Maintenance and cleaning of photovoltaic panels: complete guide

Have you installed a photovoltaic system and do you want it to last as long as possible while maintaining high efficiency?
The answer lies in a correct maintenance and cleaning of photovoltaic panels. They are the heart of the system: they capture sunlight and transform it into electricity.

Ignoring maintenance can lead to performance drops of up to 30%, reducing bill savings and accelerating module wear. This guide will help you understand:

• because maintenance is essential,
• what tools and products to use,
• How often to clean the panels,
• when is it best to rely on a professional.

Why the maintenance of photovoltaic panels is essential

A photovoltaic system is designed to last even more than 25 years, but like any technology it requires periodic care.

The main advantages

• Maximizing energy efficiency: dust, leaves, pollen and smog can reduce the yield of even 20-30%.
• Extend the useful life of the panels: mosses and organic residues can damage glass surfaces and compromise cells.
• Preventing hotspots: accumulations of dirt can cause local overheating (hotspots), which in the long term reduce performance or, in the worst cases, can lead to failures and fires.

Regular cleaning therefore allows you to Save more and for longer.

How to clean photovoltaic panels safely

Safety is the top priority. If you are not a professional, do the cleaning only when the panels are easily accessible:

• on a terrace,
• on a flat roof,
• on ground installations.

Basic safety rules

• Avoid days that are too hot: the glass of the panels could crack due to thermal shock if cooled abruptly with water.
• Never clean in strong wind, rain or snow.
• Wear non-slip shoes and comfortable clothing.
• Turn off the system before starting, following the manufacturer's instructions or the installation manual.

Recommended tools and products

You don't need complex equipment to clean the panels, but it's essential to use the right tools to avoid damage.

What to use

• Dedicated water brushes: with soft bristles that don't scratch.
• Telescopic rod: to reach the highest points without risks.
• Demineralized water: avoid halos and limescale residues.
• Specific detergents for photovoltaic: useful only in case of stubborn dirt.

What to avoid

• Abrasive sponges, metal brushes or high pressure washers.
• Aggressive household detergents (for dishes or floors), which can corrode glass and surface coatings.

Remember: Less is more. In many cases, demineralized water and a soft brush are enough.

How often to clean photovoltaic panels

There is no universal frequency: it depends on the context in which the plant is located.

• Once a year: for plants in clean areas, away from busy streets or industries.
• Every 3-6 months: for plants close to highways, industrial areas, dusty agricultural areas or cities with strong smog.
• After exceptional events: Saharan sand, pollen storms or acid rain can leave residues that require extraordinary intervention.

A good method is monitor production through inverters: if you notice unjustified drops compared to previous years, the cause could be the dirt on the panels.

When to call a professional

In some cases, DIY cleaning is not recommended. It is best to consult an expert if:

• the roof is very high or sloping,
• the panels are not easily accessible,
• technical interventions are needed in addition to cleaning (verification of cables, inverters or control units).

Advantages of a professional

• Certified tools and safe detergents.
• I work in total safety.
• Possibility to stipulate annual maintenance contracts, often cheaper than single interventions.

In addition, technicians can detect small faults or anomalies early, avoiding costly future repairs.

Extraordinary maintenance: beyond cleaning

Maintenance isn't just about dirt. Periodically, it is also useful to check:

• integrity of glass and frames some panels,
• electrical connections and wiring,
• inverters (the electronic heart of the implant),
• eventual storage batteries, if any.

A full check-up every 1-2 years ensures that everything is working at its best.

What if you don't want to take care of the maintenance?

Not everyone has the time or opportunity to take care of the maintenance and cleaning of the panels. This does not mean giving up the benefits of photovoltaic energy.

An alternative solution is to participate in shared solar parks, such as those developed by GridShare.
In this model:

• you don't have roof panels,
• you don't have to deal with maintenance,
• you can still access the advantages of solar energy, by investing in shared and sustainable projects.

A simple and immediate participation procedure, which allows you to become part of an ambitious project for the democratization of photovoltaic energy, with a view to always greater sustainability of electricity production.

Conclusions

La maintenance and cleaning of photovoltaic panels it is not optional: it is the key to guarantee your system efficiency, safety and durability.

• Dirt can reduce production by up to 30%.
• Periodic cleaning and routine maintenance extend the useful life of the panels.
• In case of difficulty, it is best to rely on a professional.
• Those who cannot (or do not want) to manage maintenance can still enter the world of photovoltaic through solutions of shared energy.

Remember: taking care of your plant means maximize energy savings and contribute in a concrete way to the transition to a more Green.