How to clean solar panels?

Whether you are a company or a homeowner, solar panels are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution. That is why they are becoming increasingly popular, especially in Spain, one of the sunniest countries in Europe.

But for your system to work at its best, you need to clean the panels regularly. Let’s take a look

Why clean solar panels regularly

Over time, your solar panel will accumulate all kinds of dust and dirt. This can be dead leaves or bird droppings.

This not only compromises the efficiency of the installation, but can also cause irreversible problems. So it is better to clean regularly than to invest in a new solar panel.

When do solar panels need to be cleaned?

It all depends on the weather: if dusty or sandy winds are blowing, or if it rains regularly, the panel should be cleaned about every two months. Otherwise, cleaning is done once every six months.

The best thing to do is to observe the efficiency of your solar panel and the general appearance of the panels: if you notice a drop in efficiency or dirt here and there, it’s time to clean.

Cleaning tips for your solar panels

Here are some simple cleaning tips:

For solar panels on the ground

Cleaning this type of panel is very simple: start by removing most of the dirt with low pressure water (a garden hose will do). Then use a sponge and PH-neutral soap to gently scrub away stubborn stains. It’s as simple as that. It’s like washing the dishes.

For solar panels on roofs

The task becomes more complicated when the panels are installed at height, as there is a risk of them falling off. We recommend that you hire a professional for this type of operation. If you want to do it yourself, make sure you use a safety harness. You should also be careful not to step on the panels to prevent them from cracking.

Note: you can find cleaning products specially designed for solar panels on Amazon. Examples: STARLYF’s Telescopic HYDROCLEANER and Fischer’s Solar Panel Cleaner.

Solar panel cleaning materials

This is what you will need to clean your solar panels:

• Distilled water (to avoid limescale deposits)
• Mild soap or cleaner specifically for solar panels
• Soft bristle brush or non-abrasive sponge
• Squeegee
• Garden hose (with adjustable nozzle for gentle spraying)
• Safety equipment (gloves, goggles, harness if working at height)
• Bucket
• Soft cloths

Clean your solar panels in 9 steps

Step 1 / Safety first: Make sure the panels are switched off to avoid electrical hazards. Use safety equipment, especially if the panels are tall.

Step 2 / Choose the right time: Clean panels in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid working on hot surfaces and creating temperature differences that can damage panels. Avoid sunny days to avoid rapid drying and water marks.

Step 3 / Prepare equipment: Mix distilled water with mild soap in a bucket. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the panels.

Step 4 / Pre-watering: Use a garden hose with a soft sprayer to remove dust and debris from the surface. This makes it easier to clean thoroughly.

Step 5 / Complete cleaning: Dip the brush or sponge into the soapy water mixture. Gently rub the surface of the panels in a circular motion. Do not apply excessive pressure to avoid scratching the surface.

Step 6 / Rinse: Rinse the panels thoroughly with distilled water to remove any soap residue. Make sure the rinse water is free of limescale to avoid staining.

Step 7 / Squeegee: Use a squeegee to remove any remaining water from the panels to avoid water marks. Work from top to bottom so that the water flows evenly.

Step 8 / Drying and checking: Allow the panels to air dry. Check the panels to make sure there are no streaks or residual dirt.

Step 9 / Relight the panels: Once the panels are completely dry, you can relight them following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Conclusion on cleaning solar panels

IMPORTANT: before cleaning your solar panel, be sure to switch it off. It is also not advisable to clean your panel when it is very hot, as you could suffer from sunstroke and the cold water on the hot glass could cause a thermal shock.

If you have any questions about cleaning your solar panels or need a quote, you can write to us at Tectum Solaris.

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