How to Clean Your Solar Panels

Max Winters
·3 min read

Solar panels are an awesome, increasingly affordable, sustainable energy creator that uses photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity. Once they are installed, they're pretty hands-off, but regardless if they have a plastic or glass surface, you'll need to keep them free of debris, dust particles, and bird droppings which block the panel surface and hinder their performance. While regular rain showers often do the job for you, some degree of solar panel maintenance is needed. In dusty climates or areas with a lot of air pollution, more frequent cleaning may become necessary to keep your panels clean.

Benefits of Washing Solar Panels

  • Maximizes energy production

  • Improves efficiency

  • Extends panel lifespan

  • Reduces regular maintenance costs

  • Keeps them looking nice

What should you avoid using to clean your solar panels?

Let's start here. Certain cleaning products and cleaning methods can damage the solar panel coating. Some cleaning solutions and harsh chemicals can leave a residue that interferes with sunlight absorption. Scratches from abrasive cleaning materials like steel wool or hard-bristled brushes hurts solar panel performance. Cold water or high-pressure water jets can crack a panel.

  • Ammonia-based cleaners or strong cleaning agents such as Windex, bleach

  • Abrasive materials like steel wool or Magic erasers

  • Abrasive cleaners like baking soda or laundry detergents

  • High-pressure water jets

  • Cold water

  • Hard-bristled brushes

  • Windshield scraper or plastic blade

Related: Can You Clean Solar Panels With a Pressure Washer?

<p>Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash</p>How to Safely Clean Your Solar Panels<p>Using soft and gentle cleaning tools are important to the panel cleaning process. You can use a specialized solar panel cleaner or a small amount of dish soap to tackle stubborn grime, <strong>but we prefer a soapless approach</strong>. Diluted vinegar takes care of oily stains and water marks without leaving a film/residue on the panel which impacts solar panel efficiency.</p><p><em>If your panels are on a tall or steep roof, take safety precautions like a safety harness. For second-story homes, you might also call a solar panel cleaning service.</em></p>You'll Need<ul><li>Soft cloth or sponge (no abrasive scrubbers!)</li><li>Long-handled brush or squeegee</li><li>Bucket of plain warm water</li><li>Spray bottle (or bucket) with 1 part white vinegar diluted into 3 parts water</li><li>Safety harness (optional)</li><li>Ladder</li></ul>The Cleaning Process<ol><li><strong>Wait for the panels to cool down </strong>if they've been exposed to sunlight.</li><li><strong>Dust the surface</strong> with a rag or a soft brush to remove loose dirt.</li><li>Gently <strong>rinse the panels</strong> with a cloth and plain warm water.</li><li>Spray/wipe the surface with <strong>diluted vinegar.</strong></li><li>Use a wet, soft sponge or cloth to wash the panels in a gentle, circular motion. <strong>Rinse your sponge/cloth regularly</strong>. If you dislodge grit or debris, rinse it away, do not rub it on the surface.</li><li><strong>Rinse the panels </strong>thoroughly with clean water from a bucket or a low-pressure garden hose.</li><li><strong>Use a squeegee </strong>to remove excess water, starting from the top and working your way down.</li><li>Allow the panels to <strong>air dry or gently wipe them with a clean, dry cloth</strong>, if needed.</li></ol>

Staying on top of solar panel maintenance helps combat an accumulation of dust. Regular maintenance makes the job easier, but it also minimizes the amount of scrubbing which in turn limits the chance of scratching and damaging the delicate surface of the panel. Slow, patient, regular cleanings will keep the solar power flowing at maximum efficiency for years to come.

Related: This Company’s Eye to Sustainability Starts With Solar—And it Comes With a New Look