You’ve invested in solar panels. Great move! You’re saving money, reducing your carbon footprint, and harnessing the sun’s energy to power your home. But here’s something many people overlook:
Even the most advanced solar panels require occasional cleaning to maintain optimal performance.
Yes, solar panels are low-maintenance, but not no-maintenance. Dust, dirt, bird droppings, pollution, leaves, and water stains can all accumulate over time, reducing the efficiency of your system.
In this detailed guide, Wingwatt walks you through exactly why, when, and how to clean your rooftop solar panels, safely and effectively.
Why Is Cleaning Solar Panels Important?
Your panels work by absorbing sunlight and converting it into electricity. But when a layer of grime forms on the surface, it blocks that sunlight and lowers your energy output.
In fact:
- A dusty panel can lose 10–20% of its efficiency
- Bird droppings or leaf cover can cut off energy production from entire panel sections.
- Over time, if left uncleaned, your savings will drop, and the payback period will become longer.
It’s just like wearing sunglasses indoors—you’re blocking the light that powers your system.
How to Clean Solar Panels: A Step-by-Step Guide
You don’t need to call a professional every time. With the right tools and a bit of care, cleaning your solar panels can be a safe and easy process.
What You’ll Need:
- A hose with a spray nozzle or a bucket of clean water
- Soft sponge, microfiber cloth, or a non-abrasive brush
- Mild soap (if panels are greasy or heavily soiled)
- Long pole with a soft head (for hard-to-reach panels)
- Safety gear if accessing a sloped or high roof
Cleaning Instructions:
- Turn off the system (if necessary)
Safety first! While cleaning doesn’t usually involve any electrical components, it’s best to check your inverter’s manual and follow recommended procedures. - Choose the right time.
Early morning or evening is best, cooler temperatures prevent the risk of cracking hot panels and also avoid quick evaporation, which can leave streaks. - Rinse panels gently with water.
Remove loose dirt and dust. Avoid using high-pressure washers as they can damage wiring or seals. - Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down.
For stubborn spots, gently scrub with a mixture of mild soap and water. Never use abrasive materials or harsh chemicals. - Final rinse
Wash off all soapy residue thoroughly to avoid streaks and mineral deposits. - Let the panels air dry
Nature will take care of the drying process. You don’t need to wipe unless the water is extremely hard.
How Often Should You Clean Solar Panels?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The cleaning frequency depends on:
- Location: Urban areas, industrial zones, and regions with high air pollution levels will require more frequent cleaning.
- Weather: Areas with regular rain need less cleaning. Dusty, dry seasons may call for more frequent attention.
- Surroundings: Trees (due to leaves, pollen, or birds) and construction zones increase debris.
General Recommendation:
- Every 3–6 months for most homes in India
- Every 2–3 months, if you live in a dusty or polluted area
- After storms or long dry spells, check for debris and stains.
Want to know when your panels need cleaning? Just keep an eye on your solar monitoring app. If output drops for no reason, it might be time for a wash.
Should You Hire a Professional?
If your panels are hard to reach or you don’t want to risk climbing on your roof, hiring a pro is a wise choice. Wingwatt offers affordable panel cleaning and health check services with:
- Deionised water (no mineral stains)
- Safe roof-access techniques
- Panel performance inspection
- Optional system tuning & inverter check-up
It’s not just about cleaning; it’s about ensuring your solar investment is protected.
Bonus Tips for Panel Maintenance
- Avoid cleaning during peak sunlight to prevent thermal shock.
- Never use harsh chemicals or sharp tools.
- Install bird spikes or mesh if birds are nesting nearby.
- Utilise remote monitoring tools to track energy output and detect dips in energy usage early.
- Clean panels during early morning dew; less water is needed!
The Wingwatt Promise, Power That Lasts
At Wingwatt, we believe in more than just installing panels. We believe in powering a cleaner, smarter lifestyle—and that includes helping you maintain your solar setup for years to come.
Whether it’s your first system or your fifth cleaning, we’re here with:
- Expert advice
- End-to-end support
- Scheduled maintenance plans
- 24×7 remote monitoring services
