If left unchecked, dust, dirt, and even bird droppings that build up on solar panels can create hot spots that wear out PV panels faster than their intended operational lifespan. It can also lower a system’s energy output — something that clearly does not contribute to cost savings and sustainability.
We have seen this happen to many solar panel owners. That’s why we believe you should know how to keep panels in top shape.
So, keep reading to learn more about DIY solar panel cleaning, or request your free solar quote to explore your options!
In this post, we are diving deep into cleaning solar panels. We’ll lay out everything you need to know about how to clean solar panels. Starting with why it matters, the materials and cleaning equipment you need, and an easy, step-by-step guide for cleaning them yourself.
Clean panels generate optimum solar power output. So you convert more energy and save more money.
When your PV panels are covered with dust, pollen, debris, or even bird droppings (we call it “soiling”), they can’t absorb sunlight, which in turn reduces the energy they generate.
Studies show that soiling can cut a solar system’s efficiency by 15% to 20%. In extreme environments, like deserts, it can get worse by as much as 35%.
The economic impact can add up as well.
Take this quick math of how much you can lose as an example.
A typical 5 kW home PV system in California with a 7% loss from soiling costs about $65 a year in missed energy. But the costs add up on utility-scale farms where they’ve got more panels in place. A 1% can mean $200,000 in lost revenue annually.
A $65 annual loss may not sound much if you own a residential solar system. But failing to maintain your panels can also result in a voided warranty, as soiling reduces their operational lifespan, as mentioned above.
So the logic here is:
You switched to solar to save energy and cut costs. But if you are not keeping them in shape, you’re still not saving.
That is why the professional solar cleaning market is booming today. But you don’t need professional help every time, especially if it’s only for your home PV system.
Cleaning your solar panels doesn’t have to be complicated if you have the right tools and equipment. Here’s a list of what you’ll need for cleaning solar panels:
DIY solar panel cleaning kits or individual solar panel cleaners/solutions are available online. If you are selecting a DIY solar panel cleaning brush, make sure it has soft, bristle heads. Or you will be damaging your panels’ glass surface. And to make cleaning less straining, look for brushes with rotating or angled features.
Some enthusiasts even go to lengths by building (or purchasing) DIY solar panel-cleaning robot systems. With it, they get automatic or semi-automated rigs that gently sweep or spray their solar panels on a schedule. However, building one is more technically involved. If you want, you can find DIY solar panel-cleaning robot suppliers or hobbyist kits online.
First, turn off or isolate your solar system. Make sure to follow the safety instructions provided by your inverter and solar installer in doing this.
As mentioned above, timing is crucial when cleaning PV panels.
Ideally, it’s best to clean your panels early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Because at these times, the glass surface tends to be cooler.
Avoid the blazing midday sun. High heat can cause thermal stress, streaks, or even microcracks.
Use a gentle hose spray to rinse off loose dust, pollen, and debris. This step can help you remove loose dirt first, making scrubbing afterwards easier and safer.
Do not rush into doing this and turn to using high-pressure jets instead. High water pressure can crack your panels’ glass or damage their seals.
After a good rinse, apply your cleaning solution. You can use either mild soap or a specialized solar panel cleaner with water.
Since your panels most often don’t need disinfection, you can skip harsh detergents, bleach, and abrasive chemicals. Not to mention, these kinds of solutions can also etch the surface of your panels.
So a bucket of mild solution is only what you need, and it can go a long way.
Next, use your soft brush or microfiber brush to scrub the panels with overlapping strokes. When scrubbing, remember to avoid sharp edges. Also, be gentle.
After brushing, remove the soap residue with clean deionized (DI) water.
Why not use tap water?
Tap water contains Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), primarily mineral ions such as calcium, magnesium, and chlorides. These minerals can cause spots and streaks, which are otherwise prevented if using deionized (DI) water, as this kind of water has low TDS (usually under 50 ppm).
Now it’s time to use your squeegee or a soft rubber blade, whichever is available or your preference. Use it to wipe the corners and edges of the panels. This prevents mineral streaks and gives your panels a clean, polished finish.
It’s easier to spot damage this time because your panels are now back to their polished state. Check for cracks, chips, or loose wiring. Catching damage early can save you costly repairs later.
Depending on your environment, repeat the process every few months or at least every 6 months.
Which now leads us to …
Twice a year is a good rule of thumb for most systems in a moderate climate like Chicago.
But if you live near farms and industrial areas, you may need more upkeep. Ideally, around three to four months. This is because arid, dusty places may lead to greater buildup and soiling.
Moreover, a yearly inspection and cleaning are often recommended for panels in rainy or low-dust areas.
Cleaning can prolong your solar panels’ lifespan, but cleaning at the wrong time of year can do the opposite.
During summer months, a panel’s glass surface can reach temperatures of 140°F to 180°F. Sprinkling water into these panels at this temperature can then lead to thermal stress. And this thermal stress can lead to microcracks. Micro-cracks are tiny and at times unsightly fractures that can reduce your energy output and harm your PV system over time.
If you have large rooftop arrays and hard-to-reach panels, we advise against cleaning them yourself. This can be unsafe for you.
Or if your place has just experienced dust storms or forest fires, it’s most likely that your panels have accumulated heavy dust buildup. With this in mind, a professional panel cleaning service is best. Skilled cleaners use robotic, semi-automated, or manual systems to clean heavily soiled areas.
Water use should also be considered. If your solar array is larger than the standard setup, you may need more water. According to MIT, the Global panel cleaning process consumes around 10 billion gallons of water annually. This is why cleaning professionals often use and have access to waterless or electrostatic systems to achieve a smaller footprint. So asking for their service can help you contribute to sustainability.
And lastly, the cost. Professional cleaning fees may vary as well. As per Angi’s 2025 data, residential cleaning and inspection can average around $520 per year, while labor can run $100/hr or more. This consideration should be factored in before the installation.
So, in deciding whether to avail a professional solar panel cleaning service or not, factor in:
Here is a quick table showing DIY solar panel cleaning versus professional cleaning services to help you weigh options better:
| DIY Solar Panel Cleaning | Professional Cleaning for Solar Panels |
| Lower cost, full control | Higher cost, labor charges apply |
| Eco-friendly homemade solutions | Professional-grade equipment |
| Great for small systems | Safer for large, complex, or hard-to-reach panels |
| Risk of damage or voiding the warranty | Maintains warranty compliance |
If you have a tricky solar panel system (or the stakes are high), we highly suggest hiring a professional.
A DIY solar panel cleaning solution works well when it is safe to use and practical for your system’s setup. We recommend that you check and clean them at least 2 times a year, or more often as your conditions require.
If you want to know how much extra energy your panels could generate, or whether cleaning is worthwhile for your home, schedule a professional inspection. A quick check could help you get the most out of your system — without the guesswork.
Get your free solar quote to find the best solar panel system that matches your needs!
A standard residential system with 15 to 25 panels can cost between $150 and $500. Per panel, that runs $10 to $20.
On the flip side, you save up to 50% or more when you do it yourself (DIY) (between $100 and $200).
Energy gains vary depending on your environment. Cleaning can increase output by 10–13% in harsh or dusty environments, but only a few percent in low-dust areas.
Over time, even small changes can add up, but the most substantial gains are observed in places where panels accumulate a lot of dirt or debris.
Yes, they work. Cleaning robots can sweep away dust and debris without damaging panels. These kinds of equipment also come with soft brushes, sensors, and, in rare cases, waterless cleaning systems.
However, a DIY solar panel cleaning robot works best on easy-to-access panels with a moderate slope. And they are not advisable for complex or large installations.