panel,” Cole said. “[Solar Panel Wash] is safer for the components of the panel. It’s not going to affect anti-reflective films; it’s not going to corrode the aluminum rails. It’s biodegradable, meaning that it’s non-persistent, making it friendly with the environment. It’s not going to affect the groundwater.”

Solar Panel Wash modifies the surface tension of the water, so instead of water beading up, it will form a continuous film across the solar panels to lift dirt and debris. Cole said Solar Panel Wash is especially helpful in arid locations where dust is high and water is scarce, because the wash allows for less water to be used in cleaning.

“A lot of these installations are done in desert regions where the availability of water is really an issue. If we can reduce the use of water, it’s an environmental benefit,” Cole said.

Polywater works with panel manufacturers to get its wash approved for use to not void any warranties. Canadian Solar and other global brands have confirmed Solar Panel Wash is safe for use on their panels. It can be purchased through Polywater’s global network of distributors and from Amazon in North America.

Solar OM providers are glad the industry is waking up to the need for periodic panel washing.

“At the beginning, panel managers were saying, ‘Don’t use anything but rain water.’ People were taking that to heart, and then three years after the panel installation they started to see a significant degradation of productivity,” Cole said. “For a large installation, if your efficiency goes down by 50%, that really cuts into the economic justification that was made in the first place.”

Even on residential projects, homeowners will benefit from paying some extra attention to the cleanliness of their few solar panels.

“We oftentimes hear customers say that the rain does just fine cleaning their panels, and while the rain does wash some dirt off, it doesn’t truly clean the panels. If the panels are already filthy, the rain just makes it worse by converting dust to thick layers of mud,” Bland’s Green said. “The perfect analogy is to consider your car. If your car hasn’t been washed in six months, does leaving it out in the rain make the dirt better or worse? The same is true with dirty solar panels.”

Just don’t use soap — a little elbow grease and water work fine.

About The Author

Kelly Pickerel

Kelly Pickerel has over a decade of experience reporting on the U.S. solar industry and is currently editor in chief of Solar Power World.

Комментарии и мнения владельцев

I highly recommend following the advice given in this article and avoiding the use of soap to clean dirty solar panels. Using soap or other harsh chemicals can damage the surface of the panels and reduce their efficiency over time. Instead, it’s best to use a soft brush or cloth and plain water to gently remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the panels. Regular cleaning of solar panel is essential to ensure optimal energy production, and this gentle approach will help to protect your investment and ensure maximum energy output for years to come. I also advise contacting a professional solar panel cleaning company to ensure that the job is done safely and effectively, especially for hard-to-reach panels or larger installations. By taking proper care of your solar panels, you can enjoy the many benefits of clean, renewable energy for years to come.

Hello all, My name is Randy with Tiki’s SoftWash located in the Inland Empire, Southern California. I own an exterior cleaning service and one service we offer is solar cleaning. This is a great article and the information is absolutely educational. I’ve read a lot of your posts and many of you have questions and/or suggestions. As a professional that has cleaned many solar panels I wanted to speak about what we’ve learned during our time cleaning. First, solar companies don’t speak about the maintenance because this can be an added cost or added personal task to your already busy schedule. Second, we’ve found that most solar companies though are knowledgeable about general info and installation are clueless when it comes to the maintenance of your solar panels. This truth has been realized time and time again in the industry. There are several reasons one would hire a professional to clean. One of the most important reasons to hire a professional is the safety factor. Being on the roof can be very dangerous. Though some may be very comfortable with doing this task themselves doesn’t mean they have the experience to work in that environment. There are many factors to consider while cleaning on either a one story or two story home. Two, many houses in Southern California have tiled roofing materials. If you are not experienced in walking on this type of material you can cause a lot of damage to your roof. I have witnessed much damage from homeowners trying to walk on there own roof for various reasons. Three, we have all the right equipment. Our truck carries 300 feet of hose and utilizes a soft rinse and a soft bristle hand brush with extension handles that reach 30 feet for small jobs and a rotating soft bristle brush for large jobs. We clean with water only and rinse with deionized water for a streak free shine. And last, BEWARE, most solar companies claim that if customer uses any soap or cleaning products or third party companies hired that use soaps or cleaning products, that this can affect the warranty. Definitely check with your solar professional before applying any cleaning products to your solar panels. Using DI water is the safest alternative to keeping your panels clean. If you would like to ask questions or make an appointment please go to our website at: http://www.tikisSoftWash.com Or call: (909) 375-0408

I live in the beautiful Central Valley in California. Since it is primarily an agricultural area, dust in the air is common, and will build up on solar panels. This layer of dirt will reduce the amount of energy the solar panels produce. I did a little research as to how the solar panels actually work and what wavelength of light solar panels use to generate electricity. I found that the solar panels use the visible wavelengths. Knowing that UV light destroys everything, especially in California, I wanted a way to block the UV light, and clean my solar panels so the visible wavelength is an obstructed. My conclusion was to use the same soap that I use to wash my car. McGuiar’s wash and wax. https://www.meguiars.com/automotive/products/meguiars-ultimate-wash-wax-g17748-48-oz-liquid This car wash soap is gentle enough to clean the fragile paint on our cars, and contains wax, which will naturally be depleted by the UV rays from the Sun. I also use a car wash pass through Pole and brush that I got from Harbor Freight. https://www.harborfreight.com/instant-on-off-telescoping-flow-thru-brush-67658.html Each time I have washed my solar panels, I have gotten between 7% and 12% increase in production the following day. At dusk, after the panels have cooled down, I spray them wet with water, then using a spray bottle with a quarter ounce of the car wash soap and 32 oz of water, I spray a section of panels at a time. I gently brush the panels, then I turn the water on and brush the panels again rinsing them off at the same time. I do not squeegee them dry. My panels are the cleanest on the block!

Thanks for heads up in research. I live by Fresno. How long does the car wash last? I was using dawn dish soap and it would hold up for about a month or so before needing to be cleaned again.

I installed 27 panels back in 2020 and clueless on how to clean them after all the months. Being a car fanatic and only taking absolute care for the paint, I figured using the same method on my panels would do no harm. I mean if a wash mitt can’t or won’t swirl the paint, how can it do any harm to the panel right? I was very unsure on using meguiars but your post just gave me some relief, so thank you.

Panels can last for many years using this method. I have noticed that some bugs like to lay their egg cases on solar PV panels, these leave a waxy blob on the panel that is not always easy to remove. In those cases, warm soapy water, squeegee with a soft rubber blade, repeat until gone.

Has anyone tried that product called “ Wet n Forget”. Simply because I’m terrified of getting on my roof because of the slope. With this stuff I use it to clean the siding on my house. So I was just asking

It is pretty amazing how most solar panel cleaning services do not realize this. Down in Albuquerque, we mostly have window washing companies offer solar panel cleaning as a service and they have no access to de-ionized water. They wash the solar panels just like they’d wash any other window. We do it the right way though. Check out our work at https://www.solarpanelcleaningalbuquerque.com

One thing that is not mentioned here is TEMPERATURE. I live in the desert where the temp. is anywhere between 115 and 130 degrees all days of summer. Yes, it is hot! This (temperature) of the panels is one of the most important things to be aware of. The panels get hot so throwing cool water on them could easily cause the glass to crack! Not good. The ideal time to clean them would be early morning before they even have a chance to heat up. Other than that would be evening after they have had a chance to cool down. Just saying.

Great article! Solar panels don’t need a lot of aftercare but keeping them clean is a must, avoid using products such as Windex and never use a pressure washer to clean them! As other Комментарии и мнения владельцев have mentioned bird dropping aren’t so easy to remove!

I have just installed solar panels at my house and I was not sure how to clean that because if it leave water spots it might harm the panels. But I just got what I was looking for, and thank you for sharing such informative article with us.

We have a very thick layer of soot on our solar panels. It is so thick I can write in it. (We’ve had multiple fires very close to our property in the past two months). Water and a brush do NOT get the soot off. I am thinking of using Dawn dish soap mixed with water and a soft bristle brush. Dawn is really good at cutting greasy substances. However, I also understand it can leave streaks but streaks can not be as bad as leaving the soot, can it? When washing Windows the best recipe is 2 or 3 drops of dawn per gallon; I was thinking of doing the same for the panels. Please let me know your thoughts at your earliest convenience. Thank you, Pam

Your Homeowners Insurance should cover cleaning them if due to wildfires. I even had ash in the water basin of my coffee pot from the ‘07 WitchCreek Fire in CA. Even though my place didn’t burn, my HO policy covered and entire cleaning inside and out. Since the fires are a natural disaster your rates don’t increase.

You can also get a reasonably priced water deionized from Unger on Amazon. Its the blue model for washing cars. I use it for my panels, works great. Little bit of dawn on a rv brush and a long pole then rinse with the filtered water. Good to go.

HA VE NOT HEARD ANYONE TALK ABOUT PRODUCTS THAT WON’T LEAVE WATER SPOTS WHICH IS BAD FOR PANELS, ANYONE HAVE A GOOD IDEA ON A PRODUCT THAT WOULD WORK

Mixed vinegar and water. Splash you car down with it after washing then leave it in the sun to dry. You won’t have any spots.

Yes that’s a system call RO/DI water systems gives you 100% purify water and thats the only way not to get water marks on your panels and Windows i used all the time. The best results but is very expensive to buy! I have a clean business Check my page i have couple pictures there SUN SOFT WASH http://www.sunsoftwash.com Hope that helps you

We wash our panels with a mixture of water and Dawn soap with a final clean water rinse. We do this once a year after all the pollen has finished falling. Our problem is with stained roof shingles from between the two solar panels (facing south). We have had the roof “soft washed” with no real success. Someone suggested installing a zinc panel below the solar panels. Does anyone out there have an answer? Thank you

As mentioned in the article, ““When rain happens, soil accumulates at the bottom edge of the solar panel, obstructing the lower PV cell row and hindering the production efficiency…” This is because the Al frame is higher than the glass, thus prevents the soil water flowing out of the module surface. As Ramond Davidalso mentions, “Depends on the tilt of the modules as well. Panels at 30 degrees get cleaner with rain water better that 10 degrees tilt or less…” This is because the low-angle installed rooftop solar module is much easier to accumelate dust nearby the frame edge. Normally for the angle lower than 15 degree, water cannot flow out of the module surface due to the Al frame (like a dam). So there is a solution to add a small component onto the frame, which can help the accumulated soil water acrosss the frame and flow out of the module surface automatically during the rain, thoroughly remove the dust nearby the frame, also help remove the carbon-hydrogen contamination. This is a patent technology, has been sucessfully applied on tile roof top solar installation, of which the installation agle is always lower than 15 degree. If you wang to know more, testpv.com

I read the full technical document of a component so called ” Mud killer”，which describes the detail on how to remove the dust from the near-frame glass surface. Find the detail here: http://www.testpv.com/portal.php?mod=viewaid=25408

The need and effectiveness of solar panel cleaning is affected by many factors. The types of soiling, levels of rainfall, size of installation, cleaning methods and mineral content of water used to wash panels can affect the level of efficiency gains from cleaning. For those installations where frequent panel cleaning is required, an assessment must be made of cleaning processes and equipment and whether a chemical cleaning solution is required. If it is determined that a PV cleaning product is required, its panel component compatibility needs to be considered. Glass cleaning products and dish soaps are often used to clean PV panels. They can contain a wide array of solvents and their frequent use can corrode or weaken metal and water-proofing components surrounding the panel’s protective glass to expose underlying solar cells to the risk of damage. Solvents can also damage panels’ anti-reflective films to reduce power generating efficiency. Solvents like ethanol are flammable and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). Polywater’s SPW is a non-solvent cleaner that eliminates these risks of component damage. Approved by major solar panel manufacturers, SPW is designed to be a safe and effective PV panel cleaner.

Actually the worst case that affect the power generation is the dust accumalated around the solar panel frame, which contributes almost 80% of power loss. 20% efforts of dust cleaning for frame-side dust causes 80% power gain, in another word, 80% efforts of dust cleaning for the glass surface only get 20% of power gain. By using the “mud-killer”, all dust around the solar panel frame will disappear thoroughly. So it helps gain the 80% of power loss back. You may need not spend additional product cleaning any more. From the product document and field test, we confirmed the above mentioned. Please read and download the following article(it’s english version): http://www.testpv.com/portal.php?mod=viewaid=25408

Very well put together post! We need more people spreading the word about not using harsh chemicals on solar panels because they really can be harmful and can damage the panels. Many chemicals can be abrasive and can scratch the surface of the panels, which can reduce their effectiveness. Additionally, some chemicals can react with the materials used in solar panels, such as the photovoltaic cells, and can cause permanent damage. We’ve done so many solar panel replacements solar panel replacements due to this problem. It is generally best to use a cleaning solution that is specifically designed for solar panels and to avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.

When I was about 30 years old, I had made friends with a retired UPS supervisor, his brother, in a fast growing town in central Kentucky, (this was back around 1980, just before the Chicago Bears got on a roll for the 1985 Superbowl, … they owned a carwash/full service gas station, with a oil change bay, … they were quite energetic, in coming up with ways to provide a number of services for the community, … The one thing I remember JS, saying about that business, is that soap, does not clean cars, … and he showed me a barrel that provided the customers “seller”, … You see, the customers love to see suds, believe that it is the soap which is cleaning their vehicle, … And JS, acknowledged that the soap only helps in providing a medium to carry the dirt away from the vehicle, … The real “magic behind the curtain” was sitting just to the side of it, in a dry corner of the contents room sat several bags of water softener salt, … packed up 6 high on pallets, covered with plastic so it did not get wet too early, … just in case a water leak sprang from somewhere amongst the equipment, … Soft water was the key to cleaning, hot “soft” water would degunk just about anything you could find on any automotive vehicles, … from heavy trucks that worked the coal mines, to old grannies, that only use the car on Sunday, to go to church, to the ingle guys who would “cruise” the malls, … there was a lot of traffic that got washed at the self-service/full service car wash, you could buy a carwash, fill up your car, get the oil changed, I’d be there if you wanted to get your car waxed, … or to have the luster restored to the paint, then waxed, … I was too cheap, for the I was charging, but made enough to feed my family, barely, … but that is another story, … lol, … lets just say that I learned how to have, keep a nice ride without a lot of expense, very little upkeep, …

Airborne Hydrocarbons like to stick to glass, paint metal and, much to the surprise of researchers, who were investigating the Lotus Effect of extreme hydrophobicity; Hydrocarbons also like surfaces that have been treated to shed water or are in some manner modified to be self cleaning. TiO2 coating may be an exception but they may interfere with photon transmission. The hydrocarbon build up attracts airborne particles. Where I work in the SF Bay area, I’m sandwiched between 10 lanes of I-880 and one of the main off ramps to Tesla. Suffice to say, my car gets dirty. On occasion, I have noticed that a gentle but persistent rain, unaccompanied by wind and thus Rapid evaporation, practically leaves my car and the windshield, streak free. My car is 20 years old, the paint has signs of bossing from the car wash and yet a gentle, persistent rain leaves it pristine.

I measured before and after cleaning my panels at the end of a dry summer in Portland and found 1% or less output increase only. Very dusty locations probably more.

Seven years after installing PV on my Chandler, AZ home, I have concluded that cleaning PV modules is unnecessary. After a full year of operation I cleaned my modules and compared before and after kWh production. The day before cleaning and the day after were identical cloudless days at the exact same temperature. I discovered there was absolutely no change in kWh performance. While cleaning modules may be worthwhile in heavy bird dropping area or Fresno with heavy soiling from agricultural activity, in my firm opinion, it does not pay to do this in the vast majority of residential PV applications.

Car windscreen cleaner solution would seem to fit the task. It removes road film, bird effluvia and squashed bugs….

Use SWP Solar Wash Protect a concentrate Bio degradable solution mixed with water for better wash for long period. It is dust repellent cleaning solution for Solar Panels only.

Depends on the tilt of the modules as well. Panels at 30 degrees get cleaner with rain water better that 10 degrees tilt or less

Getting it soaked with ordinary water (without soap) for a few minutes before washing is sufficient to remove it.

I tried Rainx it works fine with rain, but in the winter snow tends to hang up more than on plain panels.

Must taste pretty good I’d say…you’re drinking everything else that LEACHES off your roofing materials.

I would have to imagine that he runs it through some kind of filter, most people don’t drink rainwater directly

This article seems to be using the word “soap” rather broadly. Of course you aren’t going to rub your panels with a bar of Dial soap! Detergents and surfactants are another story. They really help to remove surface contaminants, rinse easily, and don’t leave a sticky film. You need to avoid consumer products that have other junk in them like skin softeners, and the final rinse should be D.I. water. D.I. water by itself is fine, but sometimes an oily contaminant needs more.

The best way to clean solar panels is with rotating brushes or robots that have rotating brushes mounted on them. In our extensive cleaning experience (our machines have cleaned 100s of GW) soap is not necessary, just de-ionized water!

I’ve had my 5KWh system for about 6yrs now and I’ve been keeping a detailed log on its energy production, I’ve never had a service done and never had anyone wash the panels, I let the rain clean the panels and to this day it’s producing the same it was when installed, when I say same I mean no great reduction in power, very happy with mine.

Long ago, when Sanyo made the HIT solar PV panels, their product sheet called out “cheap” dish washing liquid, not the stuff with skin softening aloe Vera or something like that. Warm water dish soap and a (towel) to wash down the panels. First step was spray down all the panels and let the water drain, second step wash down panels with dish soap, then spray off and squeegee with a soft rubber blade. I’d say most solar PV manufacturers will absolutely say not to use harsh chemicals like Windex or cleaners with any kind of cleaning “grit”. Panels can last for many years using this method. I have noticed that some bugs like to lay their egg cases on solar PV panels, these leave a waxy blob on the panel that is not always easy to remove. In those cases, warm soapy water, squeegee with a soft rubber blade, repeat until gone.

The complete guide to the cleaning and maintenance of solar panels

Rooftop solar panels may become dirty as a result of exposure to dust and pollution.

With that being said, is it necessary to clean solar panels? Does dirt interfere with solar energy production? Don’t the wind and rain provide sufficient cleaning? Should this task be carried out by a specialized cleaning company?

Look no further than this guide to find out everything you need to know about the cleaning and maintenance of solar panels!

What are the components of a solar installation?

First and foremost, let us introduce the two different terms discussed in this article:

• Solar panel cleaning: this entails washing the panels like Windows. The cleaning may be combined with preventive maintenance of the solar collectors.
• Solar panel maintenance: this refers to technical maintenance carried out by a professional and should ideally take place once a year.

The reason why photovoltaic panels must be cleaned is to ensure solar panel efficiency. An unclean panel runs the risk of producing less electricity and thereby reducing the profitability of the installation.

For that matter, the cleaning and maintenance of solar panels encompasses all types of solar installations, including:

What are the components of a solar installation?

The main components of a grid-connected photovoltaic installation are:

• The photovoltaic solar panels
• The support structure
• The inverter or the microinverters
• The direct current (DC) circuit breaker and protection unit
• The alternating current (AC) circuit breaker and protection unit

The main components of a solar thermal installation are:

• The thermal solar panels
• The primary and secondary circuits
• The heat exchanger
• The heat storage tank and hydraulic pumps
• The expansion tank
• The tubes
• The main control panel

The main components of a hybrid solar installation are:

• The hybrid solar panels which contain the heat exchanger
• The support structure
• The inverter or the microinverters
• The direct current (DC) circuit breaker and protection unit
• The alternating current (AC) circuit breaker and protection unit
• The primary and secondary circuits
• The heat storage tank and hydraulic pumps
• The expansion tank
• The pipes
• The main control panel

There are a myriad of companies which offer cleaning services for each of these solar panels.

When to call upon the services of a solar cleaning company

Enlisting the aid of a solar panel cleaning company is a reasonable choice for very large installations known as solar farms or solar parks.

Why is that? Because if we build off the premise that unclean solar panels deliver a.5% solar output, this translates into a significant energetic shortfall in the context of a very large installation5% is an average calculation presented by the International Solar Energy Society. Declined efficiency will be discussed in more detail in a later paragraph regarding verification through monitoring

Apart from this scenario, a residential user need not necessarily secure the services of a cleaning company as long as the panels are slightly tilted. If the panels are laid flat, there is a higher chance of dirt build-up.

When all is said and done, cleaning solar panels is an uncomplicated procedure that you can take care of just as well as a professional. If you have a small installation, it pays off to clean it on your own because the cost of professional cleaning would exceed the estimated energy gain associated with clean solar panels.

As a matter of fact, you may also ask your solar installer to clean your panels while he is performing routine technical maintenance. He can execute this task in complete security.

Preventive maintenance

Preventive maintenance involves booking an appointment with your solar installer to verify that everything is in order. This procedure should generally occur once a year and differs from curative maintenance, which involves the resolution of an identified fault or failure.

How frequently should solar panels be cleaned and maintained and during what time period?

Ideally once a year

In truth, there is no regulatory maintenance frequency to adhere to with respect to your solar installation (whether photovoltaic or thermal). It all depends on where it is installed and how rapidly it accumulates dirt.

All the same, you should aim for an annual inspection as part of a maintenance contract with your solar installer. At any rate, this is what we advise our DualSun clients to do. Therefore, cleaning can also occur at this time.

In reality, the cleaning frequency of a solar installation depends on its location. A solar panel will certainly accumulate dirt more quickly if it is particularly exposed to agricultural dust, bird droppings, sand or pollution.

Alternatively, a long period of drought can also contribute to dirt build-up on the panels seeing as they do not benefit from a natural rain rinse.

The optimal period to clean solar panels

There is no optimal period to clean one’s solar panels. However, the end of winter seems to be a more favorable time to clean them because the sun returns and output levels are on the rise.

Bear in mind that your solar installer may be very busy during this time since it is also the ideal period to perform installations. So expect a Rapid intervention on his part.

Lastly, there is no specific time of day to clean your solar panels either. Nevertheless, to avoid interfering with the solar output, you may want to opt for dawn or dusk when the panels are less warm.

Types of solar panel maintenance operations

Verification through monitoring

Apart from a visual appraisal of your collectors, the best way to know if your solar panels need to be cleaned is by verifying your solar output. Has it decreased due to unclean solar panels? If that is the case, a lower-than-normal output level will notify you that it is time for a cleaning.

The DGS eV, which is the German section of the International Solar Energy Society, states the following in the Photovoltaic Guide: on average, an unclean photovoltaic solar panel generates 2 to 7% less energy than a clean panel.

However, a very sharp drop in production levels is more so indicative of a technical problem. Therefore, if efficiency levels drop by more than 10%, you should have your system serviced by a professional.

Your solar monitor provides all these details. Simply log in to your online interface and verify your energy output data.

The tools needed to properly clean photovoltaic panels

To clean the surface of the panels, all you need is soft, lukewarm water and a non-abrasive sponge. Nothing more.

Please be aware that applying cold water to a warm panel could result in thermal shock, thereby damaging your panel. Furthermore, cleaning with hard water may leave white residue on your glass panels and thus affect their performance.

If possible, use a telescopic pole to avoid taking the unnecessary risk of climbing onto your roof.

Last but not least, it almost goes without saying that you should avoid leaning too heavily on your panels.

What to avoid when cleaning solar panels

Certain cleaning products can damage the solar panels and should therefore be avoided:

• Hard water. It can leave white residue that diminishes photovoltaic output.
• Abrasive sponges. They may scratch the panels.
• Very cold water: Using very cold water on a warm panel can result in thermal shock and permanently damage the solar panel.
• Very high-pressure water. This can damage the joints in the panel frame. Kärcher-type high-pressure cleaners must therefore be avoided.
• Solvents and detergents. Such products may damage the surface of the solar collectors.

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Photovoltaic cleaning and maintenance

As we previously stated, solar panels can only perform at an optimal level if they are clean and free of any object or element that could block the sun’s rays. This includes shade!

In France, there is sufficient wind and rain to adequately clean and rinse off photovoltaic solar installations, but you may also wipe down the panels with a sponge if you wish.

As far as maintenance is concerned, it serves to remind that photovoltaic solar panels do not require any special technical maintenance.

That’s right. They are extremely reliable and sturdy— and can operate for up to 30 years! All you need to do is ensure an occasional verification of the cables, the output meter, and the inverter. A mere glance at the monitor will alert you to an unexpected drop in production levels.

Thermal solar panel cleaning and maintenance

The cleaning procedure is similar to that of any other panel type.

However, this type of solar installation requires rigorous thermal maintenance based on recommendations outlined by each manufacturer in part. These are specified in the care and maintenance manuals.

The thermal maintenance of an installation is carried out by a solar installer once a year, at which time he:

• Verifies the water pressure by using the pressure gauge to ensure that it is not less than 1 bar. If the pressure sits below 1 bar, this could jeopardize the circulation of the glycol water and negatively affect the entire solar installation.
• Controls the quantity of glycol, which is the antifreeze found in the panels. There must be enough glycol to prevent the panels from freezing in the winter.
• Monitors the operation of the installation’s safety devices, such as the mixing valve at the outlet to the domestic hot water tank or the solar safety valve.
• Ensures that the installation is perfectly sealed and waterproof. Confirms the absence of fluid leaks on the accessible portions of the system.
• Verifies the pump, the expansion tank, and the electrical connections.

All actions performed on the thermal installation must be recorded by the installer in a maintenance notebook and safeguarded so as to ensure precise tracking throughout the service life of the installation.

Hybrid solar panel cleaning and maintenance

The distinguishing feature of hybrid solar panels is that they combine two systems in one: photovoltaic panels on the front and thermal panels on the back, towards the roof.

Hybrid solar panels are cleaned in the exact same way as a photovoltaic or thermal panel, meaning with soft, lukewarm water and a non-abrasive sponge.

As far as of the photovoltaic side is concerned, this procedure is identical to that of a classic panel, which consists of verifying the cables, the production housing, and the solar inverter.

Maintenance of the thermal side is similar to that of a thermal solar installation. The difference is that solar hybrid panels such as DualSun do not overheat. This advantageous feature preserves the heat transfer fluid as well as the panel components for a longer period of time, rendering it unnecessary to replace components and therefore drastically reducing maintenance costs.

Please note that a solar panel maintenance guide is made available to anyone who wishes to install a DualSun hybrid installation.

Inverter and housing maintenance

To begin with, we remind that the solar inverter is an indispensable part of a solar installation which converts direct current output into alternating current. It also comes in a smaller format, called a micro-inverter.

Maintaining an inverter is a hassle-free task. Once a year, the air inlets must be cleaned so that the device can cool down properly. The indicator lights and various displays must also be checked at this time.

This procedure limits the decreased productivity of the device at the end of its service life. It should be noted that a solar inverter has an estimated service life of about 10 years. In addition to being cleaned and maintained, it will need to be replaced at least once during the service life of the photovoltaic system.

Last but not least, we turn our attention to the other connector housings. Their maintenance consists of dusting off and verifying the indicator lights.

For further reading, we invite you to browse the following articles: