How to Clean Solar Panels

Solar panels are a great way to save money on electricity and help the environment. But like anything that stays outside, they can get dirty. Over time, dust, dirt, bird droppings, leaves, and even pollen can build up on the surface of your panels. When that happens, your solar panels won’t work as well as they should.

Cleaning your solar panels can help keep them working at full power. In this article, we’ll explain why cleaning is important, how often to clean them, the safest and most effective ways to do it, and what to avoid.

Why Clean Solar Panels?

Solar panels need sunlight to work. When light hits the panels, it gets turned into electricity. But if something is blocking the light—like dirt or bird poop—the panels can't capture as much sunlight. That means they make less electricity.

Even a small amount of dirt can lower how much energy your panels produce. Some studies have shown that dirty panels can lose 5% to 20% of their efficiency depending on how dirty they are and how long it's been since they were cleaned.

How Often Should You Clean Solar Panels?

How often you need to clean your solar panels depends on where you live and what the weather is like. In many places, rain does a pretty good job of washing off most of the dust and pollen. But if you live in an area with:

• Lots of dust or dirt
• Birds that like to hang out nearby
• Heavy pollen seasons
• Little rain

Then you may need to clean your panels more often—maybe once or twice a year.

It’s a good idea to check your panels every few months. If they look dirty or your power production has dropped, it might be time to clean them.

Is It Safe to Clean Them Yourself?

Cleaning solar panels yourself can be safe if you take the right precautions. But safety always comes first. Most panels are installed on roofs, and climbing on a roof can be dangerous.

If your roof is steep or hard to access, it's best to hire a professional. But if you can reach the panels from the ground or with a stable ladder, you can probably clean them yourself. Always be careful and never walk on the panels themselves.

What You'll Need to Clean Your Solar Panels

You don’t need fancy tools or strong chemicals to clean solar panels. In fact, using the wrong products can damage them. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A soft sponge or soft-bristle brush (no metal or anything rough)
• A garden hose with a spray nozzle
• A bucket of warm water
• A few drops of mild dish soap (not anything harsh or acidic)
• A squeegee or microfiber cloth (optional for drying)

Never use high-pressure washers, steel wool, or harsh chemicals like bleach. These can scratch the glass or damage the panel’s surface.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Solar Panels

Follow these steps to clean your panels safely and effectively:

1. Turn Off the System

Before you start, turn off your solar power system. Check the instructions that came with your panels or inverter to see how to do this safely.

2. Pick the Right Time of Day

Clean your panels early in the morning or late in the day when the sun isn’t too strong. If you clean them in the middle of the day, the panels may be very hot. Spraying cold water on hot panels could crack the glass.

3. Rinse with Water

Start by rinsing the panels with a hose. This will remove most loose dirt, dust, and leaves. Use gentle water pressure—do not use a power washer.

4. Gently Scrub with Soapy Water

Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Use a soft sponge or brush to gently clean the surface of the panels. Work slowly and don’t press too hard.

5. Rinse Again

After scrubbing, rinse the panels again with your hose to remove any soap. Soap left on the panel could cause streaks or attract more dirt.

6. Let Them Air Dry

In most cases, it’s fine to let the panels air dry. If you want, you can gently dry them with a soft squeegee or microfiber cloth to avoid water spots.

Things to Avoid When Cleaning Solar Panels

It’s easy to damage solar panels if you’re not careful. Here’s what you should avoid:

• Don’t use abrasive sponges or brushes – These can scratch the glass.
• Don’t use strong chemicals – Harsh cleaners can damage the surface and reduce the panel’s ability to absorb sunlight.
• Don’t clean in direct sunlight – This can cause water to evaporate too fast and leave streaks or spots.
• Don’t use high-pressure hoses – The strong force can damage seals or wiring.
• Don’t step on the panels – This can crack the glass or break internal parts.

When to Hire a Professional

If your panels are very high up, hard to reach, or heavily soiled, it’s a good idea to call a professional cleaning service. Professionals have the right equipment and know how to clean panels safely.

You should also hire a pro if you notice anything unusual, like cracked panels, burnt smells, or wires sticking out. These could be signs of damage or danger.

Do Solar Panels Have to Be Cleaned Often?

In some cases, cleaning may not be necessary very often. If you live in a rainy area like Victoria, BC, your panels may stay fairly clean. Rainwater helps wash off most dust and pollen naturally.

However, it’s still smart to keep an eye on them. You can check your system’s energy output through your monitoring app or device. If you notice a sudden drop in energy production and it hasn’t been cloudy, dirty panels might be the cause.

Can You Use a Solar Panel Cleaning Kit?

Yes, there are special cleaning kits made just for solar panels. These usually include a soft brush, extension handle, and cleaning soap that’s safe for solar glass. These kits are useful if your panels are slightly out of reach or you want something more convenient.

Just make sure any cleaner in the kit is safe and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals.

Cleaning Solar Panels During Winter

If you get snow in the winter, it’s best to let it melt naturally. Don’t try to scrape snow off with sharp tools — this can damage the panels. Most solar panels are mounted at an angle, so snow usually slides off on its own.

If you live in a place where snow piles up, you can use a snow rake with a soft rubber blade. Just be gentle and never climb on a snowy roof to clean panels.

Summary: Quick Tips for Cleaning Solar Panels

• Check your panels every few months.
• Use water and a soft brush or sponge.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and high pressure.
• Clean in the early morning or late evening.
• Stay safe—use a ladder only if it’s steady, and don’t walk on panels.
• Hire a professional if your roof is unsafe or panels are heavily soiled.

Cleaning your solar panels is one of the best ways to make sure they keep working well for many years. A clean panel can absorb more sunlight and produce more power. The good news is that cleaning them is easy, safe, and doesn’t take much time or money.

If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, professional help is always available. But whether you clean them yourself or hire someone, keeping your solar panels clean is a simple step that can save you money and make your solar system more efficient.