Does Rain Clean Solar Panels? The “Mud-Bath” Trap Costing Aussies Money
No, rain generally does not clean solar panels effectively. In Australia, light rain mixes with airborne dust and pollen to create a mud-like residue that bakes onto the glass, reducing efficiency by up to 20%. While heavy storms may rinse off loose debris, they cannot remove the “cemented” grime that destroys solar output. The Science […]
How to Remove Lichen from Solar Panels: The Safe Guide
Learning how to remove lichen from solar panels is critical because lichen is not just dirt—it is a living, symbiotic organism… Unlike dust, simple water and scrubbing are not enough to remove it. Lichen causes severe “hard shading,” which kills system output. Safe removal requires a specialised biocide treatment to chemically sever the root system […]
Risks of Cleaning Solar Panels with Vinegar & Dish Soap
Is cleaning solar panels with vinegar safe? No, you should generally avoid it. No, you should generally avoid cleaning solar panels with vinegar. While vinegar is effective at removing calcium deposits, its acidic nature (pH 2-3) can corrode anodized aluminum frames and degrade the panel’s anti-reflective glass coating over time. Furthermore, dish soap on solar […]
DIY Solar Panel Cleaning: 5 Hidden Risks That Could Cost You Your Home (Or Your Health)
DIY solar panel cleaning risks are often ignored, STOP. Before you position that ladder against your gutter, realize that DIY solar cleaning is statistically one of the most dangerous home maintenance tasks you can undertake. You are unknowingly exposing yourself to three catastrophic categories of risk: life-altering falls from heights without fall arrest systems, lethal […]
Is Solar Panel Cleaning Worth It? A Financial Analyst’s 2025 ROI Breakdown
Yes, but strictly as a function of system size and location. From a financial perspective, for a standard 6.6kW Australian system, the ROI is driven by reclaiming 10% to 25% in energy efficiency losses caused by soiling. Furthermore, professional maintenance is often required to uphold manufacturer warranties. While DIY is an option, the equipment break-even […]
How Often Should You Clean Solar Panels? The Ultimate Australian Guide
The general rule for Australian homeowners is to clean solar panels every 6 months to maintain peak efficiency. However, this frequency depends heavily on your location. Homes in coastal areas (salt mist) or agricultural regions (red dust) may require cleaning every 3–4 months, while suburban homes with self-cleaning rain exposure may only need an annual […]
Scratching Noises on Your Roof? It Might Be Pigeons Under Your Solar Panels
If you hear noises, you likely have pigeons under solar panels nesting on your roof. Solar panels are silent. They have no moving parts. The inverter might make a faint hum, but the panels themselves should make zero noise. So, why are you hearing scratching, scuttling, and cooing coming from your ceiling? If you have […]
How to Remove Dried Bird Poop from Solar Panels (Safely)
Learning how to remove dried bird poop from solar panels is critical to avoid damage, If you have birds nesting under your solar panels, you inevitably have a secondary problem: the mess on top of them. Bird droppings are not just an aesthetic issue. In the solar industry, we view bird poop as “hard shading.” […]
Do Fake Owls Scare Birds Away from Solar Panels? (Review)
Using fake owls for solar panels is the most common impulse purchase for homeowners. You see pigeons gathering on your roof. You spot a plastic decoy owl at the hardware store for $30. It seems like a logical, low-cost solution. The packaging promises to terrify pests and keep your roof clear. You climb the ladder, […]
Can I Use Windex on Solar Panels? Why Standard Glass Cleaners Are a Bad Idea
It is a common scenario for many Australian solar owners: You look up at your roof and notice your solar panels are coated in a layer of dust, bird droppings, or pollen. Naturally, your instinct is to treat them like the windows of your house. You might head to the cupboard, grab a bottle of […]