Cleaning Solar Panels on a roof and Maintenance

Check out Forme Solar's solar FAQ cleaning guide to cleaning solar panels on a roof. We help answer your most frequently asked solar cleaning questions to ensure that you can maximize your savings while and after going solar.

Is Cleaning Solar Panels on a Roof Required? 

A solar panel system typically requires very little maintenance and are incredibly durable. In terms of performance, most solar panels will be performing just fine if left uncleaned for years. But a simple cleaning will improve the overall performance of your solar panels for a duration. However, after a few days, your solar energy performance will return to its previous state. 

How much does it cost on average to clean my solar panels? 

On average, it costs $20 / solar panel to clean the panels on your roof. If you have a 20-panel solar energy system, it would be $400 to wash your solar panels. If your primary goal is to maximize your solar energy system investment, getting your panels cleaned regularly may not make much financial sense. 

Why Do Most People Clean Their Solar Panels? 

The primary reason most individuals clean their panels is due to looks. For some homes, solar panels were installed on the home’s front, making them very visible. Your solar energy system is now a part of your home. 64% of Forme Solar customers in 2019 who have requested cleaning have stated that it is for aesthetic reasons. 

How Often Should I Clean My Solar Panels? 

If possible, we do recommend getting your panels cleaned once or twice a year. Using your garden hose should be enough to rinse your panels. However, when a garden hose doesn’t seem to cut it due to dust and ash can be caked on, you may need a deep clean. Washing truly dirty solar panels may require a cleaning solution to remove the layers of dust and deposits. Check out our in-depth process below to help remove all of the mineral deposits on your solar panels. 

How to Clean Solar Panels on a Roof? 

If you’d like to do a deeper clean, we recommend using a basic cleaning solution from common household ingredients. This common solar panel cleaning solution will ensure that it reduces the mineral deposits on your solar panels and keeps your panels operating at maximum efficiency.

Solar Panel DIY Deep Cleaning Process: 

What’s Needed to do a Solar Panel Deep Clean?

1. Solar Cleaning Solution (read below on what goes in)
2. Bucket or mop
3. Hose
4. Solar Panels
5. Ladder (may or may not be necessary)

Solar Panel DIY Cleaning Solution Ingredients: 

1-part Vinegar

2-parts Water solution 

Steps to DIY Clean Solar Panels on Roof

1. Put the cleaning solution into a bucket
2. Soak a mop or sponge in the solar panel cleaning solution
3. Wash your solar panels with the mop or sponge
4. Use a hose to spray off any excess cleaning solution. 
5. Repeat every 3 - 6 Months

Pro Tip: We recommend that any rinsing be done in the early morning while the panels are still cool.

Best Solar Company from Install to Service

If you’re considering going solar or need maintenance, Forme Solar can definitely help! We are one of the few solar companies willing to service a solar energy system installed by another company. We want to empower homeowners to maximize their solar investment and reduce their energy costs. Make sure that going solar will match your needs by checking out our solar panel installation guide (read here). Contact us, today so you can start the process of figuring out if solar panels are the right option for you and your house.