Solar panels need minimal maintenance, but a little care goes a long way. Dust, pollen, and bird droppings can reduce efficiency by 15–25%. Here's what you need to know to keep your system running optimally.
How Often Should You Clean?
We recommend professional cleaning every 3–6 months. In dusty areas or after heavy pollen season, quarterly cleaning may be better. Rain helps with light dust, but it won't remove caked-on dirt or bird droppings. Avoid cleaning during peak sun hours—early morning or evening is safer and avoids thermal stress.
What Professional Cleaning Involves
Our technicians use soft brushes and purified/deionised water to avoid scratches and mineral streaks. We don't use harsh chemicals or high-pressure jets, which can damage panels. Cleaning is done safely with proper rooftop access equipment.
Inspection Checklist
Along with cleaning, an annual inspection should cover:
- Visual check for cracks, discolouration, or physical damage
- Connection and wiring check
- Mounting structure stability
- Inverter operation and display
- Thermal imaging (optional) to detect hot spots or faulty cells
Performance Monitoring
Check your inverter or monitoring app regularly. Compare actual generation with expected output (roughly 4 units per kW per day in good conditions). A sudden drop may indicate soiling, shading, or a fault. Report anomalies to us for investigation.
DIY Tips (Between Professional Visits)
Keep the inverter area ventilated. Don't use hard brushes or pressure washers on panels yourself—leave cleaning to professionals. If you notice obvious damage or a fault, contact us rather than attempting repairs.
Maintenance Packages
We offer Basic, Standard, and Premium maintenance packages—from cleaning-only to full inspection and performance reports. Learn more or contact us for a quote tailored to your system.