Your solar panels work hard all year round, soaking up sunlight and turning it into clean energy. But because they’re exposed to the elements, they naturally collect dust, grime, leaves, and bird droppings. Over time, that buildup affects how well your solar system performs.
If you want to get the most out of your investment, it’s worth knowing how to clean solar panels on your roof, safely and effectively. Here’s what you need to know.
Why You Should Clean Your Panels Regularly
If your energy bills start creeping up for no obvious reason, dirty solar panels could be the culprit. Like driving with a dirty windshield, they still work, but not nearly as efficiently.
Depending on how dirty they get, you could lose 5% to 15% of your system’s output. Properties near trees, construction sites, or flight paths (hello pigeons) tend to see faster buildup.
How Often Should You Clean Solar Panels?
How often you need to clean solar panels really depends on your environment. Here’s a general guide:
- Roof pitch less than 15 degrees: 6 months
- Areas with frequent bird activity: Inspect every 3 months
- Roof pitch greater than 15 degrees: every 12-18 months
How to Clean Solar Panels on Roof: Step-by-Step
Cleaning your solar panels doesn’t require expensive equipment, just care and common sense.
- Turn Off the System: Always start by shutting down the inverter.
- Choose the Right Time of Day: Early morning or late afternoon is best, when panels are cool. Cleaning hot panels with cold water could cause cracking.
- Use Gentle Tools: Stick to a soft sponge or cloth and clean water. Avoid harsh scrubbing tools and DO NOT USE pressure washers.
- Rinse First: Spray the panels lightly with a garden hose to loosen dust and debris.
- Gently Wipe: Use light circular motions. If you come across dried bird droppings, let them soak with water for a few minutes before wiping — no scrubbing or scraping. DO NOT WALK ON THE PANELS.
- Final Rinse: Give them a final hose off.
- Air Dry or Squeegee: Let the panels dry naturally, or use a rubber squeegee for a streak-free finish.
- Turn the system back on
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Solar Panels
- Scrubbing too hard: Those tiny scratches can lower your panel’s efficiency permanently.
- Cleaning when panels are hot: Sudden temperature changes can crack the glass.
- Forgetting to turn off the system: Safety first. Always turn off the system before you begin.
- Climbing unsafe roofs: Never risk a fall. If access is tricky, call a professional.
- Walking on panels: Walking on the solar panels will cause micro cracks in the cells leading to hotspots and failure.
- Using pressure washers: High-pressure water can damage seals and wiring.
Ready to Get More from Your Solar System?
Regular panel cleaning is just one part of getting the most out of your solar setup. If you’re ready to maximise your energy independence and reduce your reliance on the grid, it might be time to consider a solar battery.
Solar batteries allow you to store the energy your system generates during the day, so you can use it when the sun’s not shining, helping you save more and use less from the grid.
Whether you want advice on cleaning your solar panels or explore energy storage solutions, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today!
