Solar Panel Cleaning: Everything You Need to Know

Cleaning your solar panels is essential for maximising their efficiency and keeping your home powered. It’s recommended you hire a professional to do this, especially with stubborn dirt, but if you feel safe and comfortable to do so, you can clean them with a soft sponge and warm, soapy water.

One of the easiest ways to keep your solar panels in tip-top condition is by cleaning them. Most roof-based panels clean themselves when it rains. Any dirt, dust or fallen leaves that cover your panels are simply washed away.

For stubborn stains or bird droppings, it’s best to call in a professional as your solar panels may be installed in a position that’s not safe to climb up and clean yourself. However, if you’re just doing a general refresh, cleaning solar panels is quick and easy when you follow our simple guide.

Do solar panels need cleaning?

Yes, it’s important you keep on top of the cleaning and maintenance of your solar panels to ensure maximum efficiency. However, it’s always best to seek the help of a professional company so your solar panels are cleaned safely. While the tiniest scratch or crack won’t seem like much, it’ll have a long-term impact on your solar panels and the amount of energy they can generate. Professional cleaners have the expertise to look after your solar panels while ensuring they get the best clean possible.

The do’s & don’ts of cleaning solar panels

There are several dos and don’ts to solar panel cleaning for the best results.

Dos

Clean them during cool times of the day to prevent the panels from drying too quickly, causing streaks.
Opt for lukewarm water as it’s best for loosening stubborn dirt.
Use soft tools to avoid scratching or damaging the panels’ surface.
Always stay safe by turning off your system first and using proper access equipment.
Try and only clean them yourself (preferably a professional) when you see visible dirt.

Don'ts

Never use pressure washers as these can damage seals and wiring.
Never use harsh chemicals as these can leave residue on the panels, impacting their exposure to light.
Never use rough or abrasive cleaning equipment as these can scratch the surface.
Never clean the panels when they’re hot as cold temperatures can cause cracking when applied.
Never walk on the panels as this is a huge risk to your safety.

How to clean solar panels

If you still choose to clean your own panels, we recommend avoiding cleaning tools like scrubbing brushes or wire tools, opting for a soft sponge or brush instead. You can even buy a cleaning kit or a long solar panel cleaning brush. For an efficient clean, follow these simple steps:

- Shut down your solar panel system - Before you begin cleaning, you should shut down your solar system to avoid any damage.
- Gently sponge wash - Using a mixture of warm water and a standard washing up liquid, gently sponge wash the panels. Remember, you’re essentially cleaning a large glass panel so take care.
- Let them naturally dry - Once you’ve washed your panels, leave them to air dry to prevent any lint, fibres, or streaks from remaining.

Remember, if your solar panels are covered in dirt or grime, you won’t get as much electricity out of them as you could.

How often should solar panels be cleaned for optimal performance?

It’s advised that you clean your solar panels every 12-18 months, or twice a year if there is visible dirt, to ensure efficiency.

What equipment is necessary for DIY solar panel cleaning?

There isn’t any specialist equipment you need for solar panel cleaning; it’s just advised you avoid abrasive cleaning equipment and harsh chemicals. A soft sponge and warm, soapy water is ideal if you’ve decided to clean them yourself.

How to boost the performance of your solar panels

The more daylight your solar panels get, the more energy they generate. So, it’s important you take the steps needed to keep them performing optimally.

Here are our 5 tips to achieve this:

- Keep your solar panels out of the shade - Even though solar panels are clever enough to create energy without being in direct sunlight, more sunlight means more electricity. Be mindful of trees that grow or any objects that could block your solar panel’s light source.
- Monitor your solar panel inverter regularly - Check your inverter on a daily basis. If all your lights are flashing green, you know your solar panels are working as they should. If they’re orange or red, call in a professional or the manufacturer to troubleshoot any issues.
- Track daily solar energy production - Monitoring how much electricity you’re getting helps you detect any unusual changes. The daily amount you receive will naturally fluctuate based on the weather but if you notice a drastic change, it might be your solar panels. Check your manual to see how much electricity your panels should be producing to get a clearer picture.
- Consider solar panel monitoring - Some companies offer an extra monitoring system, such as a wall-mounted display. It’s worth installing this as you can keep a close eye on your solar panels without needing to go outside.
- Protect your panels from wildlife - Bird proofing measures, like nets, are the best way to ensure your solar panels aren’t damaged by animals such as birds or small rodents. These creatures can cause all sorts of problems that may have a huge impact on your solar panels and electricity output.

Pigeon proofing

Pigeon proofing solar panels is a common step in panel maintenance as it protects your panels from pigeon muck, scratches and other unwanted debris. It’s usually done with a protective barrier, usually wire mesh, which wraps around the entire installation.

How much does it cost to pigeon proof solar panels?

How much pigeon proofing costs depends on the size of the array and the complexity of the job. You can expect to pay between £300 and £1,000 in the UK.

How long will my solar panels last?

Solar panels live on your roof for a long time. If you keep them well maintained, they’ll last even longer. Usually, you’ll get 25-30 years out of your panels, with ours performing at 80% of their original efficiency even after 25 years. What’s more, each company has its own performance guarantee. While the average is 25 years, at Wickes Solar, we can offer you an impressive 30-year guarantee. For more information, visit our article on how long solar panels last.

Extra care goes a long way

It may seem like you don’t need a solar monitoring app on top of everything else, but this is the best way to keep track of your solar panels’ performance. Most apps will be exclusive to your inverter type, although a few work with any system. Regardless of which app you use, it helps you measure the efficiency of your panels. By keeping a track of this data, you’ll be able to notice any faults or problems that your solar panels are experiencing. You’ll also be able to see hot spots, which happen when your solar panels disperse the energy instead of creating it. Keeping your solar panels clean is essential for maximising their input and keeping your home online. If you found this guide helpful on solar panel cleaning, don’t forget to read up about common solar panel problems.