Why coastal solar panels need regular cleaning

Rooftop solar is a long-term investment, and like any investment it does better with a little maintenance. Along the Illawarra and South Coast, the main thing working against your panels is what settles on the glass.

What builds up on panels near the ocean

• Salt spray. Onshore winds carry fine salt that dries into a hazy film.
• Dust and pollen. Dry spells, nearby construction and farmland all add a layer of grit.
• Bird droppings. These block light completely over the cells they cover and do not wash off easily.
• Lichen and moss. On older or shaded arrays, growth can take hold along the panel edges.

Rain helps, but it does not remove everything. On low-pitched roofs in particular, water tends to pool at the bottom edge and leave a line of dirt behind as it dries.

Why it matters

Solar cells generate power from the light that reaches them. Anything that blocks or scatters that light reduces what the panel can produce. A single heavily soiled patch can also affect the output of the other panels connected to it.

How panels should be cleaned

Panel manufacturers generally recommend clean water and a soft brush, and nothing else. That means:

• No high-pressure washing, which can damage seals and coatings.
• No harsh detergents or abrasive pads, which can scratch the glass.
• Purified water, so the panels dry without mineral spotting.

Leave the roof to someone equipped for it

Climbing onto a roof with a hose and a broom is a genuine fall risk. Professional cleaners use extension poles and work from the ground or the roof edge wherever possible.

How often?

Once or twice a year suits most homes and businesses. Properties close to the beach, under trees or popular with birds benefit from more frequent attention.

Hawks Facilities Management provides solar panel cleaning from Helensburgh to Nowra. Get a free quote.