Top 7 Mistakes People Make When Cleaning Solar Panels

When you installed solar panels on your Greater Sacramento home, you likely expected years of easy, low-maintenance savings, and that’s fair. But living in the Sacramento Valley has its own challenges for your solar panels. Farm dust settles quickly, spring pollen sticks to everything, and during wildfire season, ash can coat your panels almost overnight.

As a result, the solar panel’s performance quietly reduces. When you notice your energy production dipping, you might think, “I’ll just grab the garden hose and a ladder this weekend.”

But before you start cleaning the panels, pause for a moment. Cleaning solar panels might seem simple, but small mistakes can turn into expensive problems. Using the wrong tools or techniques can crack the glass, affect your warranty, lower energy production, or even damage your roof.

In this blog, we’ll break down some common mistakes that most people make while cleaning their solar panels and how to avoid them.

Common Cleaning Mistakes That Reduce Solar Performance

Mistake #1. Cleaning Panels in the Middle of the Day

Did you know that on a typical 90°F Sacramento day, your solar panels can reach surface temperatures of over 150°F?

Spraying cold water onto hot glass can cause thermal shock. The sudden temperature change stresses the surface. Over time, this can lead to microcracks. You might not see the damage immediately. But your energy production will slowly drop.

The Fix

Schedule cleaning early morning or late evening when panels are cool. This protects the glass and improves cleaning effectiveness.

Mistake #2. Using Harsh Chemicals or Household Cleaners

Using glass cleaners, abrasive powders, vinegar, or even certain dish soaps can harm your panels. 

Solar panels have a protective anti-reflective coating that hates harsh chemicals. Using strong chemicals can damage the coating, leave residue, cause streaking, and reduce light absorption.

Also, some manufacturers can void warranties if improper cleaning methods are used.

The Fix

For proper solar panel cleaning in Greater Sacramento area, plain, deionized water and soft tools are usually all that’s needed. If you must use soap, use a tiny amount of biodegradable, pH-neutral soap specifically designed for solar panels.

Mistake #3. Scrubbing with Abrasive Brushes or Tools

Bird droppings can be stubborn. Sap can feel impossible to remove. So many people scrub harder. That’s when damage happens.

Using abrasive brushes, steel wool, or rough sponges can create fine scratches over the panel’s surface. These scratches can scatter sunlight and reduce efficiency. 

The Fix

Use soft-bristle brushes, water-fed pole systems, and non-abrasive microfiber materials for cleaning. 

Mistake #4. Walking on Solar Panels

Solar panels are strong, but they’re not designed to support body weight. Your body weight causes micro-cracks in the silicon cells underneath. These cracks create hot spots that can eventually burn out the panel or even cause a fire risk. 

The Fix

Never put weight on the panels. Use an extension pole to reach the middle of the array. If your panels are roof-mounted and hard to reach, then it’s better to hire a solar panel washing service in Greater Sacramento area for safe access.

Mistake #5. Ignoring Hard Water Problems

The Greater Sacramento area has moderately hard water. If you use untreated tap water, you’re likely leaving mineral deposits behind. 

As the water evaporates, it leaves behind white, crusty mineral deposits known as scaling. This is the same white gunk you see on your showerhead. Over time, these spots bake onto the glass, becoming nearly impossible to remove and blocking more sunlight than the dust ever did!

Ironically, many DIY cleanings actually make panels dirtier long-term because of mineral buildup.

The Fix

Professionals use Deionized (DI) Water or Reverse Osmosis systems. If you’re DIY-ing, use a squeegee to remove every drop of tap water before it dries, or use a water softener attachment.

Mistake #6. Skipping Safety Measures

Roof work is dangerous. Sloped surfaces, wet shingles, and electrical equipment increase risk.

Solar panels add another layer of complexity because you’re working around live electrical systems.

The Fix

If you can’t reach your panels safely from the ground using a telescopic pole, don’t do it. A professional Sacramento solar PV cleaning team uses OSHA-approved fall protection and specialized ladders to stay safe.

Mistake #7. Cleaning Too Often Or Not At All

Some homeowners clean panels every few months. Others might not have cleaned them in years. Both approaches can be wrong.

Over-cleaning increases the risk of accidental damage. Under-cleaning reduces efficiency and ROI.

The Fix

For most residential systems, cleaning once or twice per year is enough. More frequent cleaning may be needed if your property is near construction, heavy tree coverage, or agricultural areas.

DIY Vs. Professional Solar Panel Washing in Greater Sacramento Area

Not every system requires professional service. Ground-mounted panels with safe access can sometimes be maintained carefully by homeowners.

But if you have roof-mounted systems, multi-story homes, or there’s heavy buildup, hiring a professional solar panel cleaning service in Greater Sacramento area is more helpful.

Benefits of Professional Solar PV Cleaning

• Professionals use specialized tools designed specifically for solar panels. They don’t use household brushes or random cleaning supplies.
• They use deionized or purified water, so your panels don’t end up with hard water stains or residue that blocks sunlight.
• A professional team follows manufacturer-recommended practices to protect your system and avoid warranty issues.
• Trained technicians know how to move safely on roofs without damaging shingles, wiring, or panels, and without risking injury.
• While cleaning, professionals also check for loose wiring, cracks, debris buildup, or early signs of wear. This helps you catch small problems before they become costly repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does cleaning my solar panels increase my energy output? 

Absolutely. Depending on how dirty they are and how you clean them. If you hire an experienced solar panel cleaning service in the Greater Sacramento area, you’ll see a 10% to 25% jump in production immediately after cleaning.

Will cleaning the panels myself void my warranty?  

It depends on your manufacturer. Some solar panel warranties require maintenance to follow specific guidelines. If panels get damaged due to improper cleaning, such as using high-pressure washers, harsh chemicals, or walking directly on them, that damage may not be covered.

Always check your warranty documents or installation manual before attempting DIY cleaning.

The safest way is to contact a trusted solar panel cleaning service in Greater Sacramento to protect both your panels and your warranty.

How much does professional Solar Panel Cleaning in Greater Sacramento cost?

Costs vary depending on roof type, panel count, and accessibility. But compared to the long-term energy savings and protection of your system, it’s typically a smart investment.

Takeaway

Solar panels are built to last 25 or even more years, but only if they’re maintained properly. The biggest risk isn’t dirt. It’s improper cleaning.

It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive tools, walking on panels, hard water spots, and unnecessary safety risks.

If you’re not sure about your system’s condition or performance, scheduling a professional Sacramento Solar PV cleaning inspection can help you understand exactly what your panels need and keep them operating at their best.

Protect Your Solar Investment with Expert Care from A-1 Professional Home Services

Looking for trusted solar panel cleaning in the Greater Sacramento Area? A-1 Professional Home Services is here to help.

With over 25 years of experience, we’re the No. 1 Sacramento solar PV cleaning company. We don’t just clean; we look for cracked cells, nesting birds, or frayed wires that could be costing you money. We use industry-leading solar brushes and deionized water for a spot-free finish that keeps panels cleaner for longer.

Call us at 916-927-4235 to schedule our services!