Clean panels make more power. Here is how to clean them without damage or danger.
When to clean
- Early morning or late afternoon, when panels are cool
- Every 4 to 6 weeks in dry season
- After harmattan dust or heavy soot
What you need
- Clean water (a bucket or hose)
- A soft brush or sponge on a long pole
- Mild soap (only if needed)
- A soft squeegee (optional)
Step by step
- Switch off the inverter's solar input if your installer showed you how.
- Rinse with clean water to loosen dirt.
- Gently brush from top to bottom.
- Rinse again. Leave no soap.
- Check the inverter's solar output the next sunny day.
Never do this
| Don't | Why |
|---|---|
| Stand or kneel on panels | Cracks cells |
| Use sand, powder or steel wool | Scratches glass |
| Use a pressure washer | Can damage seals |
| Clean hot panels at midday | Thermal shock |
| Climb an unsafe roof | Falls are deadly |
Upstairs and steep roofs
On a storey building, leave it to people with harnesses and proper ladders.
