If you’re like many Aussie homeowners who’ve invested in solar panels, odds are you did it for two main reasons: cutting down on electricity bills and lowering your environmental footprint. Smart choice—solar energy is one of the cleanest and most efficient power sources out there.
But here’s something that often gets overlooked: just like your gutters or your roof tiles, solar panels need a bit of upkeep to keep performing at their best.
Dust, pollen, bird droppings, and everyday grime don’t just look rough—they also block sunlight, which means your system isn’t working as hard as it could be. That leads to less power, and yep, less savings too.
In fact, cleaning your panels the right way can boost their performance by up to 15–20%. On the flip side, ignoring them could mean losing around 7% of your system’s output every year. That adds up quickly.
So let’s run through how to clean your solar panels properly—safely, effectively, and without causing any damage.
You wouldn’t leave your windscreen covered in muck and expect to see clearly, right? Solar panels work the same way. When dirt and debris block the sun from reaching the cells inside, your energy production takes a hit.
Some spots get dirtier faster. If you live near a construction zone, farm, highway, or airport—or anywhere dry and dusty—your panels are more likely to collect grime. Even things like leaves or seasonal pollen can cause issues.
Here’s what the numbers show:
If your monitoring system shows a dip in output and the weather’s been steady, chances are it’s time to give the panels a wash.
We clean roofs, gutters, and solar systems all year round, and if there’s one thing we never skip, it’s safety. Working at heights is serious business—it only takes one wrong move.
If you’re planning to do it yourself, keep these in mind:
And never work solo—have someone with you, just in case something goes wrong.
Use tools like telescopic brushes or long-handled squeegees. Many extend up to 7 metres, which lets you clean safely without ever leaving the ground.
There’s no hard-and-fast rule, but here are some general recommendations.
Keep an eye on your system’s performance. A sudden drop with no big weather events usually means your panels need a rinse.
No need for expensive gear—just a few basic tools and a gentle approach.
Here’s how we go about it, step-by-step:
Use your garden hose to spray down the panels gently. This helps loosen dust, bird poo, and debris without damaging anything.
Mix a bit of mild detergent with warm water. Using a soft sponge or brush, lightly scrub the surface. Let it sit a minute if the muck is stubborn.
For tricky spots, mix one part vinegar with eight parts water. Add a tiny bit of dish soap and gently scrub with a soft cloth or brush.
Rinse thoroughly to clear away all soap and loosened grime. Don’t let the soap dry on the panels—it can leave residue and streaks.
If you can reach, use a squeegee to get rid of excess water. Otherwise, air-drying is fine—just try to avoid water pooling that could leave marks.
Avoid anything too harsh or aggressive. It’s easy to cause damage without meaning to. Here’s what to skip:
If your solar panels are on a steep or double-storey roof—or are hard to access—don’t risk it. Give us a ring on 0414 175 704. We’re fully equipped for:
If you’re in a dry area, collecting rainwater gives you a clean, chemical-free source for rinsing panels—and saves mains water too.
Most panels have tiny drainage holes along the edges. Make sure they’re not blocked to avoid water build-up after cleaning.
Some solar systems—like Tesla tiles or integrated roofing panels—have specific cleaning instructions. It’s worth checking your manual before starting.
If you’ve made the investment in solar, keeping things clean helps you get the most out of it. A simple clean every few months can keep your system cranking efficiently, lower your power bills, and extend the life of your panels.
Whether you’re doing it yourself or bringing in a local expert, the trick is to go slow, be safe, and treat the panels with care.
Clean panels = better output, more savings, and fewer headaches down the line.
Professional Gutter Cleaning in Sydney and surrounding suburbs. Gutter guard, repairs, maintenance and roof safety anchor systems.
