Cleaning your Solar Array

Solar Fairness Act SB 5223, solar fairness actSoiling on the solar panel modules can decrease production and result in lower energy harvest, so modules may need occasional cleaning depending on their install location. For light soiling locations, cleaning 1-2 times per year should be adequate. Increased frequency may be needed for heavier soiling locations. To determine your proper cleaning frequency, compare the changes in power output before and after cleaning each module. The more the difference, the more often cleaning should occur.

Water and a soft, non-abrasive brush are adequate to clean the modules, and using a brush with a telescoping handle and flow-thru water feature makes cleaning a lot easier. If there’s a stubborn film from pollen or other airborne particulates, use a non-abrasive, pH-neutral, bio-degradable product. One we’ve found is Earth-Friendly Window Kleener, but others are available.

To remove tough, caked-on materials, liberally moisten the caked-on materials first, then use a nylon pan scraper. NEVER use a metal scraper, as you’ll scratch the glass surface. Clean the modules while they’re cool, either in the morning or on an overcast day. Cleaning them while hot will result in rapid evaporation and smearing. In addition, rapid cooling of the aluminum frames with water could result in module damage.

Please note that products like Rain-X should NEVER be used on our modules. Rain-X specifically states that their product should not be used for solar applications. USE CAUTION AND PROPER FALL PROTECTION IF ROOF ACCESS IS REQUIRED FOR CLEANING!

Solar Array Cleaning in Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Island & San Juan Counties

Serving Acme, Anacortes, Arlington, Balin, Bellingham, Birch Bay, Bothell, Bow, Burlington, Camano Island, Concrete, Coupeville, Custer, Deming, Duvall, Eastsound, Edison, Everett, Everson, Ferndale, Freeland, Friday Harbor, Glacier, Granite Falls, Guemes Island, LaConner, Lake Stevens, Langley, Marysville, Nooksack, Oak Harbor, Olga, Orcas, Samish Island, Sedro Woolley, Snohomish, Stanwood, Woodinville & all of Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Island & San Juan Counties