With load-shedding and rising electricity prices, many Cape Town homes and businesses now have solar panels. Dust, pollen, bird droppings and sea salt build up over a dry summer and block sunlight, which can reduce output. A gentle clean a few times a year helps the panels do their job.
Safety first: stay off the roof
Most solar cleaning accidents are falls, not chemical problems. If your panels are on a pitched roof or high up, clean from the ground or a secure ladder with an extension pole, or call a professional. Never walk on panels.
When to clean
- Early morning or late afternoon, when panels are cool. Cold water on hot glass can cause thermal stress, and cleaner dries too fast in the midday sun.
- After a long dry spell, or when you notice output dropping on your inverter app.
- Rain helps, but in summer it rarely does the whole job.
What to use
- Plain water is often enough. Use soft, clean water if you can; hard water leaves spots.
- For grime, add a very small amount of mild, non-abrasive soap to a bucket of water.
- A soft brush or squeegee on an extension pole to wash, and a clean squeegee to remove water.
- Microfibre cloths for panels you can reach safely by hand.
What not to use
- No pressure washers, which can damage seals.
- No abrasive scourers, steel wool or harsh chemicals, which can scratch the anti-reflective coating.
- No solvents or degreasers unless the panel manufacturer specifically approves them.
Step by step
- Switch off the system as advised in your installer's manual.
- Rinse loose dust off with a gentle flow of water.
- Wash gently with a soft brush or squeegee and mild soapy water.
- Rinse with clean water and squeegee off to prevent spotting.
Stock up
A 40cm Window Squeegee Combo, a 12.5L Heavy Duty Bucket and Microfibre Cloths are all you need. They're available from maxproducts.co.za.
Products mentioned in this guide
Available now from our sister company Max Products at maxproducts.co.za, in trade sizes and delivered in Cape Town.
40cm Window Squeegee ComboShop now →
12.5L Heavy Duty Plastic BucketShop now →
Microfibre Cloths 200gsmShop now →
