KEY POINTS
- When cleaning your solar panels, make sure you turn off the power to avoid electrical damage.
- Using abrasive cleaners could risk scratching your solar panels glass, which can affect efficiency.
- If you’re not confident in getting on the roof to clean your panels, a solar cleaning service can do it for you.
In this Canstar Blue guide, we explain how to clean solar panels safely, how often you should clean them, and if it is worth the effort.
Solar panels are an investment, both environmentally and financially, so it makes sense that you want to take care of your investment as best you can. But when it comes to solar panel maintenance, there can be a lot of confusion about one topic in particular, solar panel cleaning.
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How to clean solar panels
If you’re looking to clean your solar panels yourself, you can do so in a few simple steps, although it’s recommended that you take the proper safety precautions before getting up on the roof. To clean your solar panels, follow the steps below:
- Step one: Turn off your solar panel system, and redirect the roof runoff away from rainwater tanks (if you have any)
- Step two: Hose down the solar panels on a gentle wash, as this will generally take care of any dust
- Step three: Use soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to take care of any tougher stains or streaks
- Step four: Wipe off any excess water with another cloth or squeegee to prevent streaks and blockages on the panels
Do I need to turn off solar panels to clean them?
Yes, you should turn off your solar panels and any adjoining electrical equipment before attempting to clean them. While solar panels are built to withstand the harsh Aussie climate, if water gets on the underside of the panel, it could cause lasting damage to the electronics. To turn off your solar panels, follow the process outlined in the owner’s manual or contact your installer.
Does cleaning solar panels make a difference?
Yes. Cleaning solar panels can help to keep your system running efficiently by ensuring that dirt, grime, leaves or debris aren’t preventing the panel from collecting sunlight.
If a solar panel has trouble capturing sunlight, your system’s output may be reduced, which could impact your energy savings. For example, studies show that dirty solar panels generally experience a maximum power loss of 35%.
That said, the difference solar panel cleaning makes is dependent on several factors, such as the number of solar panels you have, how dirty they get and the general weather conditions of your area.
What is the best way to clean your solar panels?
While you can choose to clean your solar panels on your own, one of the safest ways to clean your solar system is by hiring a cleaning service. These solar panel cleaning services are trained to safely work on your roof and use specialised tools to avoid causing damage that could void your warranty or lead to a pricey repair fee.
What should you avoid when cleaning your solar panels?
If you choose to get on the roof and clean the solar panels yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Avoid walking on the solar panels. Unlike solar roof tiles, solar panels are susceptible to damage if you don’t watch your step
- Avoid harsh chemicals. In most cases, a mild soap should be enough to clean your solar panels without causing damage
- Avoid abrasives. When you use an abrasive cleaning product (e.g. steel wool), you risk scratching the panel, which will then affect the amount of sunlight that can be absorbed
Can you pressure-wash solar panels?
It’s best to avoid using a pressure washer to clean solar panels. This is because they can damage the system and erode the waterproof sealing. If your solar panels have more build-up than you can clean with soap and water, it might be time to consider a professional cleaning service or a more specialised solar panel cleaning product.
Compare solar energy plans
Some energy providers will offer specific electricity plans to customers with solar panels that come with a higher feed-in tariff than other market offers.
Below are some of the solar energy plans available in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
How often should you clean solar panels?
Most solar panel providers and installers recommend cleaning your solar panels at least once every 6-12 months, depending on several factors such as how dirty the panels get and how much rainfall your area gets.
If your solar panels are installed on an angle and there’s plenty of rainfall year-round, nature may be able to take care of most of the cleaning process for you. However, those with solar panels on a horizontal surface may want to look at cleaning more regularly.
When should I consult a solar panel cleaner?
Bits of dust can be easily managed on your own with the added assistance of rainfall. However, we recommend hiring a professional solar panel cleaner in the following circumstances:
- If there is a build-up of tough stains on your panels that rain isn’t strong enough to wash away (e.g. bird droppings, soot from industrial pollution)
- If your solar panels are insured and require specific maintenance
- If you have health or age-related issues that increase your risk of injury
In these instances, a solar panel cleaner can help ensure that your panels are free of grime and are insurance-compliant without jeopardising your health and safety.
How much does it cost to hire a solar panel cleaner?
You can expect it to cost a few hundred dollars to have a solar panel cleaner come and clean your panels. These costs, however, may differ significantly depending on how many panels you have, how easy it is to get onto your roof and the call-out fees that apply.
You may be able to get a free quote from a cleaner before booking a service. Alternatively, get in touch with your solar installer and see if they offer a cleaning service.
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Is it worth cleaning solar panels?
By cleaning your solar panels, you could increase their efficiency and longevity. But whether it’s worth doing comes down to a variety of individual circumstances, including how many solar panels you have, how much rainfall you typically get, and how much time and effort you’re willing to spend to potentially save a few dollars on your energy bill.
If you’re looking to cut your energy costs, check out our ratings for solar providers to see what other options are out there, or our guide on energy savings tips to see what else you can do around the house before jumping on the roof and cleaning your solar panels.
Original reporting by Kelseigh Wrigley
Image Source: Marina Lohrbach/Shutterstock.com
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