How often to clean solar panels is one of the most common questions we get. Panels sit on the roof doing their job quietly, so it is easy to assume the rain keeps them clean. In the Illawarra that is often not the case. Sea spray, bird droppings, pollen, leaf litter and lichen all build up on the glass, and rain alone does not shift most of it.

How often to clean solar panels

Once a year suits most homes. Panels under trees, near the coast, near busy roads or with bird activity may need cleaning every six months. A simple check is to look at the panels from the ground or an upstairs window on a sunny day. If you can see streaks, spots or a dull film, they are due.

What builds up on Illawarra solar panels

• Salt film on homes near the coast, from Thirroul to Shellharbour, Kiama and Gerringong.
• Bird droppings, which bake onto the glass and don’t wash off in the rain.
• Lichen, which grows along the frame edges and across the glass on shaded or damp roofs.
• Leaves, pollen and dust, especially under trees or near busy roads.

Build-up on the surface can reduce the sunlight reaching the cells, which may affect how well your system performs.

Why you shouldn’t clean solar panels yourself

Climbing onto a roof is dangerous, and panels are slippery when wet. Harsh chemicals, abrasive pads and high-pressure jets can also damage the glass, seals and mounts.

How IMG cleans solar panels

Illawarra Maintenance Group inspects the system first to understand the panel layout, then cleans the panels gently with soft brushes and low pressure, with no harsh chemicals or high-pressure jets. The roof, gutters and other roof-mounted parts are protected while we work. We follow the manufacturer’s guidance on isolating the system and handle it ourselves, so you don’t need to do anything before we arrive.

Birds nesting under your solar panels?

Birds love the sheltered gap under solar panels. The nests, noise and droppings can block gutters and make a mess of the roof. IMG clears out the nests and droppings, then fits Karben mesh around the edge of the array to keep birds out. It attaches to the frame without drilling and keeps airflow to the panels. See our bird proofing page.

Lichen on solar hot water panels

Solar hot water panels often grow lichen along their frames, the same as roof tiles. Read why lichen grows on Illawarra roofs.

Book other roof work in the same visit

You can book solar panel cleaning together with a gutter clean or a roof wash, so the whole roof is looked after in one visit.

Frequently asked questions

Does rain clean solar panels?

Rain rinses off some dust, but not bird droppings, salt film or lichen.

Do I need to turn my system off?

No. We follow the manufacturer’s guidance on isolating the system and handle it ourselves.

Do you use chemicals on solar panels?

No harsh chemicals or high-pressure jets. Panels are cleaned with soft brushes and low pressure.

Book a solar panel clean

Read more on our solar panel cleaning page. IMG is a local, family-owned team, fully licensed and insured.

Call 0411 389 184 or request a free quote and we will be in touch.