How to Clean Solar Panels

30th October 2024

Learn how to properly maintain and extend the longevity of your solar energy system.

Cleaning solar panels is essential for maintaining their efficiency and maximising energy production. Over time, panels can accumulate dust, dirt, and other debris that can significantly reduce their effectiveness.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to optimise your solar investment or simply curious about solar panel maintenance, this article will provide you with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure your solar panels remain in top condition.

For anyone considering getting their solar panels cleaned, we recommend contacting a Clean Energy Council Accredited technician rather than attempting this yourself or having an unqualified technician complete the work.

Why do you need to clean solar panels?

Cleaning solar panels is important for several reasons:

• Maximise efficiency: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, and any layer of dirt or debris on the panels can block sunlight from reaching the solar cells. This blockage can significantly reduce the panels’ efficiency and output. Regular cleaning ensures that the maximum amount of sunlight reaches the cells, optimising energy production.
• Prevent long-term damage: Dirt, dust, and other substances like bird droppings can cause damage over time if not cleaned off. These materials can be corrosive or can etch into the surface of the glass, potentially causing permanent shading, reducing the panel’s performance.
• Maintain warranty: Some manufacturers’ warranties may require periodic cleaning of solar panels as part of general maintenance. Failure to adhere to these guidelines might void the warranty.
• Cost efficiency: By maintaining the efficiency of solar panels through regular cleaning, you ensure that you are generating as much electricity as possible. This may lead to lower utility bills and a quicker return on investment from your solar panels.
• Aesthetic considerations: Clean solar panels simply look better. Maintaining the panels in a clean state enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home or building.

In essence, regular cleaning not only sustains the performance of solar panels but also extends their lifespan and maximises the financial benefits of your solar investment.

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What’s the best way to clean solar panels?

Due to the fact that solar panels are usually installed on the roof, you should always hire a Clean Energy Council accredited technician to clean them. The power produced by solar panels is every bit as dangerous as conventional electricity, which is why it’s recommended that you call an installer or electrician for maintenance of your system.

In addition to cleaning the panels, a comprehensive system health check by a technician ensures that your solar energy system is functioning optimally. Before beginning any maintenance, the technician should conduct a detailed safety inspection to identify defects such as discolouration, chips, or cracks in the glass, and ensure that all fittings and cables are securely attached to the supporting frame and inverter.

Here’s an overview of the key steps in the maintenance process that you should expect:

• Safety and defect inspection: The technician starts with a safety check to spot any obvious issues, such as defects in panel integrity or loose connections, which could affect the system’s performance and safety.
• Inverter check: The technician examines the inverter display for any recorded faults and follows manufacturer’s troubleshooting guidelines to clear errors. This step is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of energy conversion.
• Cleaning the panels: The panels are then cleaned using a garden hose, and a soft sponge or brush wrapped in a cloth is used to gently remove stubborn grime without scratching the glass. Given the risk of working on potentially slippery surfaces and the fragility of the panels, this task should only be performed by an accredited Clean Energy Council technician.
• Handling hard water: If hard water is used, the technician may use a squeegee to dry the panels to prevent mineral deposits from forming on the glass, which could affect performance.

Understanding these maintenance steps helps ensure that your solar panels are not only clean but also in peak operating condition. Regular checks and proper cleaning by a qualified technician can significantly extend the life and efficiency of your solar energy system.

How often should solar panels be cleaned?

The frequency of cleaning solar panels can vary significantly depending on several factors unique to each installation. While it’s true that in many cases, solar panels are designed to be self-cleaning – meaning they are generally angled in such a way that rainfall can help wash away surface dirt and debris – this isn’t always sufficient for optimal performance.

If you are considering whether your solar panels need cleaning, start by visually inspecting them. If you notice a buildup of dirt, pollen, bird droppings, or other debris that rain has not washed away, it may be time to clean them. Additionally, a noticeable decrease in energy efficiency, which can be detected through lower-than-usual energy outputs on your electricity bills or monitoring tools, can also indicate the need for cleaning.

Environmental factors also play a significant role in how often solar panel cleaning should be considered. For example:

• Location: Panels in dusty areas or near freeways where vehicles stir up dirt and grime may require more frequent cleaning.
• Weather: Regions with less frequent rainfall might not benefit from the natural cleaning effect of rain, necessitating more regular manual cleaning.
• Tree Coverage: If your panels are located near trees, they may accumulate leaf litter or sap, which can also reduce efficiency.

As every solar panel setup is unique, there isn’t a universal cleaning schedule that applies to all installations. However, as a general guideline, it’s a good idea to check your panels a couple of times a year. In most environments, cleaning them once or twice a year is adequate, but in particularly dusty or dirty areas, you might need to clean them more frequently.

If you’re unsure or unable to safely check the panels yourself, it is wise to arrange for a system health check or cleaning by an accredited technician. This professional can provide a more tailored cleaning schedule based on the specific conditions affecting your solar panels and ensure that any maintenance is done safely and effectively.

The final word

To ensure that your solar energy system is operating efficiently, it is crucial to regularly monitor its functionality. You can track the performance of your solar panels in several ways such as your energy bills or via inverter checks.

If you notice any changes in solar generation or anomalies in these monitoring metrics, it may be time for a system health check. This could involve a professional inspection of the panels and other system components to identify any potential issues. If dirt or debris accumulation is suspected, arranging for your panels to be cleaned by a professional can restore their efficiency. Regular checks and maintenance not only extend the lifespan of your solar panels but also ensure they are consistently performing at their best, maximising your investment.

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