How often should I clean my solar panels?

Just like the windows of your home, dust and grime can build up on solar panels which will have an impact on the output of the system. Australian Standard AS/NZS 5033 includes a recommendation that panels are cleaned every three months. We understand that adhering to this timeline maybe difficult so we encourage you to clean your panels at least once a year, usually after summer!

In most cases, panels will have natural run off from the rain, but if they have been laid flat on your roof it is more than likely they will require cleaning more frequently. If you have a lot of trees around your home, leaves can build up underneath the panels so it’s important to ensure that these are cleared away from the panels, just like you would clean your gutters.

Some tips:

• Perform a visual inspection of the panels first
• Water and soft cloths are more that suitable for cleaning panels
• Don’t use high pressure cleaners
• Don’t use harsh or abrasive chemicals cleaners
• ENSURE appropriate safety measures are in place when working on a roof (ladders, harnesses, fall protection etc)
• DO NOT attempt to clean panels if panel glass is cracked
• ALWAYS refer to handbooks provided with the installation or manufacturers guidelines

IF IN DOUBT OR YOU HAVE CONCERNS WITH THE SYSTEM: Please contact a licensed solar electrician such as Wesglo Electric – you can reach us on (08) 6406 1095.