How & When to Clean Solar Panels: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Learn why it’s important to keep your solar panels dirt-free
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Solar panels are a great way to use renewable energy in your home, but they get dirty over time. To keep your solar panels working effectively, it’s a good idea to wash them once or twice a year or whenever they’re particularly dirty. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to clean solar panels manually, when and how often to clean solar panels, and why solar panels should be cleaned. Plus, get answers to other common questions about cleaning solar panels.

Cleaning Solar Panels by Hand

  1. Turn off your solar panel system before cleaning.
  2. Spray the panels with a hose to remove loose dirt and debris.
  3. Scrub the panels with a soft brush and gentle cleaner, like dish soap and water.
  4. Rinse the residue off the panels with your hose.
  5. Dry your panels with a squeegee or let them dry naturally in the sun.
Section 1 of 6:

How to Clean Solar Panels Manually

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  1. For your safety and to protect your solar panels, be sure to turn them off before attempting to clean them. If you’re not sure where to turn the panels off, consult your owner’s manual. [1]
  2. For your safety, it’s best to clean solar panels from the ground. Get a long-handled roof brush and a gallon sprayer to see if you’ll be able to clean the panels from the ground. If they’re too high to reach or otherwise inaccessible, it may be necessary to climb to the roof. Have someone hold an extension ladder stable, and be sure you can climb to the roof safely. Use a safety harness , as well. [2]
    • If you can’t reach the panels from the ground and you don’t feel safe or comfortable climbing to the roof, hire professional cleaners instead.
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  3. Knock off any loose dirt and debris, then use a garden hose with a spray attachment to rinse the solar panels and surrounding roof. This will loosen the grime and make it easier to scrub the panels clean. [3]
    • If you have to climb to the roof for this, make sure someone is holding the ladder steady. Do not attempt if you’re alone.
    • If the panels are hot, do not spray them with cold water, as this could cause them to crack. Wait to wash them when they’ve cooled down or use warm water instead. [4]
    • Do not use a pressure washer , as this can damage the solar panels.
  4. In general, a mixture of water and mild detergent (like dish soap) works well, though you can also use 1 part vinegar and 8 parts water or a solar panel cleaning solution . Use your long-handled roof brush (or a soft-bristle brush or sponge if you’re on the roof) to apply the solution to a small section of the panels. Let the solution sit for a few minutes to break up the grime, then gently scrub it away. Repeat with each section until the solar panels are entirely clean. [5]
    • Do not use harsh chemicals, like bleach, as they can damage the solar panels and harm nearby wildlife. Coarse scrub brushes can also scratch and harm the panels.
    • It’s best to work in small sections at a time so the solution doesn’t have time to dry on the panels.
    • If you’re on a ladder and can’t reach the panels, try wrapping a towel around a squeegee on an extension pole . Keep your feet flat on the ladder and do not lean over to try to reach the panels.
    • Another option is to apply the cleaning solution to the panels using a gallon sprayer.
  5. Grab your hose with a spray attachment to rinse the panels again. Make sure all the cleaning solution comes off, as soap residue can make the solar panels less effective. Then, use a squeegee to dry the panels before you turn them back on. [6]
    • Don’t worry too much about drying the panels completely; since they’re in the sun, they’ll dry naturally.
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Section 2 of 6:

Other Ways to Clean Solar Panels

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  1. If using soap seems like too much of a hassle and you’re worried about a residue being left on the panels, a specialized solar panel cleaning brush may be the option for you. Wash your panels the same way you would with a cleaning solution without having to worry about rinsing the panels off. [7]
    • Pros: Won’t leave behind a soap residue, eco-friendly
    • Cons: May not be as effective at cleaning stubborn grime
  2. If you don’t want to clean your solar panels manually and are willing to invest a bit of money, consider using an automated cleaning system, like robotic cleaners, a sprinkler system, or electrostatic cleaning. [8] These work great for large installations, though robotic systems are typically unnecessary for the average homeowner.
    • Pros: efficient cleaning, no manual labor
    • Cons: high initial cost, may need external power source
  3. If you’re looking to save water, look into using a waterless vibration cleaner on your solar panels. These cleaners use sonic vibrations to dislodge dirt and debris without you having to manually wash your panels. [9]
    • Pros: effective cleaning, saves water
    • Cons: Expensive, limited availability
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Section 3 of 6:

When to Clean Solar Panels

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  1. There isn’t an exact timeframe in which you should clean your solar panels. Typically, clean them anytime you notice a drop in energy consistency or when there’s visible dirt or dust build-up. However, there are other factors that can help you determine how often to clean your solar panels: [10]
    • Geographic location: Rain can naturally rinse off your solar panels, so if you live in a wetter climate, you likely won’t have to clean them as much. If you live in a dry climate, however, you may need to clean them more often.
    • Landscaping: Generally, solar panels are placed somewhere with clear access to the sun. If you have trees nearby, however, pollen, leaves, and other debris may end up on the panels, meaning they’ll need to be cleaned more often.
    • Roof pitch: If your roof has a steep pitch, they’ll likely need to be cleaned less often than roofs with low pitches, as debris can slide off and is less likely to get stuck. [11]
    • Consider the weather and your personal safety as well. For example, if it’s extremely hot outside, cleaning solar panels with cold water could actually damage them, or if it’s slick or wet outside, you could hurt yourself in the process.
    • Solar panel specialist Guy Gabay says it’s only necessary to clean solar panels if they’re visibly dirty: “If you're in an area that has a lot of dust, pollen, let's say sandstorms, or if there's a fire, it's recommended to wash them off. Washing them off with the hose is sufficient if you notice any sort of thick layer of dust, pollen, dander, or ashes. Other than that, they're virtually maintenance free, and they [often] come with a 25 year warranty.”
Section 4 of 6:

When to Call a Professional

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  1. Cleaning solar panels is pretty straightforward, but there are several reasons you may not clean them yourself, including safety concerns, physical limitations, or time constraints. On average, it costs $25 per solar panel for a professional cleaning, or $150 for a cleaning and inspection bundle. [12]
    • Depending on what you already own, it may cost around $100 to get the equipment to clean the panels yourself. In this case, it may be easier and more efficient to hire a professional.
    • Cleaning solar panels isn’t always an accessible task, especially if you have any physical limitations that might prevent you from using the proper equipment or climbing a ladder if necessary. If this is the case, hire a professional to keep yourself safe.
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Section 5 of 6:

Why Solar Panels Need to Be Cleaned

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  1. Solar panels consist of photovoltaic cells that absorb the sun’s rays to convert sunlight into usable energy. In order to fully absorb the sunlight, the cells cannot be blocked by debris or grime, which is why it’s important to keep solar panels clean. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the presence of dust, soot, and other grime can decrease solar panels’ efficiency by 7%. [13]
Section 6 of 6:

Cleaning Solar Panels FAQs

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  1. The exact time it takes to clean solar panels varies depending on a number of factors, like how many solar panels you have, the cleaning method you use, and whether or not you have someone to help you. On average, though, expect to spend about 1 to 2 hours.
  2. No, it’s best to avoid pressure washing solar panels. Pressure washing can scratch or damage the photovoltaic cells, and high water pressure can damage the seal around the frame, allowing water to get inside the panels. [14]
  3. Yes, Dawn dish soap is a safe cleaning solution for solar panels, as it’s gentle, effective, and biodegradable. Mix some with water, gently scrub the solar panels, then rinse thoroughly to ensure all soap residue is removed. [15]
  4. It’s typically best to use a long-handled roof brush, soft-bristle brushes, and plastic-blade squeegees to clean solar panels, as they’re gentle and won’t scratch or damage the panels. Attach shorter brushes or squeegees to a long pole for hard-to-reach areas. [16]
  5. Rinsing your solar panels alone can remove loose dirt and debris, but it likely won’t remove stubborn grime. Rinsing can serve as good maintenance between deeper cleanings, but to thoroughly clean your solar panels, you’ll probably need a brush or sponge and a gentle cleaning solution. [17]
  6. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach, Windex, or ammonia cleaners on your solar panels. Windex and ammonia cleaners can leave residues that affect the panels’ performance, and bleach and other harsh chemicals can damage solar cells and reduce efficiency. [18]
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      Tips

      • Some government jurisdictions offer incentives like tax credits or grants for proper solar panel maintenance. Research local and federal incentives and apply to any you qualify for. [19]
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      • Monitor the upcoming weather before cleaning your solar panels. If it’s supposed to rain in a day or two, the rain could wash them for you!
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      • If you’re not sure what the best cleaning method is for your solar panels, consult your owner’s manual for tips.
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      Warnings

      • Clean your solar panels from the ground if possible, but if you must climb to the roof, practice ladder safety . Inspect the ladder for damage, place it in a secure location, and always maintain three points of contact. [20]
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      • If you’re at all unsure you can clean your solar panels safely, hire a professional instead.
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      • Don’t walk on your solar panels. This could be dangerous for you and it could cause the panels to crack and break. [21]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/home/how-to-clean-solar-panels
      2. ↑ https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/home/how-to-clean-solar-panels
      3. ↑ https://www.recgroup.com/sites/default/files/documents/quick_guide_cleaning_en.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.recgroup.com/sites/default/files/documents/quick_guide_cleaning_en.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/home/how-to-clean-solar-panels
      6. ↑ https://www.recgroup.com/sites/default/files/documents/quick_guide_cleaning_en.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/05/pro-tip-never-use-soap-to-clean-dirty-solar-panels/
      8. ↑ https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/home/how-to-clean-solar-panels
      9. ↑ https://www.pv-magazine.com/2020/04/21/vibration-tech-for-self-cleaning-solar-panels/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CIt%20is%20not%20the%20first,Image:%20Heriot%20Watt%20University
      1. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/solar-panel-maintenance-guide-how-to-clean-and-repair-solar-panels/
      2. ↑ https://today.ucsd.edu/story/cleaning_solar_panels_often_not_worth_the_cost_engineers_at_uc_san_diego_fi
      3. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/solar-panel-maintenance-guide-how-to-clean-and-repair-solar-panels/
      4. ↑ https://www.nrel.gov/news/features/2021/scientists-studying-solar-try-solving-a-dusty-problem.html
      5. ↑ https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/home/how-to-clean-solar-panels
      6. ↑ https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/home/how-to-clean-solar-panels
      7. ↑ https://www.solarisesolar.com/wp-content/uploads/solarisesolar.com-How-To-Clean-and-Maintain-Solar-Panels.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.solarisesolar.com/wp-content/uploads/solarisesolar.com-How-To-Clean-and-Maintain-Solar-Panels.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/home/how-to-clean-solar-panels
      10. ↑ https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/residential-clean-energy-credit
      11. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/newsroom/feature/ladder-safety.html
      12. ↑ https://www.recgroup.com/sites/default/files/documents/quick_guide_cleaning_en.pdf

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