DIY Solar Panel Cleaning: How to Clean Solar Panels Like a Professional

Maintaining your solar panels is crucial to ensure they function efficiently and generate maximum solar energy. While professional cleaning services are available, (and recommended) many homeowners prefer the DIY approach to save money and time.

An Important Note:  New Day Solar offers full solar panel cleaning, inspections, and maintenance.  We strongly recommend you hire a professional to clean, maintain, or service your solar equipment.  Risking any damage to your solar system or impacting your warranty is not worth the risk – better to leave this task to a team of professionals.

Why Clean Your Solar Panels?

Regular cleaning of solar panels is essential for optimal performance (Boost Energy Efficiency up to 15% With Clean Solar Panels). Dust, dirt, bird droppings, and other debris can accumulate on the panels, reducing their efficiency. While rain typically cleans off most of the dirt and debris on your solar panels, there are several benefits from cleaning and inspecting your panels on a regular basis.

Some of those benefits are below:

• Improve Energy Efficiency
  Clearing dust, dirt, and debris lets panels absorb more sunlight, maximizing energy output.
• Enhance Solar Panel Performance
  Clean solar panels operate at peak capacity, maximizing your return in solar energy.
• Extend System Lifespan
  Regular cleaning prevents damage, reducing repair costs and extending panel lifespan.
• Detect Issues Early
  Problems with solar panels can go undetected for months.

Safety First: Preparing for Solar Panel Cleaning

Before you begin, it’s vital to prioritize safety. Here are the key steps:

1) Before You Begin:

• Never climb onto your roof to clean your solar panels.
• Use a long-handled brush made specifically for cleaning solar equipment.
• Always wear non-conductive protective gear, including gloves, non-slip shoes, and safety glasses.
• New Day Solar Pro Tip:
  Don’t risk your safety to clean your solar panels. Instead, call New Day Solar at +1 (951) 927-7652.

2) Check the Weather:

• Super hot out? About to rain? Wait to clean your panels for better weather.
• Conduct cleaning during mild weather conditions; avoid high winds, rain, or lightning.
• Spraying cold water on your panels in the hot sun can cause them to crack.
• Cleaning during windy conditions can blow dust and debris back onto the panels, making the effort futile.

3) Turn Off the Breaker:

• Always turn off the solar system breaker before starting any cleaning activity to avoid any risk of electric shock.
• New Day Solar Pro Tip:
  Be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions when dealing with electrical components.

4) Avoid Walking on Panels:

• Never walk on the panels as they can crack under pressure.
• Roof surfaces can be slippery and dangerous; it’s better to let professionals handle the job with proper safety equipment.
• New Day Solar Pro Tip:
  Don’t even go up on your roof.  It’s not worth the risk if you don’t have the proper safety equipment and experience working around solar, electrical, and roofing equipment.

5) Avoid Scratching the Panels:

• Don’t use a coarse brush or abrasive cleaning material. Scratching your panels will impact performance and could void your warranty.
• Be very careful of the coating on your solar panels. Your solar panels have a special coating that aids in the photovoltaic (PV) technology to produce electricity.
• New Day Solar Pro Tip:
  Consider the benefits of professional cleaning services like New Day Solar, which use specialized equipment to protect your investment. This ensures thorough cleaning without causing damage to delicate panel surfaces.

6) Time Your Cleaning:

• Avoid cleaning during the heat of the day. Early morning or late afternoon is ideal to prevent the panels from being too hot, which can also cause microcracks.
• New Day Solar Pro Tip:
  Scheduling regular professional cleanings with New Day Solar can ensure that your panels are maintained without you having to worry about the perfect timing.

7) Avoid Harsh Chemicals:

• Don’t use any harsh chemicals that could impact the solar panels, electrical components, roofing, or siding of your home.
• Use a mild detergent or soap-free cleaner.
• Don’t use any type of coating on your panels (e.g. RainX).
• New Day Solar Pro Tip:
  Our cleaning methods are gentle yet highly effective, removing even the toughest dirt, dust, and debris from your panels without scratching or abrasion. This preserves the integrity of your panels while restoring their optimal performance.

8) Use Filtered Water:

• Avoid using hard water and ensure you’re only using filtered water to avoid water spots, stains, or leaving any residue behind.
• Filtered water can be hard to manage for a DIY job; let the professionals handle it with their high-quality, spot-free water systems.
• New Day Solar Pro Tip:
  The New Day Solar cleaning process incorporates advanced water filtration systems, guaranteeing that only purified water comes into contact with your panels. This eliminates the risk of mineral deposits or streaks, leaving behind spot-free, gleaming panels.

9) Consider Your Time and Effort:

• Cleaning solar panels yourself can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
• Consider the value of your time and the potential risks involved.
• New Day Solar Pro Tip:
  Hiring New Day Solar allows you to relax while professionals take care of everything with their expertise and experience.

10) Warranty and Insurance Considerations:

• DIY cleaning could potentially void your warranty if done improperly. Always check your warranty terms before proceeding.
• New Day Solar Pro Tip:
  New Day Solar’s professional services are fully insured and will not jeopardize your warranty, giving you peace of mind.

Items You’ll Need to Clean Your Solar Panels

Gathering the right tools and materials is essential for effective cleaning. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Soft Brush or Sponge:
  To gently scrub the panels. Ideally you’ll want a brush on a pole to
• Hose with a Spray Nozzle:
  For rinsing off dirt and debris.
• Mild Dish Soap:
  For a gentle cleaning solution. Specific solar panel cleaners are also available but not necessary.
• Bucket of Water:
  To mix with the soap.
• Safety Gear:
  Gloves, safety glasses, and a sturdy ladder.

New Day Solar’s Professional Solar Panel Cleaning Equipment

At New Day Solar, we take pride in using the best tools and equipment to provide top-quality solar panel cleaning services. Unlike DIY methods, our professional-grade equipment ensures that your solar panels are cleaned safely, efficiently, and thoroughly.

From our extendable carbon fiber water-fed poles to our advanced water purification system, each piece of equipment is specifically chosen to deliver the best results.  This commitment to quality and safety is what sets us apart and ensures your solar panels maintain their peak performance and longevity.

Here’s a look at the specialized equipment we use to keep your solar panels in excellent condition.

• 30-Foot Carbon Fiber Water Fed Pole:
  Our extendable carbon fiber pole allows us to safely clean solar panels that are high and hard to reach without risking damage or personal safety.
• 100 Feet of High-Flow Tubing:
  This durable tubing ensures a consistent and powerful flow of water, allowing us to clean solar panels thoroughly and efficiently, even when accessing remote areas.
• 24-Inch Water Fed Brush with 4-Inch Bristles:
  The specialized brush is designed with soft yet durable bristles to clean solar panels effectively without scratching or damaging their surface.
• Hand Reel for Water Fed Pole Tubing:
  Our compact hand reel keeps high-flow tubing organized and tangle-free, making transport and storage easy while enhancing our operational efficiency.
• Extra Tubing with 8-Inch Hybrid Brush for Window Cleaning
  This additional equipment allows us to extend our cleaning services to windows, providing a complete cleaning solution for our clients. The smaller brush size is perfect for detailed window cleaning.
• 300-Foot Heavy Duty Hose Reel Cart with 100 Feet of Hose
  The heavy-duty hose reel cart is perfect for larger jobs, allowing us to transport and use up to 300 feet of hose efficiently. Its sturdy design and wheels make maneuvering around any site effortless.  This allows us to easily clean larger properties with a higher number of panels in use.
• TDS Tester/Meter
  Ensuring the purity of the water used, our TDS tester helps maintain high-quality cleaning standards. By measuring the Total Dissolved Solids, we guarantee that only the purest water touches your solar panels, preventing any potential damage or residue.
• 4-Stage Water Purification System:
  Our advanced 4-stage water purification system delivers exceptionally clean water by filtering through two sediment filters, an RO filter, and a DI filter. This system ensures that no contaminants affect the cleanliness and efficiency of your solar panels.

How Often Should You Clean Your Solar Panels?

The frequency of cleaning your solar panels depends on several factors, such as your location, the amount of dust or debris in your area, and the weather conditions. However, a general guideline is to clean your solar panels every 6 to 12 months.

Here are some considerations that might affect how often you should clean your solar panels:

1. Location:
   If you live in an area with a lot of dust, pollen, pollution, or bird activity, you might need to clean your panels more frequently—possibly every 3 to 6 months. Rural areas, deserts, or places with heavy agricultural activity can accumulate dust more quickly on the panels.
2. Weather Conditions:
   Rain can naturally clean your panels, reducing the need for frequent cleaning. However, if you experience long dry spells or light rains that leave behind dirt spots, you may need to clean them more often.
3. Angle and Installation of Panels:
   Panels installed at a steep angle generally stay cleaner than flat panels because rainwater can wash away dirt more effectively. If your panels are flat or have a low tilt, they may need more frequent cleaning.
4. Performance Monitoring:
   If you notice a decrease in energy output without any other apparent reason, it might be time to check your panels for dirt and debris, even if it hasn’t been a full 6 to 12 months.
5. Nearby Trees or Construction:
   If your panels are near trees, they might accumulate leaves, pollen, or bird droppings that require more frequent cleaning. Nearby construction can also increase the amount of dust and debris.

Regular inspections, either by eye or through monitoring systems, can help you determine when cleaning is necessary. Remember, while regular cleaning can help maintain your solar panels’ efficiency, over-cleaning or improper cleaning techniques can cause damage.

If in doubt, consider hiring a professional service like New Day Solar to ensure your panels are cleaned safely and effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Solar Panel Cleaning

Step 1: Check the Manufacturer’s Guidelines

• Before starting, read your solar panel manufacturer’s guidelines or warranty details. This will help you understand any specific cleaning instructions or restrictions that might apply.

Step 2: Turn Off Your Solar System

• Safety first: Turn off your solar system at the breaker or disconnect switch. This will reduce the risk of electric shock during the cleaning process.

Step 3: Assess Your Roof and Weather Conditions

• Make sure your roof is safe to access, and there’s no risk of slipping or falling. Avoid cleaning on hot, sunny days or in rainy or windy conditions. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time when panels are cool.

Step 4: Gather Your Cleaning Tools and Materials

• Essential Tools:
  • Long-handled, soft-bristled brush or squeegee with a non-abrasive sponge.
  • Garden hose with a spray nozzle (avoid pressure washers).
  • Mild detergent or soap-free cleaner.
  • Ladder (if needed) and safety gear such as a harness and non-slip shoes.
  • Bucket of filtered or distilled water (to avoid mineral buildup).

Step 5: Rinse the Panels with Water

• Use the garden hose to gently spray water across the panels to remove loose dirt and debris. Avoid high-pressure settings to prevent damage to the panels.

Step 6: Clean with a Soft Brush and Mild Cleaner

• Dip the soft-bristled brush or non-abrasive sponge into the bucket of water mixed with a small amount of mild detergent. Gently scrub the panels to remove dirt, bird droppings, or any sticky residue. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that could scratch or damage the panels.

Step 7: Rinse Thoroughly with Filtered Water

• After scrubbing, rinse the panels again with filtered or distilled water to remove any soap residue. Make sure to rinse thoroughly, as leftover soap can leave streaks or spots on the panels.

Step 8: Let the Panels Air Dry

• Allow the panels to air dry naturally. Do not wipe them down, as this can leave streaks or scratches. If possible, perform this step on a cloudy day or in the early morning/late afternoon to prevent water spots from drying too quickly.

Step 9: Inspect Your Work

• Once the panels are dry, inspect them from the ground to ensure they are clean and free of debris. Check for any visible damage or issues that may need professional attention.

Step 10: Turn Your Solar System Back On

• After ensuring everything is in order, turn your solar system back on at the breaker or disconnect switch.

DIY Solar Panel Cleaning vs. Professional Solar Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning your solar panels, you have two main options: doing it yourself (DIY) or hiring a professional service.

While DIY cleaning might seem like a cost-effective solution, there are several factors to consider before climbing onto your roof. Here’s how DIY cleaning compares to professional cleaning services like those offered by New Day Solar:

1. Safety

• DIY Cleaning: Cleaning solar panels on your own involves significant safety risks. Climbing onto a roof without the proper safety equipment can lead to accidents, falls, and injuries. Additionally, handling electrical equipment without proper knowledge can result in electric shock.
• Professional Cleaning: Professional services prioritize safety above all else. At New Day Solar, our technicians are trained and equipped with the necessary safety gear to work on rooftops and around electrical systems. We ensure that the cleaning process is safe for both our team and your property.

2. Effectiveness

• DIY Cleaning: Homeowners may not have access to the right tools and cleaning agents. Common mistakes, such as using hard water, abrasive materials, or harsh chemicals, can leave residues, scratch the panels, or even void the warranty.
• Professional Cleaning: We use specialized equipment designed specifically for solar panel cleaning, such as our 30-foot carbon fiber water-fed pole and soft-bristled brushes. Our 4-stage water purification system ensures that only pure water is used, preventing any mineral buildup or streaks that can reduce panel efficiency. This thorough cleaning helps maintain optimal energy output.

3. Time and Convenience

• DIY Cleaning: Cleaning your own solar panels can be time-consuming and physically demanding. It often requires multiple trips up and down a ladder, repositioning equipment, and extensive cleaning time, especially for larger installations.
• Professional Cleaning: Hiring New Day Solar means you can save time and effort. Our team handles all aspects of the cleaning process, from setup to cleanup. With our experience and efficiency, we complete the job much faster, allowing you to focus on other important tasks.

4. Warranty Protection

• DIY Cleaning: Many solar panel manufacturers have specific cleaning guidelines that must be followed to maintain the warranty. Improper cleaning methods or equipment can void your warranty, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
• Professional Cleaning: At New Day Solar, we follow industry standards and manufacturer recommendations to ensure that your solar panels are cleaned correctly and your warranty remains intact. Our professional service provides peace of mind knowing your investment is protected.

5. Cost-Effectiveness

• DIY Cleaning: While DIY cleaning might seem cheaper initially, the costs can add up quickly if you need to purchase specialized equipment, safety gear, or repair any damage caused by improper cleaning. Additionally, the potential for decreased energy output due to improper cleaning can lead to higher energy bills.
• Professional Cleaning: With New Day Solar, you receive a comprehensive service that ensures your solar panels are clean and functioning at their best. Our competitive pricing and professional results make it a cost-effective choice in the long run, especially when considering the potential savings on energy bills and maintenance costs.

If your panels are difficult to access or if you notice significant damage during your inspection, it might be best to call in a professional. Professional cleaning services have the expertise and equipment to handle more complex situations and ensure your panels are thoroughly cleaned without causing any damage.

If Solar Panel Cleaning is Not Your Forte Contact New Day Solar

If you follow the steps outlined here, you can master DIY cleaning of your solar panels.

If you prefer a professional solar panel cleaning, we would love to talk to you. At New Day Solar, we believe that improving the world we live in and helping our community creates brighter tomorrows.

If you have any questions about cleaning your panels, or have need of our cleaning services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today!