Maximize your solar panel efficiency with our step-by-step cleaning guide. Learn the right techniques, tools, and safety measures to keep your panels in top condition year-round.
Published on 03/02/2025
By Prachi Singh
Solar Comparison
Solar panels are a smart investment for both homeowners and businesses who want to cut down their energy bills and carbon footprint. However, these surfaces, with time, will build up dust, bird droppings, leaves, and debris that will surely reduce their effectiveness in capturing sunlight and producing energy. Hence, for the panels to be at peak efficiency, they must be well taken care of.
That’s where Solar panel cleaning becomes one of the most important aspects of their maintenance, and just in case you’re wondering, it isn't as complicated at all.
Whether you're a newbie solar installer or simply frustrated by the dirt and debris building up on your panels, this guide is here to help. Learn everything you need to know about DIY solar panel cleaning, professional cleaning services, what to expect in terms of cleaning costs, and more!
The accumulation of dust and grime on the surface of the solar panels may not let sunlight reach in to generate energy, hence reducing their power output. In fact, it has been estimated in studies that solar panels can lose about 5% to 35% of their power output when there is dirt on their surface.
However, the actual extent of power loss boils down to how dirty the panel is. Factors such as the duration of the buildup, the type of dirt, and angle/orientation of the panels also play their fair part in influencing the power loss.
Because the panels are generating less power, you stand to lose on the savings. Regular cleaning ensures they operate at peak solar panel efficiency, boosting energy output. In addition, it helps extend their lifespan, giving you greater value for your investment.
The frequency with which you will clean the panels depends on your location, what surrounds your home or business, and the type of solar panel.
You could be living in an area that is dusty or highly polluted; in this case, you might have to clean them quite frequently. Places near construction sites or areas that are filled with birds would also call for more frequent cleaning. However, if you reside in an area prone to frequent rain showers, nature may do most of the cleaning for you. Moreover, panels that have grown old or tend to be more textured may need some extra care, while new and smooth panels won’t require as much attention.
Generally speaking, it is recommended to clean your solar panels twice a year.
Your solar panels will let you know when they need a good cleaning session. All you need to do is watch out for these signs:
If you notice that your solar panels have lately been looking discolored or are simply blocking the sunlight from getting through the surface, don’t let that pass through your eyes. It is usually the most obvious hint that they need cleaning.
Track if your solar system is performing as well as it used to. If you catch its efficiency dropping or system components facing any problems, take it to mean that it’s calling for a solar cleaning service.
Nobody wants their panels to become a home for insects or pests. However, when the dirt, debris, and pollen build up, insects may come in like an uninvited guest. If not cleaned in a timely manner, they can cause a big-time problem for the functioning of your solar system.
It becomes difficult for the rain to wash solar panels that have been installed with a tilt of less than 5 degrees. As a result, they may require a bit more attention when it comes to cleaning.
If you do not want to go through an agency, you can clean the panels yourself by following a few rules so that you do not damage them. The step-by-step guide will explain exactly how to clean solar panels effectively:
Cleaning must-haves: a ladder, harness, safety helmet, gloves, long garden hose, a DIY cleaning mix or a solar panel cleaning bunnings kit, soft-bristled brush.
1. Switch off before cleaning
First things first. One should always switch the complete solar panel system off prior to cleaning because an electrical shock could be hazardous.
2. Do away with the loose dirt
Before you resort to a cleaning solution, use a long hose to give your panel a thorough rinse and get rid of all the loose dirt or debris from the surface.
3. Prepare a DIY mix
Mix water with a few drops of a mild, liquid detergent and there you have a DIY cleaning solution ready to gently take on all the grime. You can also try the use of a specialized solar panel cleaning kit that you can find at hardware stores like Bunnings.
4. Clean gently
Make use of soft cloth to clean with the DIY mix that you have prepared. If you come across stains that just won’t go, you can use a soft-bristled brush (with a long handle) to do the job.
5. The Final Rinse
Your panels will need a final rinse to do away with the residue of all the soaps and detergents, once and for all.
6. Air dry
For the most part, solar panels can simply air dry once they have been rinsed. In areas that are especially dusty, it may be a good idea to wipe down the panels with a clean, soft cloth.
With do-it-yourself cleaning, savings come with great caution-particularly when the installation of your solar panels is roof-bound. If that makes you queasy, then call in the pros: professional solar cleaning services.
If you are averse to cleaning the panels yourself, then there are quite a number of professional solar panel cleaning services out there. These professionals do offer cleaning services using proper equipment in such a way that your panels will not be damaged.
From professional services that deep clean, making sure all the dirt and debris is removed from all those hard-to-reach areas, to scanning your panels for any sign of damage or wear, which may save you costly repairs down the road.
The cost of cleaning solar panels would typically depend on a number of factors like where one is located, how big the solar system actually is, and, of course, how dirty the panels have become. In Australia, the average solar panel cleaning prices can range somewhere between $15 to $20 per panel. A maintenance service, on the other hand, can cost you around $250-$350 on average.
Several factors will come in the way of determining the general price for cleaning solar panels. These are as follows:
Shop around and compare prices every time. Also, go through reviews and get recommendations to make sure you are hiring a legitimate company.
If you prefer to do the work yourself, then you might as well consider making an investment in a solar panel cleaning kit. These kits are specifically designed for cleaning solar panels, and they usually contain soft brushes, squeegees, and extension poles that will make your job a great deal easier. While Bunnings does have quite a number of options to purchase a DIY kit, the prices range from $50 to $150, depending on the brand and the amount of tools contained therein. These kits can be a very economical solution if you plan periodic cleaning of your panels. However, make sure the cleaning tool or instrument is soft and gentle, so there isn't any scratch or damage on the panel surface.
Is It Worth the Investment?
It is pretty much a question of time, budget, and even safety. If your panels are pretty accessible, you have nothing against getting your hands dirty, then a DIY cleaning with a solar panel cleaning kit can save you some cash. In case of a larger system or hard-to-reach panels, a professional cleaning service for your solar can be a much safer and more efficient alternative.
The regular cleaning by either DIY or professionals will keep your panels running at maximum efficiency and extend their service life. Investment in regular cleaning of solar panels ensures derivation of maximum benefit from a solar energy system.
The cleaning of solar panels is one major concern for the one who is looking forward to sustaining an efficient and long-term solar energy system. One may want to clean them using a do-it-yourself solar panel cleaning kit or may simply hire some professional services; all these are part and parcel of trying to ensure the panels are at their best performance. Inspect your panels visually on a regular basis against the weather to make sure when cleaning is required. This will ensure that maximum energy is tapped from your roof while still protecting an investment and enjoying the benefits of renewable energy.
