Congratulations on taking the leap and installing your photovoltaic solar panels! You’re making a significant contribution to both your wallet and the planet. But did you know that regular maintenance is essential to keep their performance at its best?

Yes, even your panels need a little care each year to stay in top shape. The good news is that it only takes 30 minutes a year. So how do you do it? We’ll explain everything step by step.

Clean your solar panels in 3 easy steps

You probably want to avoid unnecessary risks by climbing up onto your roof. So how can you effectively clean your panels from the ground? Here’s a simple and quick method that will take you about half an hour:

  • Get a telescopic brush suitable for high cleaning. This handy tool allows you to work safely from the ground.
  • Attach a soft cloth soaked in demineralized water to your brush. This precaution prevents limescale marks on the panels.
  • Gently wipe each panel, cleaning carefully to avoid going over a cleaned area with a dirty cloth. Remember to regularly rinse your cloth in a bucket of clear water.

With these three simple steps, your panels will quickly regain their full capabilities.

When is the best time to clean your solar panels?

The timing of your panel cleaning can really make a difference. Have you considered avoiding peak sunny hours?

If you haven’t yet, remember this: prefer cleaning in the morning or early evening. By doing so, you’ll prevent unsightly streaks caused by rapid drying.

Mistakes to avoid when cleaning

Some practices should be entirely avoided, as they can irreparably damage your solar panels:

  • Forget about pressure washers. While these devices may seem convenient, the water’s power can easily crack the glass of your panels and cause expensive damage.
  • Also, avoid using hard tap water. It can leave white deposits that severely reduce the panels’ performance. Installing a water softener can be a wise investment to protect your solar equipment in the long run.

These essential precautions will allow you to sustainably maintain your photovoltaic equipment without taking unnecessary risks.

Why is it important to regularly clean your solar panels?

Is it really necessary to clean your panels every year? Absolutely! Like any surface permanently exposed to the outdoors (windows, cars, roofs…), solar panels quickly accumulate dust, fallen leaves, and pollen. This phenomenon leads to a notable drop in their performance.

In cases of significant dirt buildup, output losses can reach up to 10%. Just think about it: you’ve carefully sized your equipment to maximize savings, so why lose part of that potential due to a simple layer of dirt?

Minimal but regular maintenance ensures optimal energy production throughout the year.

How often should you clean your solar panels?

The frequency of cleaning primarily depends on your environment:

  • If your home is near the coast or close to agricultural fields, consider cleaning quarterly due to frequent deposits of dust or sea salt.
  • In an urban or rural setting without significant pollution or dust sources, cleaning once or twice a year is sufficient. Spring and autumn are ideal for these tasks.

Tip: If you notice an unexplained drop in your solar production, always start by checking the cleanliness of the panels. You might just need a good dusting to restore your usual level of production.

Is it wise to hire a professional?

If your solar panels are not easily accessible from the ground, don’t hesitate to delegate this task. Climbing onto the roof or walking on your solar panels poses real dangers both for you and your installation.

If in doubt or unable to clean your panels without taking risks, consider hiring a specialized professional. In addition to cleaning, they can perform a quick check to detect any signs of deterioration before the issue becomes serious.

Have you ever tried cleaning your photovoltaic panels yourself? Do you have any specific tips to share with our community? Has your output noticeably increased after cleaning? We’re eager to read your experiences in the comments below!