Solar Panel Cleaning Systems & Packages

There’s much myth and mystery surrounding the solar panel cleaning process. So, let’s debunk these theories and break down in straightforward terms what to do and what to avoid when cleaning your solar panels.

• Clean panels after they’ve been turned OFF. Never clean solar panels when they are turned on or when the array is active. Turning off your system minimizes the risk of electrical shock to you and potential damage to the system. So, always clean panels when the system is turned off for both the AC and DC isolators.  
• Clean panels with cool water. Any one of the XERO brand RO/DI systems is crafted specifically to leave a spotless shine behind. These systems are highly effective for cleaning solar panels, as they use cool, not cold water to maximize solar panel efficiency. Cold water creates thermal stress, which may cause your panels to crack. 

• Clean during the heat of the day. It’s never recommended to clean units in bright sunlight. Not only does sunlight charge the solar panels, but it also heats the surface of the panels, causing soapy water to stain your panels. So instead, clean the panels in the early morning, evening, or on cloudy, overcast days when the temperature is cooler. However, if you use pure water from a RO/DI system to clean your solar panels, then the temperature outdoors is less of a concern.
• Use a power washer. Avoid using anything too powerful to rinse your panels off, such as a power washer. Power washers blast water into the edges of the solar panel, which can destroy the delicate cells. 
• Let soap air dry on the cells. Never let soapy water or detergents dry on the glass. This can leave a haze behind on your panels and, instead of encouraging efficiency, it will block solar photons! Instead, use a water deionizer system such as the XERO Pure Max Power System to prevent leftover residue. 
• Use Dawn (or any other form of dish soap) to clean panels. While it may Iook clean initially, the thick consistency of dish soap can actually lead to a greater buildup of grime on your panels over time, therefore reducing their effectiveness. Instead, peruse our line of soaps and chemicals specially designed to clean and protect your panels.
• Walk on solar panels to clean them. While solar panels are generally sturdy and built to withstand strong winds and other forces, they are designed with delicate cells and can be fragile under extreme pressure. Exerting too much focused weight in one area creates cracks in your cells. Cracks not only lead to dead panels but also warranty voids and even personal damage. Yikes! 
• Let rain do the main cleaning for you. Like any complex mechanism, solar panels require regular maintenance from a skilled hand to keep functioning at their best. You wouldn’t let rain alone wash your car, so likewise, you wouldn’t want rain alone to rinse your solar panels. So while rain may wash away a light layer of pollen, it won’t be enough to remove all grime from your panels. It’ll require a bit more elbow grease (and a trusty brush!) to get the job done satisfactorily.