Eco-friendly solar panel cleaning: what you should know

Keeping your solar panels clean throughout the year will help them to work efficiently. Although they are designed to be low maintenance, solar panels can become built up with pollution, dirt, pollen and other environmental factors which can stop sunlight from reaching the cells. Keeping your solar panels clean in an eco-friendly way can help protect the environment as well as maximise energy performance of your solar system.

The easiest and most simple way to clean your solar panels is by using plain water, without the use of any harsh chemicals. If your solar panels are located in an accessible place, use a hose with light water pressure or simply a bucket of clean water to remove the dirt. Avoid using a pressure washer as this can damage seals and cause water ingress.

If dirt and grime have built up and you need to use something a bit stronger than water, then choose things like non-toxic soap or natural non-bio products which are much gentler to use. These are often made with natural ingredients and won’t cause harm to the environment around you.

Although some eco-friendly ways to clean solar panels are cheaper and DIY methods, it is always recommended to have a professional do this for you safely, especially if the panels are located on the roof. Some professional solar panel cleaners use purified water which dries without leaving any marks or residue on the panels. This way you can have them cleaned without having to use any harsh chemicals.