Installing solar panels means taking a big step toward reducing your carbon footprint and lowering your utility bills. Solar panels help you live sustainably, putting less strain on the planet and your bank account.

However, the panels are outside day and night, where they’re exposed to dirt, dust, debris, droppings, and more. When you prioritize solar panel cleaning, your panels will work better and last longer. And best of all, this task doesn’t take that much time. Ahead, discover five tips for keeping your solar panels clean to help you get started.

Why Clean Your Solar Panels?

You probably don’t give much thought to cleaning your roof, so making sure your solar panels are nice and tidy perhaps hasn’t occurred to you. But the truth is, your solar panels must be clean to do their job efficiently. Clean solar panels absorb more sunlight, which translates into more power and a better return on your investment in solar energy.

From another angle, allowing debris to accumulate may discolor or disfigure your panels, making them and your home look bad. Excessive buildup affects performance and potentially leads to permanent damage. Keeping panels clean may also be a part of your warranty since many manufacturers require regular upkeep. In short, keep those solar panels looking polished because it pays!

Step 1: Assess Your Surroundings

Before you start cleaning your solar panels, consider the environment around your property. If you reside in a desert-like area where dust or sandstorms are common, your panels will require more frequent cleaning. On the other hand, say you live in the Pacific Northwest with regular rain. The rain should cut down on the dirt and dust buildup on the panels, but they will still require thorough cleaning now and again.

If your property attracts its fair share of feathered friends, you can bet they’re leaving deposits up there on your roof as well as nests and other foul (or should we say fowl?) intrusions. Whatever the case and wherever you live, monthly solar panel inspections are highly recommended.

Here’s a tip for you: while assessing your surroundings, check for overhanging branches. Trimming nearby trees drastically reduces the amount of debris that lands on your solar panels.

Step 2: Research Proper Cleaning Procedures

Safety should always come first when considering any kind of home maintenance. Consult your solar panel manufacturer’s user manual, which details the safest way to clean your specific panel model. Some panels might have a special coating or material requiring gentle handling.

If you insist on cleaning your solar panels yourself, never use harsh chemicals or abrasive tools. They may damage the panel’s surface and interfere with performance. Pressure washers are especially damaging. They might seem convenient, but they easily cause cracks and other structural damage in your panels and roof.

Step 3: Choose the Right Tools and Materials

Once you’ve learned the proper cleaning techniques for your solar panels, gather your tools. Cleaning solar panels doesn’t require expensive or highly specialized equipment. Here are a few items that will come in handy:

• Soft sponge or microfiber cloth: Soft is the keyword here. Use a cloth or sponge to gently scrub the surface of the panels.
• Mild dish soap: Use soap that’s gentle and free of chemicals or harsh detergents.
• Bucket of water: Warm water is the most effective for cleaning.
• Long-handled squeegee: The handle is ideal for cleaning those hard-to-reach panels without strain.
• Garden hose with a sprayer Use this only if your panels are ground-mounted, and never employ high-pressure hoses.

Step 4: Start Cleaning the Panels

Do you have your tools ready? Good! Now it’s time to clean. Here’s another handy tip: start work early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the sun isn’t as high in the sky. Otherwise, you’ll work under hotter conditions, and you’ll likely develop streaks on the panels as the heat rises. Early/later cleaning produces a more effective clean.

Here are the cleaning steps to follow:

• Rinse the panels: Use a garden hose or a bucket of water to gently rinse the panels, removing loose dirt, debris, and other detritus before scrubbing.
• Cover with soap and water: Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water. Use a sponge or microfiber cloth to lightly scrub the panel’s surface.
• Rinse again: Thoroughly rinse the panel with water to ensure no soap residue is left behind.
• Use the squeegee: Gently dry the panels with a squeegee to avoid streaks and water spots.

For ground-mounted systems, this process is easier and more straightforward. For roof-mounted panels, however, use safety equipment like a harness, and avoid stepping on the panels directly. Make cleaning solar panels a seasonal activity, aligning it with tasks like cleaning gutters or trimming trees.

Step 5: Consider Professional Cleaning Services

Let’s be honest, not all of us have time to do every bit of home maintenance we’d like to tackle. What’s more, unlike many simple cleanup jobs, tidying your solar panels is a more specialized task. Others of us might not want to risk our well-being to clean solar panels, especially if they’re in hard-to-reach areas.

If it’s in your budget, hire a professional cleaning service to come every few months and get your solar panels shining. Some companies may offer cleaning services combined with solar panel inspections and basic maintenance. Many cleaning companies specialize in solar panel maintenance and have the tools to perform the job efficiently and safely, sparing you the hassle as well as potential injury and broken solar panels.

As you can see from these five tips for keeping your solar panels clean, panel maintenance doesn’t have to be difficult. And you can always count on professionals if you lack the time or means to clean your solar panels yourself. Have more questions about residential solar panels and their upkeep and maintenance? Contact us for a consultation!