Solar Panel Cleaning

A mucky solar panel isn’t just an eyesore. It’s a money drain. When grime builds up — whether it’s pollen, dust, sap, salt or moss — it blocks sunlight from reaching the cells. Less light means less electricity, plain and simple.

We’ve cleaned panels that were running at less than 50% of their rated output. That’s like trying to barbecue with half your burners turned off. Doesn’t matter how many solar modules or adjacent modules you have — if they’re covered in crud, you’re losing money. And if your battery systems are tied to your panels, you’re risking poor charge cycles, battery faults and even long-term performance issues with your battery retailer refusing to honour service claims.

We hear it a lot: “Don’t worry, the rain will wash it off.”Yeah, and mozzies only bite politicians.Rain might rinse off a bit of loose dust, but it won’t shift stuck on grime, oily bird droppings or hard water spots from bore fed sprinkler systems. And if you’re in a high pollen or coastal area, you might be making it worse. Rain mixes with the gunk, dries up and leaves an even stickier residue.

Depends on where you live and what’s floating around. Here’s a rough guide:

• Coastal regions (think Newcastle, the Gold Coast, Fremantle): Every 3-6 months due to salt and seagull “gifts”
• Desert or rural areas (Alice Springs, Mildura): Every 3-6 months for red dust and insects
• Urban areas (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide): Every 6-12 months for pollution and bird mess
• Tropical areas (Cairns, Darwin): Every 3-6 months, especially after the wet season

And don’t forget your battery systems — panels that underperform can lead to battery faults or poor charge cycles. When energy output drops, your energy provider will have you pulling from the grid more often and your bills will go up without you even noticing.

We get it. You want to save a buck and do it yourself. Fair enough. But we’ve lost count of the times we’ve seen:

• Hot water on cold glass — crack city
• Harsh chemicals that strip coatings and void warranties
• Scrubbing brushes with stiff bristles that scratch the surface
• Pressure washers set to “blast a hole in the roof”

If you’re doing it yourself:

• Use clean, cold water (or warm at most)
• Soft microfibre cloths or soft-bristle brushes
• No detergents unless it’s a panel-safe, pH-neutral cleaning solution
• Never clean panels in the middle of a hot sunny day (thermal shock risk)

Here’s how our crew at Window Cleaning Melbourne Crew handle it:

• Visual inspection for cracks, corrosion, current condition, and dodgy wiring
• Deionised water system for a spot-free rinse
• Soft-brush extension poles so we’re not stomping on your roof
• Eco-safe cleaning solution if the grime’s built up
• Output check before and after (we’ll tell you if something’s off)

We’re not just shifting muck — we’re checking the system’s condition too. You’d be surprised how many faults we catch while cleaning. Efficient cleaning isn’t just about shine; it’s about performance. Proper cleaning techniques and cleaning materials help preserve the delicate coatings and ensure you’re getting max solar output.

It’s not just about seasons — though they play a part. Local environmental conditions matter too:

• Are there overhanging trees dropping sap or leaves?
• Does your neighbour’s chimney cough out soot?
• Do you get bats, possums or nesting birds on your roof?
• Have you installed additional panels or changed your system setup recently?

Frequent cleaning helps avoid the buildup of dust and other environmental factors that reduce energy output. Maintenance companies often recommend annual maintenance at a minimum, but for homes near industrial zones or coastal spray, twice a year might be essential.

You’ll see a big range, from dodgy blokes with a bucket for $50 to full-service maintenance companies charging a few hundred.

For a rough idea:

• Small residential system (6–10 panels): $100–$150
• Medium system (10–20 panels): $150–$250
• Large system (20+ panels or commercial): Custom quote

This is your typical cleaning cost range. What matters more is what you’re getting:

• Is the crew insured?
• Do they bring proper cleaning equipment?
• Are they experienced electricians or trained techs?
• Do they offer output monitoring, eco-safe cleaning mixture options, and visual system checks?

Look for a fair price, not just a cheap one. Proper solar service protects your system’s earth connection and future performance.

Never use high-pressure washing on solar panels. Ever.

The seals and wiring can get wrecked, micro-cracks can form, and you could void your warranty faster than you can say “call the manufacturer.”

Our system is designed for gentle but effective soft-washing, using professional gear that gets rid of grime without risking damage.

Your panels won’t look after themselves. And just because they’re up high doesn’t mean they’re out of harm’s way.Regular solar panel cleaning doesn’t just boost your output — it extends the lifespan of your system, helps you spot issues early, and keeps your roof looking sharp. Plus, it means you’re actually getting the return on investment you signed up for.

Window Cleaning Melbourne Crew offers access to quality, professional service that respects your panels, your roof, and your wallet. If you want an expert company that understands both the tech and the mess, you know where to find us.