How to Clean Solar Panels (Remove Dust, Dirt, and Debris)

Dirty solar panels aren’t just a matter of aesthetics or curb appeal. They mean lower energy production, which could lead to power outages if you’re unprepared. While the best way to remove dirt and grime from your panels is to contact solar panel technicians, it is possible to clean them by yourself if you know how to do it. From turning off the solar system to using the right tools to streak-free results and more, here is how to clean solar panels on your own.

DIY Solar Panel Cleaning: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are your solar panels looking a bit dirty? Or have you noticed that the energy output has dropped recently? Looks like it’s time for a clean. Though it would be better to leave it to experienced technicians with the right tools and safety gear for the job, if you’re still interested in doing it on your own, here is how to clean your solar panels.

Read along for the easy guide.

Step 1: Turn Off Your Solar System

The first thing you should do is to ensure that your solar system is shut off. Turn off the AC isolators first, followed by turning off the DC isolators. This prevents any accidents or injuries from happening as you get to work.

Step 2: Put On Safety Gear

Next, make sure to have on gloves, safety goggles, and slip-resistant boots before you pick up a sponge. This keeps you from getting dirty and protects you from slips and falls in case your panels are located on your roof.

Step 3: Do An Initial Rinse

Can’t get to scrubbing just yet. Take your garden hose and rinse off the panels first. This removes all the loose dirt, dead leaves, and other forms of debris. Skipping this leads to streaks and scratches.

Step 4: Scrub Gently

Take some water and a gentle cleansing agent to scrub your panels. Remember to use a microfiber cloth or sponge for this step to avoid damaging your panel faces.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

Once you’ve removed all the bird droppings, grime, and debris, make sure to rinse your panel thoroughly with water. Not only does this prevent streaks, but it also ensures that the soap residue doesn’t attract any dust from the surroundings.

Step 6: Gentle Drying

Finally, though optional, it’s a good idea to dry your panel. Use a squeegee with a plastic blade to remove all the excess water from your panels and then let the rest dissipate. This saves you from mineral spots in case you have hard water.

Signs Your Panels Need To Be Cleaned: Everything You Should Watch Out For

See how easy that was? Now that you know how to clean solar panels, you might be wondering how you’d know when it was time to clean them in the first place. We’re glad you asked! While some cues, like seeing bird droppings, are obvious, other signs that your panels need to be wiped down may not be that easy to decipher.

Here is a look at four ways to determine if your solar panels should be cleaned.

Low Energy Production

The first thing you should monitor for this is the app. If your solar panels continue to show a 10-15% drop in energy production even when they receive plenty of sunlight, it means that they’ve accumulated dust, and it’s time to clean them.

Droppings &  Dust

Another key sign that it’s time to clean your panels is when you see that the faces have things like pollen, bird droppings, and grime on them. Prop up a ladder immediately or contact experts to have that panel cleaned.

Increased Electricity Bills

If you’re only partially using solar energy on your property, a spike in electricity bills is another way of knowing that your panels are dirty. It means that they don’t have enough energy to power your property adequately, thus the reliance on the grid. Have them cleaned ASAP.

When You Last Cleaned

Finally, if it’s been six months or so since you last cleaned them, it’s time to clean them again. Even if you don’t see any signs of grime, it’s a good idea to get all the gunk off before it can do any serious damage.

Conclusion

To conclude, the answer to ‘how to clean solar panels’ is an easy one, though it does require some care and consideration. Turn off your solar products first, give your panels a thorough initial rinse, and then use a gentle cleansing agent to get rid of all the grime and debris. Remember to check your panels’ energy production and keep an eye out for twigs or bird droppings that indicate that your panels need personal attention. For more advice or a professional clean, please contact us.

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