Professional and do-it-yourself solar panel cleaning. Discover all the tips for cleaning your panels in the most effective way possible.

Cleaning domestic photovoltaic panels: professional and DIY solutions

To ensure that solar panels retain their efficiency and perform correctly in terms of the energy they produce, you must always keep them clean; a dirty surface could hinder the proper absorption of sunlight. Domestic photovoltaic panels must be cleaned periodically during the life of a system to ensure it continues to operate optimally.

When and how often should I clean my solar panels?

Generally speaking, the system should be cleaned twice a year, in spring and autumn. Whatever the case, when it comes to deciding if the time has come to clean your photovoltaic panels, you should check that the system is operating correctly and that the level of energy produced is not decreasing by monitoring the energy production on the control panel on a daily basis. A drop in performance would indicate that it is time to clean the solar panels to restore the original effectiveness.

When should I call an expert to clean my photovoltaic panels?

If you’re not sure about the operation of your photovoltaic system, it’s better to contact an expert to clean your solar panels. This is the most efficient and safe solution, as a specialist technician will be able to proceed without the risk of damaging the system.

The cost varies greatly as it depends on the size of the panels as well as the necessary equipment; cleaning at a height requires special measures.

How to clean your solar panels yourself

If you think you’re already familiar enough with your photovoltaic system, you may decide to use a DIY solution to clean the panels. If so, you need to assemble the necessary equipment: there are different types of cleaning kits on the market, all of which contain special pieces of equipment. Firstly, you need a telescopic rod to clean panels positioned at a certain height. Different types are available: carbon fibre, aluminium or fibreglass. The most important thing is that it is robust and easy to handle. In addition to the telescopic rod, you can also use an angle adaptor to ensure you reach every area of the panel.

Another essential tool for this procedure is a water-fed brush, which allows you to rinse dirt off the surface of the panel.

You also need a specific detergent that is gentle but also effective against dirt, and with a preventative action to keep the panel surfaces clean for longer.

You should use demineralised water to clean your solar panels. Experts recommend cleaning your solar panels when it is not too hot and at a time when the panel is still cold.

What detergent should I use to clean my photovoltaic panels?

It is very important that you choose a gentle detergent. We recommend using specific products, preferably with an antistatic effect to ensure that dirt and dust settle more slowly. Once the detergent has been chosen, it must be diluted in demineralised water before the cleaning begins. Once the cleaning has been completed, it is important to rinse the panels carefully, always using demineralised water.

Brushes for cleaning your solar panels

Special brushes with specific features must be used to clean solar panels so that they do not damage the surface. Professional brushes with a telescopic rod and angled tube should be used to reach every corner. Brushes equipped with a hollow tube that allows water to be fed through it are excellent. The bristles must be soft so that the delicate surface of the panel is not damaged: in the event of scratches or stains, the system’s ability to absorb the sun’s rays could be compromised. Motorised, rotating brushes or those that can move independently may also be used.

Machines for cleaning solar panels

Motorised solutions for cleaning photovoltaic panels that guarantee optimal results also exist. These state-of-the-art pressure washers work with the technique of reverse osmosis and use pressurised demineralised water obtained using a filtering system paired with reverse osmosis membranes that can trap dirt residue effectively, removing it from the surface. These are the tools required to clean your solar panels correctly. Don’t forget that if you have any doubts about which products or equipment to use, asking a technician for advice is always the safest way to keep your photovoltaic system clean and in perfect working order.