Cleaning your solar panels regularly keeps them generate energy at peak efficiency, boosts your financial return, and extends their lifespan. Safe, routine maintenance also ensures you’re maximizing the positive environmental impact of your investment.
And… this is a great project for folks that like to DIY! Just make sure you do it safely. This article is for entertainment only, and is not meant to be a definitive guide. Please do your homework before attempting.
Why clean your solar panels?
Cleaning your solar panels can lead to a noticeable increase in power production, particularly if they’ve accumulated significant dust, pollen, or debris. Studies and homeowner reports show that the efficiency gains typically range from 5% to 25%, depending on local conditions and how dirty the panels are. On average, most homeowners experience a boost of 8%–15% in daily solar output after a thorough cleaning, while those in dusty or agricultural areas may see increases at the higher end of this range. Regular maintenance not only increases your solar harvest but also keeps your system operating at peak performance year-round.
How Often to Clean Your Panels?
Most experts agree that cleaning solar panels once or twice per year is ideal, but the exact frequency depends on your local conditions. Areas with heavy dust, pollen, bird droppings, or coastal salt may need cleaning every 3–4 months, while regions with frequent rain can clean less often. Always inspect your panels for buildup; if you notice dirt or a drop in energy production, schedule a clean.
NOTE: I used an AI to help write this article. It gave pretty standard advice from what I had read and watched on YouTube. However, some of the “standard advice” seems unnecessary, so I will add my two-bits in brackets ( :p ).
Equipment and Cleaning Products
You don’t need special equipment—here’s what’s recommended:
- Soft brush or squeegee with an extension handle to reach panels without stepping on your roof
- (squeegee not used)
- Hose with a gentle spray nozzle, never use high-pressure washers.
- (my first instinct was to use my pressure washer, but I can see this being a problem — it could inject water into the panels along the seams.)
- Bucket of lukewarm water
- (use a dang spray bottle applicator attached to your hose instead!)
- Mild, non-abrasive detergent or dish soap, avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive pads.
- (I used a really mild dish soap)
- Microfiber cloth or sponge
- (…on an extension pole of course)
- Safety ladder and harness if working on pitched roofs
- (Great idea! I can get to my panels pretty easily by standing on my pergola, but some people’s roofs will be more challenging.)
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
- Turn off your solar system at the main shutdown switch.
- Choose a cool, overcast morning or late afternoon to prevent water spots and panel cracking due to temperature changes.
- Remove loose debris like leaves with a soft brush or blower.
- (probably a low yield step, unless you have a lot of leaves on or under your panels. If you have lots of leaves under your panels, you have bigger problems than just cleaning to increase your power. Seek help.)
- Rinse panels with a gentle stream of water to clear loose dust and debris.
- Clean with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild soap using a soft sponge, cloth, or brush—never scrub dry dirt.
- (Why lukewarm? the water will be cold as soon as it hits the panels, so that’s a waste of time. And soapy cold water is just as effective as warm soapy water on a hard surface.)
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap.
- (rinse from the top down, obviously.)
- Use a squeegee or microfiber cloth to dry and prevent streaks
- (I doubt “streaks” will influence power production. Skip this step.)
- Wait until panels are fully dry before turning the system back on.
A lot of cleaning instructions on the web seem to think solar panels are fragile things. If that’s the case, then why are they guaranteed for 20+ years, and rated to withstand hurricane force winds and hail impacts? Makes no sense, other than to give pause to all the boneheads out there that will do something stupid. Just use common sense, don’t be a bonehead. 😀
Focus on Safety
Personal safety is paramount. If you are male your risk of injury is higher. You would not believe how many men get hurt falling off of ladders every year. Ha! So be safe and always:
- Turn off the solar system before cleaning.
- Avoid walking or kneeling on panels—use extension tools from the ground or ladders.
- Secure yourself with a safety harness when working at heights.
- (most people don’t have safety harness, ropes and such. if your roof is steep or difficult to access, then def hire a pro to do the work.)
- If unsure, consider hiring a professional cleaning service!
Hiring a Pro to Clean Your Panels
It seems obvious in hindsight, but solar panel cleaning services are now actually a thing. Try and find a good one.
If you prefer not to clean your solar panels yourself, hiring a professional cleaner is they way to go. Look for companies with experience in solar panel cleaning, proper insurance, and positive customer reviews to ensure quality service.
A reputable provider will use specialized, non-abrasive equipment, prioritize safety for both your home and their workers, and may offer additional maintenance checks during the cleaning visit. Before hiring, ask if they are licensed and certified, inquire about their cleaning methods and materials, and compare quotes.
Eco-friendly practices and clear communication are also signs of a trustworthy professional who will protect your solar investment and maximize your system’s long-term performance.
(If you want more tips about how to vet a solar business, check out the post from this blog about How to pick a solar installer for your home. A lot of the tips should be the same.)
With regular cleaning, your panels will stay efficient, keep your monetary returns high, and continue reducing your household carbon emissions. What’s not to like? 🙂
If you have any experiences cleaning your own panels or hiring a pro, let us know in the comments below. Thank you!
Want to know more?
- A deeper dive on solar panel cleaning from one or our favorite sites – EnergySage.com!
- An egghead, science paper that goes into GORY detail about the effectiveness of different cleaning methods. Very interesting!