As a solar panel owner, you're already invested in renewable energy and long-term savings. But did you know that keeping your solar panels clean is key to maintaining their efficiency and lifespan?
Seasonal solar panel care plays a crucial role in how much energy your system generates. Ideally, you should have your solar panels professionally cleaned at least twice a year. Late summer is one of the best times for solar panel cleaning, making it a great addition to your fall home maintenance checklist.
How Dirty Solar Panels Affect Performance
Whether you have roof-mounted or ground-mounted solar panels, they’re exposed to a variety of surface debris and contaminants that reduce the amount of sunlight they can absorb. This not only reduces the system’s output, but the buildup can trap heat in the panels, which can degrade them over time.
Even a thin layer of grime can significantly reduce your solar panel’s ability to absorb sunlight. Here’s what happens when your solar panels are not cleaned regularly:
- Reduced Light Absorption: Dirt blocks sunlight from reaching the photovoltaic cells. Built up grime and debris can also create a shadow effect on the panel, further reducing sunlight absorption.
- Lower Energy Output: Studies show dirty panels can lose 10-25% of their efficiency. This means lower energy output from the system, potentially resulting in higher electric bills and impacting the ROI of your solar panel installation.
- Long-Term Damage: Debris can degrade panel surfaces and wiring over time, both through direct contact with delicate surfaces and by contributing to excess heat buildup.
In general, roof-mounted solar panels are susceptible to pollen and dust, tree sap, leaves and small branches, bird droppings, and airborne pollutants. Of course, all of these things can also affect ground-mounted solar panels, along with dirt and mud splatter, grass clippings, animal and insect activity, and mold and mildew in shaded areas.
By the way, you might think that your solar panels are pretty clean if you live in an area with frequent rainfall. Unfortunately, wet climates often have high pollen levels. At least one study in North Carolina demonstrated that rain alone is not enough to wash off all the pollen and dust. In this particular case, researchers tracked a 10-15% loss in efficiency when regular cleaning wasn’t performed.
Why Late Summer Is Ideal for Solar Panel Cleaning
Cleaning your solar panels during late summer or early autumn is the perfect time to maximize your system’s performance before seasonal changes begin. Here's why:
Peak Sunlight
Solar panels are exposed to the most sunlight during summer, so cleaning them before the days start to become really short makes sense to ensure maximum energy generation.
Post-Pollen Season
Spring and summer pollen can build up on solar panels, reducing your system’s efficiency. Late summer cleaning removes this residue before it gets buried under autumn leaves.
Summer Weather Deposits
In regions that have mostly dry, hot summers, dust, bird droppings, and pollution accumulate on panels—especially on roof-mounted systems. Regions that see a lot of summer rainfall swap dust for water spots and storm-related debris, along with sprinkler overspray on ground-mounted panels.
High-Demand Preparation
As heating and electricity needs rise in fall and winter, you’ll want your solar panels operating at full capacity. Cleaning them before cooler weather sets in also means the milder autumn weather is more likely to cooperate with your scheduled cleaning.
When compiling your home maintenance checklist for fall, you may be planning on power washing some areas, clearing out summer storm debris from your gutters, or even a window refresh. Solar panel cleaning is one other task to consider, especially if you live in an area with a lot of dust or high pollen levels, or if your panels haven’t been cleaned in a while.
Why Professional Solar Panel Cleaning is Recommended
While it might seem tempting to DIY your solar panel cleaning, there are compelling reasons to leave this project to the pros.
- Safety First: Roof-mounted panels are dangerous to access without proper gear. Trained technicians know how to navigate roof structures safely.
- Proper Equipment: Professionals use soft-bristle brushes, purified water, and non-abrasive cleaners that won’t damage sensitive surfaces.
- Manufacturer-Recommended Methods: Professional cleaning techniques align with what solar panel manufacturers recommend for safe cleaning and maintenance.
- Warranty Protection: Incorrect cleaning methods can void panel warranties.
- Thorough Cleaning: Pros know how to clean solar panels thoroughly and efficiently, including hard-to-reach areas.
- Expert Inspection: A solar panel inspection often accompanies professional cleaning, helping identify wear, corrosion, or loose wiring.
- Professional Assurance: Services are performed by licensed, trained, and insured professionals.
Pro Tip: Never use soap to clean solar panels. Soap leaves a residue on panels that have the same negative effect on efficiency as dirt and other contaminants. It can also provide a sticky spot for even more dirt to accumulate.
Overall, professional solar panel cleaning from a reputable company provides a safe, effective, way to remove dirt, pollen, and contaminants and restore your panels’ efficiency. It’s also an affordable option when you consider the potential for damage or voiding the system’s warranty due to improper cleaning methods.
Year-Round Solar Panel Maintenance Tips
To keep your solar panels performing at peak efficiency, follow these seasonal care tips:
- Schedule professional cleaning as needed, ideally in late summer and early spring
- Trim trees and bushes near panels to reduce droppings, debris, sap, and shade
- Keep gutters and roof areas clean of grime buildup that can blow onto panels or attract unwanted critters
- Minimize grass, gardens, and landscaping near ground-mounted panels to avoid clippings, hard water spots, and pollen buildup
- Monitor energy output for sudden drops and consult your solar panel installer or maintenance company for recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my panels need cleaning?
Look for visible dirt or debris. A drop in energy production is another sign. A professional solar panel inspection can confirm if cleaning is needed.
Can I clean solar panels myself?
It’s not recommended. Professional solar panel cleaning is safer and more effective. DIY attempts can damage panels or void warranties. It also carries inherent risks, especially for roof-mounted panels.
How often should I have my solar panels cleaned?
At minimum, solar panels should be cleaned at least once a year. More frequent cleanings may be needed in dusty or high-pollen areas.
What’s the best time of day to clean solar panels?
Early morning or late afternoon is ideal to avoid heat stress and water evaporation.
Does cleaning really improve performance?
Yes! Clean panels can restore up to 25% of lost energy output in heavily soiled systems, boosting your solar investment’s return.
Why Choose Window Hero for Solar Panel Cleaning
Our team uses soft brushes, telescoping poles, and purified water to gently remove dirt, pollen, dust, and debris. We don’t use harsh chemicals, abrasive materials, or high-pressure washing. Our cleaning methods help preserve the panel warranty and prevent damage like scratching or cracking.
The purified water rinse ensures no streaks, water spots, or mineral buildup are left behind. Plus, we go beyond cleaning by inspecting your panels for cracked, shaded, or underperforming modules.
With flexible scheduling, licensed technicians, and a satisfaction guarantee, Window Hero makes it easy to keep your solar system shining as it should!
Ready to Reclaim Your Solar Investment?
Your solar panels work hard all year; seasonal solar panel care keeps your system working at peak efficiency. Late summer is the perfect time to clean your system and prepare for the energy demands of the colder months. Don’t let dirt and debris steal your energy savings. Schedule a professional solar panel cleaning with Window Hero today and enjoy peak performance through the rest of the year.