To keep working at their best, solar panels need to be cleaned now and then. When left dirty for a long time, dirt, dust, and bird droppings can cut energy output by 5% to 10%. Cleaning your solar panels on a regular basis can make them work better and last longer, which is a good thing for your renewable energy investment.

Rain helps clean things up on its own, but it's not always enough in places with a lot of pollution, near construction sites, or during pollen season. Depending on where you live and how the panels are tilted, most home solar systems should be cleaned once to three times a year.

Professional cleaning services can get your panels clean without risking damage or voiding warranties. But a lot of homeowners can safely clean their panels with just a soft brush, mild soap, and water.

The Dirty Truth About How Well Solar Works

Dirty solar panels aren't just ugly; they make it hard to get the most power out of them. Dirty panels make less electricity, which costs homeowners money and lowers the environmental benefits of solar energy.

How Dust, Grime, and Pollen Lower Energy Output

Dust and dirt make it hard for sunlight to reach the photovoltaic cells. Even a thin layer can keep a lot of light from getting to the solar cells.

Pollen is especially bad in the spring because it makes a sticky film that attracts more dirt. Tests show that even a small amount of dust, only 1 gram per square meter, can cut efficiency by as much as 7%.

Bird droppings are even worse because they make "hot spots" that block light and can hurt panels over time.

When dirt builds up along the edges of panels, it can make tiny cracks in cells that cleaning won't fix.

Average Performance Loss from Dirty Panels

According to research, dirty solar panels lose between 15% and 25% of the energy they produce. Some shocking numbers:

Light dust: 5–7% less efficient
Heavy pollen or dust: can make things 15–20% less efficient.
Bird droppings: can cause up to 30% of the area to lose value.

Most solar panels in Canada that aren't cleaned for more than a year lose at least 10% of their power. A 10 kW system that makes $1,500 worth of electricity each year could lose $150 to $375 worth of production.

The losses add up over time—panels that haven't been cleaned in years may never work as well as they did when they were new.

Things in the area that make buildup worse, like dust from the country, trees nearby, and salt from the coast

The speed at which panels get dirty is greatly affected by where they are. During planting and harvesting seasons, rural installations close to farms have to deal with a lot of dust. One study found that these panels lost efficiency twice as quickly as those in cities.

Coastal properties have to deal with salt spray that leaves behind a tough residue that needs special cleaning. This salt buildup can cut efficiency by 25% in just a few months.

Being close to trees brings pollen, sap, and leaf litter. Panels that are put up less than 30 meters from mature trees usually need to be cleaned two to three times a year.

Pollution in cities leaves behind a dirty film that rain can't fully wash away. Panels in Toronto build up 8 to 12 percent faster than panels in areas with less pollution.

Can Rain Alone Clean Panels?

Rain does clean solar panels a little bit, but how well it works depends on things like the weather, the angle of the panels, and the area around them.

When Rain Is Enough (And When It's Not)

Light rain can make solar panels dirtier by turning dust into mud that sticks to the surface. This makes a film that blocks sunlight and makes things less efficient.

Heavy rain, especially in places that aren't too polluted or full of pollen, can wash away dust and loose debris. Panels that are set up at a 15° angle or higher usually get cleaner in the rain because the water runs off more easily.

In places with:

A lot of pollen
Dust from farming
Pollution in cities
Droppings from birds
Sap from trees

Tests show that panels in Toronto lose 5% to 8% of their efficiency between professional cleanings, even when it rains all the time.

Things People Get Wrong About "Self-Cleaning" Systems

Many companies that make solar panels say they have "self-cleaning" technology, which makes it hard to know how to take care of them. Most of the time, these systems have hydrophobic glass coatings that help water bead up and roll off better.

What self-cleaning doesn't mean:

No more manual cleaning at all
Getting rid of stuck-on things like bird droppings
Guard against mineral buildup from hard water

The hydrophobic coatings wear down over time, especially during harsh Canadian winters when the temperature goes from freezing to thawing. Most coatings work well for 2 to 3 years before they start to lose their effectiveness.

Self-cleaning systems still need to be checked twice a year to make sure they work as well as they can.

Climate Considerations: Areas with Little Rain vs. Areas with a Lot of Rain

In southern Ontario, where the weather is humid, it rains a lot, but the rain often has particles in the air that settle on panels after the rain evaporates. This makes dirt build up all the time.

Northern areas with longer winters have their own set of problems. When snow slides off, it can clean panels, but spring thaws often leave behind mineral-rich water that rain can't wash away.

Coastal areas near the Great Lakes have more salt buildup that needs more than just rain to clean.

Data from our Toronto installations shows that systems that are cleaned regularly perform up to 15% better than systems that only rely on rainfall in the same neighborhoods.

Cleaning needs are greatly affected by local weather patterns. For example, panels in cities usually need to be cleaned more often than those in rural areas because they are exposed to more pollution.

How often should you clean your solar panels?

Cleaning your solar panels on a regular basis helps them work at their best, but how often you should do it depends on your area's weather, environment, and system monitoring data.

Seasonal Standards for Home Systems

Cleaning your home solar system 2 to 4 times a year is good for it. Ontario has distinct seasons, so plan cleanings during these important times:

Spring (April): get rid of pollen and dirt from winter.
Mid-summer (July): get rid of dust and bird droppings.
Fall (October): Get rid of the leaves that have fallen before winter.

In places where it rains a lot, nature cleans itself between scheduled maintenance. But rain alone won't get rid of sticky things or bird poop. During the winter, areas that get a lot of snow need extra care because snow can block sunlight and lower output.

If your system has anti-soiling coatings and is newer, you might only need to clean it twice a year.

What to Look Out for in Areas with a Lot of Dust or Birds

Properties close to highways, construction sites, or farmland need to be cleaned more often, maybe every 1 to 2 months when it's dry. Key signs that cleaning should happen more often:

Dust Sources:

Construction areas within 500 meters
There are unpaved roads close by
Farming, especially during harvest time
Nearby industrial buildings

Problems with birds:

Birds are drawn to panels that are covered by trees
Birds use panels to build nests
Droppings that are easy to see make "hot spots."

Plastic predator decoys or reflective tape are examples of bird deterrents that can help keep droppings to a minimum between cleanings. If you put panels near trees, you might want to cut back branches to make a 3-meter space around them.

When Performance Monitoring Alerts Should Start A Cleaning

Modern solar systems that can be monitored are great at showing when they need to be cleaned. If you see any of the following, don't wait for your scheduled cleanings:

5 to 10 percent less power over a few sunny days
Monitoring app heat maps show dirt that can be seen
Different amounts of production between similar panel strings

Most systems for keeping an eye on quality send out alerts when performance drops below what is expected. Set your alert threshold so that you are notified when power drops more than 7% below historical averages.

Even if you don't get an alert, check your performance metrics after a lot of pollen, dust storms, or bird migrations. If you respond quickly to sudden drops in efficiency, you can stop long-term revenue loss that is greater than the cost of cleaning.

Signs That Your Panels Need Quick Help

Solar panels have different indicators that let you know when they need to be cleaned. These indicators affect how well they work and how they look. Regular checks help find these problems early.

Noticeable drops in performance or higher utility bills

As dirt builds upp, solar production slowly goes down. Cleaning is probably needed when the monthly energy output is 15–25% lower than it was last year in similar weather.

Look at your utility bills to see if they have gone up unexpectedly. Dirty panels could be the reason why your electricity bill goes up while your solar power generation goes down.

A lot of systems have performance monitoringbuilt in. Look at the current generation and the historical data for the same month. Production should stay about the same from year to year, even with changes in the weather.

Changes in the seasons can hide problems with dirt. In the winter in Toronto, snow cover might hide dirt and lower output. Before deciding if cleaning is needed, wait for the weather to clear up.

Dust, bird droppings, and water spots are all signs that something is wrong

A quick look from the ground can show clear problems. When there is a lot of dust, it looks like a dull film that makes panels less shiny and reflective.

Bird poop makes dark, concentrated spots that block sunlight and could cause hot spots. To avoid permanent damage, these need to be taken care of right away.

Minerals in rainwater dry on panel surfaces, leaving water spots. These white, chalky spots are most common after light rain and then sunny weather.

In the spring, pollen builds up and makes a yellowish film. This seasonal buildup gets worse in places where there are a lot of flowering plants.

Dirt often collects at the edges of panel frames, which is where edge buildup happens. This pattern shows that all of the panels are dirty.

Smart cleaning apps that help you find out when you need to clean

Smart monitoring is a common feature of modern solar systems. These apps keep track of daily, weekly, and monthly performance metrics and send you helpful alerts and graphs.

Many apps have automatic alerts that go off when production drops below what was expected. These alerts often include possible reasons, such as problems with dirt.

Some advanced systems figure out "soiling ratios" which are estimates of how much dirt slows down efficiency. A soiling ratio of more than 5–7% usually means that cleaning is worth it.

Weather-adjusted performance models look at the difference between actual and expected output based on the weather in the area. This takes weather factors out of the equation when looking at drops in performance.

Homeowners can use their smartphones to check the condition of their panels with remote visual monitoring tools. This technology helps find problems without having to go up on the roof.

How to properly clean your solar panels

Using the right cleaning methods can make your solar panels last longer and produce more energy. Using the right tools and methods keeps things from breaking and makes sure they work as well as possible.

Step-by-Step Guide to Safe and Effective DIY Cleaning

First, look at the cleaning instructions from the manufacturer, since some panels have special needs. To avoid electrical problems, turn off your system completely before cleaning it.

Start by lightly rinsing with a garden hose to get rid of any loose dirt and debris. Fill a bucket with lukewarm water and a little bit of mild dish soap for tough spots.

Gently wipe the panels in a circle with a soft sponge or cloth. Don't push too hard, as this could scratch the surface.

To get rid of all the soap, rinse well with clean water. If you leave any soap behind, it can attract more dirt and make a film that makes things less efficient.

Finally, let the panels dry in the air or use a squeegee with a soft rubber blade to keep water spots from forming.

What Tools To Use And What Not To Use

Suggested Tools:

Soft sponges or cloths
Squeegees with blades made of rubber
A garden hose with a spray head
Mild dish soap that doesn't have phosphates
Brush with soft bristles and a long handle

Things to Stay Away From:

Scrubbers or brushes with rough edges
Washers with a lot of pressure
Powerful chemicals or detergents
MAny kind of metal tools
Powders or cleaners that are rough

Using the wrong tools can ruin the protective coating on your panels for good. Even small scratches can make hot spots that lower efficiency and may even void warranties.

Use extension poles instead of leaning ladders against panels. Direct pressure can break the glass surface.

Advice on Ground-Mount vs. Rooftop Setups

It's usually easier to clean systems that are mounted on the ground because they're easier to get to. To get to the middle parts without stepping on panels, use a brush with soft bristles and a long handle.

Safety comes first for rooftop panels. If the roof pitch is more than 30 degrees, don't try to clean it. When working on roofs, make sure you have the right fall protection gear.

If you plan to clean the panels on your roof often, think about putting in a rooftop anchor point for safety harnesses.

Trimming the plants around ground systems every now and then helps keep them from getting too much shade and trash. Take down branches that could fall on panels during storms.

Check the mounting hardware for loose bolts or corrosion while cleaning both setups to find problems early.

Timing the Temperature: Why You Should Only Clean When the Panels Are Cool

Clean the panels in the morning or evening when they are cool to the touch. Cold water on hot panels can cause thermal shock, which can break the glass.

Cleaning solutions also evaporate quickly on hot panels, leaving behind streaks and residue that attract more dirt.

Cleaning in the morning also helps get rid of dew that has formed overnight and softened dirt and bird droppings that have built up.

During the hottest hours of the day in the summer, panels can get up to 65°C, which is way too hot to clean safely. The best temperature range for cleaning is 10 to 20 degrees Celsius.

Stop right away if you see steam coming from the panels when water touches them. Being patient stops damage that costs a lot.

Is it worth it to hire a professional cleaner?

When choosing between cleaning your own solar panels and hiring a professional, you need to think about the costs and benefits. Your specific situation, system size, and location will determine the best choice.

How much do professional solar cleaning services cost?

In Canada, it usually costs between $150 and $400 to have a professional clean your solar panels. Prices change based on:

The number of panels in the system
Height and accessibility of the roof
How much dirt has built up
Where you live (city vs. country)

Most businesses charge by system size or by panel, which costs between $8 and $15 each. Volume discounts are often available for bigger systems. Some providers offer maintenance packages that include cleaning every six months at a lower cost.

When homeowners think about how much money they could lose on energy bills because of dirty panels, they often think that hiring a professional cleaner is worth it. A professional cleaning once or twice a year can increase energy production by 5–10%, which could pay for the service through better efficiency.

When to hire professionals instead of doing it yourself

In some situations, it makes sense to hire a professional to clean your solar panels:

Hard to get to the roof: steep pitches or homes with more than one floor
Safety issues:: If you don't like being on ladders or high places
Heavy soiling: tree sap, bird droppings, or industrial waste
Water limits: Pros use tools that save water
Time limits: A professional team can finish in one to three hours

Experts also bring special tools, like soft brushes made just for solar panels and systems that filter pure water. These tools clean better than things you have at home without hurting the panels.

For big systems with more than 20 panels, the time saved and better results often make the cost of hiring a professional worth it.

Things to think about when it comes to safety, insurance, and warranties

Liability insurance protects your property when professional solar panel cleaners work on it. This coverage is important if something goes wrong while cleaning. Many do-it-yourself projects put you at risk of getting hurt by falling or electrical hazards.

Another important thing is warranty protection. Some companies that make solar panels say that you need to hire a professional to keep the warranty valid. If you don't use the right cleaning tools or methods, your warranty might not be valid.

Cleaning services you can trust:

Follow the instructions from the maker
Use the right tools and methods
Keep records of service for warranty purposes
Check for possible problems with your eyes

These businesses also check the weather before cleaning and know when to put off service to keep panels from getting too hot. Their knowledge helps keep both the efficiency and lifespan of the panels while keeping you safe on the ground.

Things you do wrong that can hurt your panels

To avoid expensive damage, you need to know how to take care of solar panels. Using the wrong cleaning methods can damage surfaces, void warranties, or make things unsafe..

Using abrasive cleaners or pressure washers

Pressure washers may seem like a good idea, but they can really hurt solar panels. The water under high pressure can break the glass or hurt the seals around the edges.

Abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or rough brushes can also scratch the glass that protects it. Even tiny scratches make things less efficient by making shadows on the cells below.

Instead, use a sponge or soft cloth with soap and water. Microfiber cloths are great because they get rid of dirt without scratching. A brush with soft bristles on an extension pole makes it easier to get to hard-to-reach places without putting too much pressure on them.

RTools for cleaning that are suggested:

Cloths made of microfiber
Brushes with soft bristles
Soap that is biodegradable and not abrasive
Squeegee with a rubber edge

Cleaning in Direct Sunlight

Cleaning panels when the sun is at its strongest causes two big problems. First, water dries quickly, leaving behind streaks and spots that can block light.

Second, the difference in temperature between the cool water and the hot panels can cause thermal shock. This stress can break the glass or hurt parts inside.

When the panels are cool, like in the morning or evening, is the best time to clean them. Days when the sky is cloudy are also good because the panels won't get too hot.

If you have to clean during the day, use small amounts of water at a time to keep the temperature from changing too much. Before you change the temperature, always test a small area first to make sure the panel doesn't react badly.

Not shutting down the system before cleaning

Water and electricity don't go well together. Cleaning an active solar system can be very dangerous because it can cause electrocution, especially if water gets into the electrical parts.

Always turn off the system before cleaning it, following the manufacturer's instructions. This usually means turning off the AC and DC disconnects so that no current can flow through the system.

Put on the right safety gear, like gloves and shoes with rubber soles. Never clean panels when there is a thunderstorm or when the wind is strong enough to knock you off balance.

Check the safety list:

Turn off all system disconnections
Put on shoes that don't slip
Put on rubber gloves
Make sure ladders are safe
When you can, work with someone else

Panel Maintenance That Goes Beyond Cleaning

Cleaning solar panels on a regular basis is not enough to keep them working at their best. There are a few important things you need to do to keep your investment safe and make sure it works as well as it can.

How to Keep Debris Away (Tree Trimming, Mesh Guards)

To protect solar panels, you need to take care of trees. Cut back branches that hang over your array by at least 3 meters to keep leaves, twigs, and sap from building up on the panels.

Most homeowners should hire a pro to trim their trees every one to two years. If you live in a heavily wooded area, you might want to do maintenance more often.

Mesh guards are great at keeping birds and small animals out. These barriers go around the outside of your array to keep birds from nesting under the panels.

Recommended mesh specifications:

Material: Marine-grade aluminum or galvanized steel
Size of the opening: 1.25 cm (keeps most animals out while letting air flow)
How to install: clips that don't go through the material and won't void warranties

In the Greater Toronto Area, it usually costs $8 to $15 per linear foot to install mesh guards.

Checklist for Annual Inspection: Racking, Inverters, and Cabling

Professional inspections should happen once a year, preferably in the spring after the winter weather has passed.

Racking inspection points:

Look over all the mounting hardware to make sure it's tight.
Check metal parts for rust.
Check that the roof penetrations are still sealed correctly.

It's very important to keep the inverter in good shape for the system to work well. Check for error codes, clean the cooling fins, and make sure there is enough air flow around the unit.

Cabling needs to be carefully checked for signs of:

Damage from chewing animals
Insulation that has been damaged by UV rays
Connections that aren't tight at junction boxes

Take pictures with the date on them during each inspection. This paperwork is useful for filing warranty claims and insurance claims.

Keep records of all maintenance work, including the dates and the tasks that were done.

What Manufacturers Expect from Warranty Upkeep

Most panel makers require proof of maintenance in order to honor warranties. Read your warranty papers carefully.

Some common requirements for manufacturers are:

Every 12 to 24 months, a professional should check it out.
Quickly fix any problems that are found
Keeping accurate records of all maintenance

There must be documentation that includes:

Date of service
Name of the technician or company
Actions taken in detail
Pictures before and after the service

Warranties from many Canadian manufacturers include specific terms for cold weather. If you don't follow the rules for removing snow, your coverage could be void.

For the full 25 to 30 years of the warranty, keep both digital and paper copies of all maintenance records.

How Clean Panels Make Money

Cleaning solar panels on a regular basis has a direct effect on how much energy they produce and how much money they make. Keeping the panels clean makes sure they get the most sunlight and work at their best for as long as they last.

Case Studies: Improvements in Performance from Regular Cleaning

After being cleaned properly, a residential system in Toronto showed a huge improvement. After six months of dust and pollen buildup were removed, the homeowner's energy production went up by 21%.

Commercial installations benefit even more. A factory in Mississauga saw a 25–30% increase in power output after cleaning panels that had been collecting industrial dust for a year.

Farm installations in rural Ontario showed that bird droppings and dust from farming can cut efficiency by as much as 35%. After cleaning them every three months, these systems were able to work at 98% of their rated capacity.

Data from the real world shows that even light soiling can cut performance by 5–10%, and heavy soiling from tree sap, bird waste, or industrial fallout can cut output by 25–40%.

How Cleanliness Affects the Life of a Panel

Panels that are clean usually last 3 to 5 years longer than those that are not. Dirt buildup makes hot spots that speed up cell breakdown and shorten the overall lifespan.

Keeping dirt and debris on the panel surfaces can keep moisture there, which could lead to:

Formation of microcracks in cells
Deterioration of the seal too soon
Higher chance of electrical parts breaking down
Faster breakdown of anti-reflective coatings

Research from the University of Waterloo indicates that panels that are cleaned regularly retain 90% efficiency after 20 years, whereas panels that are not cleaned often fall below 80% efficiency within 15 years.

These problems get worse in the winter in Canada. When panels are dirty, it is harder to remove ice and snow, which puts more stress on the glass and mounting hardware.

Increasing ROI with Little Work

A small investment in cleaning pays off big time in money. Professional cleaning costs $150 to $300 a year for a typical 6 kW home system, but it can make up for $200 to $500 in lost energy production.

Cleaning yourself with the right tools costs even less:

Equipment needed: Soft brush, squeegee, mild soap
Time required: 1-2 hours twice yearly
Water usage: Minimal (about 20 litres per cleaning)

The math says that regular maintenance is better. For average systems, a 5% drop in efficiency costs about $120 a year. Regular cleaning can keep $3,000 to $7,500 worth of energy value for 25 years.

Many homeowners say that they get their money back in just 2 to 3 months for each cleaning. Commercial systems get even faster returns, with cleaning costs often being paid back in 30 to 45 days.

A Quick Guide for Homeowners

To keep your system running at its best and last as long as possible, here's what you need to know about cleaning solar panels.

Task

Cleaning solar panels means getting rid of dust, bird droppings, pollen, leaves, and other things that have built up on them. This maintenance task helps the solar panels get as much sunlight as possible and make as much energy as possible.

Most Canadian homeowners only need to clean their windows with water and a soft brush or squeegee. Do not use rough materials or strong chemicals that could hurt the glass coating that protects it.

You might have to remove snow in the winter. But most panels are put up at angles that make it easy for snow to slide off. Use a soft snow rake with a long handle made just for solar panels if you need to take them down.

Never use hot water on cold panels because the difference in temperature could break the glass!

How often

Cleaning solar panels 2 to 4 times a year is enough in most parts of Canada. Places with more pollution, near construction sites, or where birds are very active may need to be cleaned more often.

The time of year matters:

Spring: After pollen season to remove winter grime
Summer: Mid-summer check for dust buildup
Fall: Before winter to remove leaves and debris
Winter: Snow removal as needed

Check your system's output using the display on your inverter or a monitoring app. If production drops suddenly by 10% or more, it could mean that cleaning is needed.

Rain helps clean things up naturally, but it doesn't always work on tough things like bird droppings or tree sap.

Do it yourself or hire a pro

Cleaning on your own:

Good for homes with only one floor or systems that are easy to get to on the ground.
You will need a soft brush, a squeegee, a hose with a gentle spray, and soap that doesn't scratch (if you need it).
Estimated cost: $30 to $50 for basic tools
Time needed: 1 to 2 hours for an average system

Cleaning by a pro:

Suggested for:
- Installations with more than one floor
- Roofs with a steep pitch (>30°)
- Homeowners who are elderly or have trouble moving
- Systems that are hard to get to

In big Canadian cities, professional services usually cost between $150 and $300. Many companies that install solar panels also offer cleaning as part of their yearly maintenance packages.

Notes

When cleaning solar panels, your main concern should be safety. Don't climb on a roof without the right safety gear and training. You could get hurt.

Cleaning is best done in the early morning or evening when the panels are cool and not making a lot of high voltage. Before cleaning, always turn off your system according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The quality of the water is important. Mineral deposits can form in hard water, so think about using a water softener attachment or distilled water for the last rinse.

Some newer panel models have nanotechnology coatings that clean themselves. Look at your warranty papers because cleaning the wrong way could void the manufacturer's warranty.

Keep track of how often you clean and how much energy you use to find the best cleaning schedule for your system and location.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your solar panels on a regular basis keeps them working at their best. Depending on where you live and the weather, dirt, leaves, and bird droppings can cut energy production by 2% to 25%.

Cleaning your home system 2 to 4 times a year is good for it. You may need to clean more often in places where there is more dust, pollen, or birds.

You can clean your own home with just a few basic tools:

A soft brush or a squeegee
Hose with clear water
Only use mild soap if you have to.
Cloth that doesn't scratch

If you have hard-to-reach rooftop installations, you might want to think about hiring a professional cleaning service. For a standard home system, the price is usually between $150 and $300.

Don't use harsh chemicals, rough materials, or pressure washers on solar panels. These can ruin the protective coating and make warranties void.

Checking how well your system is working can help you figure out when it needs to be cleaned. When output drops suddenly, it's usually time for maintenance.

Some newer panels have coatings that clean themselves, which means less work for you. These systems still need to be checked by a professional from time to time.

Cleaning in the early morning or late evening keeps the water from evaporating too quickly and leaving spots on the panels.

Questions that are often asked

There are a lot of practical questions that come up when cleaning solar panels, such as how, when, and with what tools. Let's talk about the most common worries customers have about taking care of their solar systems.

How should you clean solar panels that are on the roof?

Use a soft brush with an extension pole and plain water to clean panels on the roof. Start in the early morning or late afternoon when the panels are cool. First, carefully remove any debris, and then wash with water.

Don't use high-pressure washers because they can hurt the panels. When cleaning, don't walk directly on the panels.

A mild soap solution works well for tough dirt, but you should always rinse it well to keep residue from building up.

Are there professional services in my area that can clean solar panels?

Most Canadian cities have companies that clean solar panels. Cleaning is often included in maintenance packages from local solar installers.

Look in online directories or ask the person who installed your solar panels for suggestions. Professional cleaners have the right insurance and tools to clean safely, especially on roofs with complicated shapes.

Depending on the size of the system and the complexity of the roof, anormal residential system cleaning will cost between $150 and $300.

What tools do you need to clean solar panels well?

A soft brush or squeegee with extension poles, a garden hose with a spray nozzle, and microfiber cloths are all things you need. For roofs that are higher up, a water-fed pole system works best.

Ladder stabilizers, roof harnesses, and shoes that don't slip on pitched roofs are all very important safety gear.

If you have a big system, you might want to buy a pure water filtration system to keep minerals from building up when the water dries.

How often should you clean solar panels to keep them working well?

Most home systems in Canada need to be cleaned two to four times a year. You might need to clean more often in places with a lot of pollen, near construction, or where birds are active.

Use your inverter data to keep an eye on how well your system is working. A sudden drop in output usually means it's time to clean.

After winter, it's important to clean up in the spring. In the fall, you clean up leaves and get panels ready for winter snow.

Is rain enough to keep solar panels clean and working well?

Rain helps, but it doesn't always work. Rain can wash away light dust, but it often leaves streaks and doesn't get rid of stuck-on debris.

In Canadian cities where the air is dirty, rain can actually make panels dirtier. When acid rain dries up, it may leave behind mineral deposits.

Systems that are installed at angles less than 15 degrees don't wash away dirt well with rain and need to be cleaned by hand more often.

What kinds of cleaning products are safe to use on solar panels?

For regular cleaning, plain water is best. If the dirt is really hard to get rid of, mix a little dish soap with water (about 1 tablespoon per 5 liters).

Do not use glass cleaners with ammonia, vinegar solutions, or abrasive cleaners because they can harm anti-reflective coatings.

If you can, stay away from hard water because it can leave mineral deposits. Deionized water is the best choice because it leaves no spots or residue on panels.