clean solar panels

How to Clean Solar Panel: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide

March 22, 2025

How to Clean Solar Panels Safely & Effectively (DIY Guide)

Solar panels are fantastic eco-friendly power generators, but like any system exposed to the elements, they require occasional cleaning to maintain optimal efficiency. Dust, dirt, bird droppings, and even pollen buildup can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the photovoltaic cells, impacting your energy production.

This guide equips you with the knowledge and steps for safe and effective solar panel cleaning, ensuring your sunshine collectors keep generating clean power at their full potential.

When to Clean Your Solar Panels:

  • Generally: Most manufacturers recommend cleaning your solar panels at least once or twice a year.
  • Environmental Factors: Consider cleaning more frequently if you live in an area with:
    • High dust or pollen levels
    • Heavy bird droppings
    • Proximity to industrial areas or construction zones
    • Frequent rain (may wash away most dirt)
  • Performance Monitoring: Keep an eye on your solar panel system’s performance data. A noticeable drop in energy production compared to historical data or similar weather conditions can indicate the need for cleaning.

Safety First:

  • Turn Off the System: Before starting any cleaning, ensure your solar panel system is completely shut down from the inverter. This can often be done through a disconnect switch.
    Image of person turning off a solar inverter switch
  • Work During Cool Weather: Avoid cleaning solar panels during the hottest part of the day. The heat can cause the water to evaporate quickly, leaving streaks and potentially harming the panels. Early mornings or evenings are ideal.
  • Use Proper Equipment: Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools. You’ll need:
    • Soft sponge or microfiber cloths
      Image of soft sponge and microfiber cloth
    • Long-handled squeegee (optional)
      Image of longhandled squeegee
    • Garden hose with a gentle spray nozzle (avoid high-pressure washers)
      Image of garden hose with spray nozzle
    • Bucket filled with clean, lukewarm water (you can add a small amount of mild dish soap)
      Image of bucket with clean water and soap
  • Work Safely: If your solar panels are on a roof, ensure you have proper safety gear like slip-resistant shoes and a harness if necessary. It’s always best to work with a partner for any cleaning on a roof.
    Image of person wearing safety gear while cleaning solar panels

Cleaning Steps:

1. Pre-Rinse:

  • Use the hose with a gentle spray nozzle to loosen and remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris. Start at the top of the panels and work your way down.
    Image of rinsing solar panels with hose

2. Cleaning Solution:

  • Dip your sponge or microfiber cloth in the soapy water and gently wipe the panels in a circular motion. Work in sections and rinse the cloth frequently to avoid spreading dirt.
    Image of cleaning solar panels with soapy water and sponge

3. Final Rinse:

  • After cleaning all the panels, give them a final rinse with clean water using the hose. Ensure all soap residue is removed.
    Image of rinsing solar panels with clean water

4. Squeegee (Optional):

  • If using a squeegee, gently pull it down the panels to remove any excess water and avoid water spots.
    Image of using squeegee on solar panels

Additional Tips:

  • Clean on Cloudy Days: Direct sunlight can cause the water to dry too quickly, making cleaning less effective.
  • Work Systematically: Clean your panels in sections to ensure you don’t miss any spots.
  • Inspect Regularly: During cleaning, take a moment to inspect your panels for any cracks, damage, or loose connections. Report any issues to a qualified solar panel technician.
  • Professional Cleaning: For large or high-mounted solar panel systems, consider hiring a professional cleaning service with the appropriate equipment and safety protocols.

By following these steps and safety precautions, you can keep your solar panels clean and operating at peak efficiency, maximizing your clean energy production and enjoying the sunshine’s power!

Suhas is the founder and chief editor of vecharged.com, a leading US-based publication focused on the future of energy and mobility. With a deep passion for the technology that is shaping our world, his work focuses on providing clear-eyed analysis and rigorous, hands-on reviews of the latest electric vehicles, home solar systems, and portable power solutions. He founded vecharged to cut through the industry jargon and provide consumers with the data-driven, unbiased information necessary to navigate the clean energy transition with confidence. His insights have helped thousands of readers make smarter, more informed decisions about their energy use.

10 pics that show how life would be if electric cars existed in the 60’s

10 pics that show how life would be if electric cars existed in the 60’s

August 23, 2025

The 1960s. In our collective memory, it’s a decade of raw, untamed power. The roar of a V8 muscle car, the smell of high-octane gasoline, the chrome glinting under the California sun. It’s an iconic aesthetic. But what if it’s a memory from the wrong timeline? As an engineer, I’m fascinated by pivotal moments. In

The Amflow PL Carbon Pro: An Engineer’s Brutally Honest Review

The Amflow PL Carbon Pro: An Engineer’s Brutally Honest Review

August 21, 2025

You see the ad, and it seems to break every rule in the bike industry. A full-carbon frame electric mountain bike. A powerful, torque-sensing Bafang M510 motor. A large 720Wh battery. And a price tag of $3,500. Your brain switches into high alert. You look at the comparable carbon e-bike from Specialized or Trek, and it’s

The Ultimate Guide to Solar Charge Controllers (Sizing, Wiring & Top Picks)

The Ultimate Guide to Solar Charge Controllers (Sizing, Wiring & Top Picks)

August 21, 2025

You’re standing at the most critical junction of your entire solar power system. In one hand, you have the power source—your solar panels. In the other, the power storage—your expensive battery bank. The small, intimidating box that stands between them is the solar charge controller. And you are, justifiably, terrified of choosing the wrong one. You’re

A Brutally Honest Guide: 5 Reasons You Should NOT Buy a Heat Pump (And Who Should Anyway)

A Brutally Honest Guide: 5 Reasons You Should NOT Buy a Heat Pump (And Who Should Anyway)

August 21, 2025

I’m an engineer, and I can tell you that a modern heat pump is a brilliant piece of technology. It represents a leap forward in efficiency that can save homeowners thousands of dollars and dramatically reduce their carbon footprint. I have one in my own home. I can also tell you it is not a

Next
Share to...