Keeping your solar panels clean is crucial for maximizing their efficiency and lifespan. Dust, grime, and bird droppings can significantly reduce the amount of sunlight your panels absorb, leading to decreased energy output. That’s where a good solar panel cleaner comes in.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the best solar panel cleaners on the market to help you maintain your investment. From eco-friendly solutions to heavy-duty formulas, these products will ensure your panels stay spotless and efficient.
Whether you’re a homeowner or managing a commercial installation, there’s a cleaner here to suit your needs.
1. Best Solar Panel Cleaners: Clean and Maintain Your Solar Investment
Sunny Wash’s solar panel cleaning filter is a game-changer. It’s designed to eliminate the need for constant scrubbing. You simply rinse the panels weekly to maintain their cleanliness, preventing dirt from reducing efficiency.
This filter claims to increase your solar energy production by up to 30%, translating to significant savings. The filter’s ease of use and effectiveness make it a top choice for solar panel owners looking to maximize their investment.
- Manufacturer: Sunny Wash Filters, LLC
- Part Number: 0010-SW
- Item Weight: 3.98 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 13.19 x 4.33 x 3.94 inches
- Included Components: Adapter Hose
- Batteries Required?: No
2. Super Concentrated Formula: Solar Sheen Cleaner (Makes 512 Gallons)
Super-concentrated Solar Sheen Cleaner is designed to impress. It makes an incredible 512 gallons from just one 8.51-pound container. You save space and money with this highly efficient solution.
Use it to remove tough dirt and grime from your solar panels effortlessly. It’s perfect for keeping panels in top condition, ensuring maximum efficiency. Plus, it’s user-friendly — just mix with water and apply.
Designed with eco-friendliness in mind, it’s safe for both your panels and the environment. Actual users have rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars, emphasizing its effectiveness and ease of use.
- Product Dimensions: 4 x 13 x 9.5 inches; 8.51 Pounds
- Item model number: C-6200
- Date First Available: February 6, 2023
- Best Sellers Rank: #18,562 in Patio, Lawn & Garden; #50 in Solar & Wind Power Parts & Accessories
3. Compact and Efficient: Solar Sheen Max (32 oz)
Designed for ease of use, Solar Sheen Max is perfect for homeowners seeking a compact, efficient solar panel cleaner. With its 32 oz capacity, it’s capable of covering a large area, making it an excellent option for those wanting to maintain their solar panels with minimal effort.
Crafted with an easy-to-apply formula, Solar Sheen Max ensures that even the most stubborn grime doesn’t stand a chance. It’s ideal for quickly removing dust, pollen, and bird droppings. Customers have praised its ability to leave panels sparkling clean without any residue.
Available since June 2023, Solar Sheen Max has quickly gained popularity. Users appreciate its effectiveness and convenience, earning it a 4.4-star rating from 37 reviews.
- Product Dimensions: 9 x 3 x 3 inches; 2 pounds
- Date First Available: June 6, 2023
- Best Sellers Rank: #13,782 in Patio, Lawn & Garden, #32 in Solar & Wind Power Parts & Accessories
4. Bulk Efficiency: Glass Gleam Solar (Makes 500 Gallons)
Cleaners can make a big difference in how well your solar panels perform, and Glass Gleam Solar stands out by making a massive 500 gallons. Formulated with a high-tech detergent, this cleaner tackles grime and grease efficiently, restoring photo-voltaic efficiency to 100%.
Designed to stay wet longer, it’s perfect for hot or windy conditions. Panels will sparkle and shine without any residues, thanks to the built-in calcium destroyer. Kind to your hands and featuring an optimized foam level, this cleaner also boasts a low fragrance.
Containing high-tech polymeric water softeners, Glass Gleam Solar reduces dirt re-deposition, making it a top choice in hard water areas. Its striking orange color indicator makes dosage easy, ensuring you mix the perfect amount every time.
- Product Dimensions: 3.25 x 3.25 x 10.25 inches; 2.2 Pounds
- Date First Available: November 20, 2017
- Best Sellers Rank: #32,111 in Health & Household
- Customer Reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars (562 ratings)
- Manufacturer: Titan Laboratories
5. Easy Hose Attachment: Windex Outdoor Glass Cleaner (32 Fl Oz, Pack of 2)
Attach this Windex Outdoor Glass Cleaner to your garden hose for a hassle-free outdoor cleaning experience. This concentrated formula makes cleaning windows, patio furniture, brick, and other surfaces a breeze without wiping. Simply spray, rinse, and watch your outdoor spaces shine with its streak-free finish.
Clean tough dirt and grime off your glass patio furniture, lamps, and doors with ease. This streak-free solution leaves no residue and won’t harm plants, siding, or synthetic decks. Just switch the nozzle between “Clean” and “Rinse” modes as needed, making outdoor cleaning quick and straightforward.
Avoid using this product on automobiles or newly sealed asphalt. With a user-friendly application, just attach the cleaner to your hose, spray, and rinse from a safe distance. Remember, it’s designed for easy operation—no ladder climbing needed.
Don’t let streaks and dirt mar your outdoor views. This no-phosphorus, ammonia-free cleaner ensures a sparkling clean finish without any plant damage. For effective results, avoid letting the suds dry before rinsing them off.
For safety, avoid spraying near electric lines and direct contact with eyes. This biodegradable formula is not intended for indoor use.
• Product Dimensions: 6.13 x 5.31 x 11.94 inches; 4 Pounds
• Date First Available: March 6, 2017
• Best Sellers Rank: #1,832 in Health & Household; #5 in Glass Cleaners
• Customer Reviews: 4.3 out of 5 stars; 11,899 ratings
6. Enhance Pool Clarity: Original Solar Pool Ionizer
Boost your pool’s clarity with the Original Solar Pool Ionizer. This handy device floats on your pool’s surface and harnesses sunlight to generate copper ions. Infuse your pool water with these copper ions to curb algae growth, leading to clearer water.
Place the ionizer in your pool’s sunniest spot, and let it work its magic. This means you’ll spend less time on pool maintenance and more time swimming. It’s designed to reduce the need for chlorine. However, you still need some to keep the water safe.
Copper ions produced by the CopperFlo help clear unsightly green and murky water, all without adding heavy chemicals. Simply check the copper ion level occasionally to ensure it’s at the right level.
Plus, the built-in copper electrode can last up to two years, giving you long-term, low-maintenance pool care.
The Original Solar Pool Ionizer amplifies your pool clarity using sustainable solar energy, reducing chemical usage while efficiently managing algae. For full detailed instructions, visit the manufacturer’s website.
- Package Dimensions: 9.49 x 9.16 x 6.53 inches
- Item Weight: 3.03 pounds
- Manufacturer: No More Green Technologies
7. Spray and Clean: One Shot Solar Panel Cleaner with Hose-End Sprayer (32 oz)
Say goodbye to dirty solar panels with the One Shot Solar Panel Cleaner. This product offers an ammonia-free, streak-free formula, making it perfect for keeping your panels spotless without smearing.
It dries quickly, has no odor, and is environmentally friendly, ensuring a safe cleaning experience for you and the planet.
Enjoy a user-friendly application with the automatic hose-end sprayer, which effortlessly mixes 4 ounces of concentrate per gallon of water.
This cleaner’s special active ingredient formula reduces surface tension, preventing dirt and dust from sticking. Your panels will stay cleaner longer, maintaining their efficiency and maximizing your investment.
Get up to 8 gallons of cleaner from one bottle, making it both cost-effective and convenient for regular maintenance. Examples of how it can be used include residential and commercial solar panels, providing you with flexibility.
Whether you choose the Ready-to-Use or Concentrated Formula, the One Shot Solar Panel Cleaner is designed to simplify your cleaning routine and boost your panel’s performance.
- Dimensions: 10.39 x 6.69 x 3.03 inches, 2 pounds
- Biodegradable Warning: Yes
- Available Since: June 21, 2018
- Customer Ratings: 4.1 out of 5 stars (474 reviews)
8. Window and Solar Cleaning Kit: Eazer Window Squeegee Cleaner
Squeegeeing your solar panels has never been easier with the Eazer Window Squeegee Cleaner. This kit combats dirt and grime efficiently, ensuring your solar panels remain spotless for maximum sunlight absorption. Featuring a 10-inch rubber blade, the squeegee leaves surfaces streak-free.
Incorporating a scrubber attachment, you can utilize both chenille and microfiber materials for versatile cleaning. These materials excel at whisking away moisture, enhancing cleaning results, and ensuring durability.
Designing the kit with a FlexiPower elastic joint allows for smooth maneuverability, making it effortless to reach high or awkward areas. The extension pole, extending up to 62 inches, provides sufficient reach without the need for ladders.
Adhering the scrubber to the squeegee is easy thanks to the great stickiness Velcro, enabling a quick switch between cleaning modes. This feature simplifies the process, making it user-friendly and efficient for various cleaning tasks, whether residential windows or solar panels.
Including lightweight but durable materials, the Eazer cleaner weighs only 4.8 ounces, reducing arm fatigue during prolonged use. The aluminum handle ensures a robust, yet manageable grip, providing comfort during extended cleaning sessions.
For those prioritizing both efficiency and eco-friendliness, the Eazer Window Squeegee Cleaner offers an excellent solution. With this kit, you can maintain your solar panels’ efficiency, ensuring they operate at optimal performance levels.
- Brand: eazer
- Color: Orange
- Style: Window Squeegee1.0
- Product Dimensions: 10″W x 62″H
- Item Weight: 4.8 ounces
- Blade Material: Rubber
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Blade Length: 10 Inches
9. Extended Reach: IGADPole 24 FT Window Cleaning Kit
Designed for versatility, the IGADPole 24 FT Window Cleaning Kit offers everything you need to maintain your solar panels.
The 24-foot telescopic pole, made from lightweight aluminum, ensures an extended reach, making it perfect for high solar panels. Accessories like the water-fed brush help distribute water evenly, ensuring thorough cleaning.
Included in this kit, you’ll find an extension pole, water-fed brush, angled gooseneck adapter, cobweb duster, and soap dispenser.
Each accessory is designed for easy attachment to the pole, making it versatile and user-friendly. The smooth flip-lock mechanism on the pole ensures secure adjustment, preventing any slips while you clean.
Packed with multiple useful tools, this kit is perfect for not just solar panels but also windows, gutters, and other high surfaces. The lightweight construction, despite being 24 feet long, weighs only 4.3 pounds, making it easy to maneuver.
Additionally, cleaning the pole after each use with a microfiber cloth will prolong its life and maintain performance.
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Head Material: Microfiber
- Item Weight: 4 Kilograms
- Handle Length: 288 Inches
- Product Dimensions: 58.27 x 3.15 x 3.94 inches
- Product Care Instructions: Machine Wash
10. Convenient Size: Solar Sheen Cleaner (Makes 128 Gallons)
Designed for efficiency, Solar Sheen Cleaner boasts a size that makes 128 gallons of powerful cleaning solution. Solar Sheen Cleaner packs a punch, offering great value for large-scale cleanups like solar panel arrays or commercial ventures.
With this cleaner, you get long-lasting power offering extended usage. It’s highly concentrated, letting you mix it as needed, stretching your dollar further.
Highly versatile, Solar Sheen Cleaner is suitable for different surfaces, ensuring streak-free panels every time.
The formula is specially designed to cut through grime and debris that can block sunlight, ensuring optimal panel performance. Solar Sheen Cleaner ensures effortless maintenance, saving you time and preserving energy efficiency.
Ideal for tough tasks, Solar Sheen Cleaner simplifies the labor-intensive job of cleaning solar panels. For example, after diluting the solution, just apply it on the panels and rinse. No intensive scrubbing is required, making it perfect for homeowners or maintenance teams.
Petra’s Solar Sheen Cleaner promises reliability and performance. Its well-thought-out formulation provides not just cleaning but protection against build-up. Using this cleaner can effortlessly increase the life and efficiency of your solar panels, making it a worthwhile investment.
- Product Dimensions: 9 x 3 x 3 inches; 2.3 Pounds
- Item model number: C-6200
- Date First Available: June 6, 2023
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Solar Panel Cleaner
Choosing a solar panel cleaner involves considering various factors to ensure the panels are cleaned effectively and safely without causing any damage. Here are some key factors to consider:
Formulation and Efficiency
Considering the right cleaner formulation is crucial. You’ll want a product like the Super-concentrated Solar Sheen Cleaner, known for its potent mix that tackles tough grime without harming your panels.
It’s essential to search for cleaners formulated to dissolve dirt and debris efficiently, letting the panels perform at their peak by maximizing sun exposure.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is a top priority. Products like the Windex Outdoor Glass Cleaner are user-friendly due to their garden hose attachment for a hassle-free clean. Ensure the cleaner doesn’t require extensive effort or specialized tools.
Look for features that simplify the process, reducing the time and effort needed to maintain your solar panels.
Compatibility with Different Solar Panels
Different solar panels have unique coatings and surfaces. It’s important to choose a cleaner like Solar Sheen Max, designed to be versatile and safe for various types of panels. Verify the cleaner’s compatibility to avoid damage and ensure it works effectively with your particular panel type.
Environmental Impact
Environmental impact doesn’t get talked about enough. Use products with eco-friendly formulations like the biodegradable ingredients found in both the Glass Gleam Solar cleaner and Windex Outdoor Glass Cleaner.
Prioritizing non-toxic, biodegradable options helps protect the planet while keeping your solar panels spotless.
FAQs About Solar Panel Cleaners
What Makes a Solar Panel Cleaner Different from Regular Cleaners?
Solar panel cleaners are specifically formulated to remove dirt, dust, and grime without leaving residues that can impact the efficiency of panels. Regular cleaners might have chemicals that can damage the delicate surface of solar panels or leave behind streaks that reduce their ability to capture sunlight.
Solar panel cleaners are often designed to be non-abrasive, pH-neutral, and biodegradable, ensuring they don’t harm the environment while maintaining the panels’ optimal performance.
They also often come with UV protection or anti-static properties, helping to maintain cleanliness longer compared to regular cleaners.
How Often Should I Clean My Solar Panels?
The frequency of cleaning your solar panels can depend on your location and the environmental conditions surrounding your panels. Generally, it’s recommended to clean solar panels twice a year, but if you live in a dusty area or near pollution sources, you might need to clean them quarterly.
Regular inspections can help determine if cleaning is needed sooner. Seasonal changes, like pollen in the spring or heavy rainfall, can also affect how often you’ll need to clean your panels. Keeping your panels clean ensures they operate at peak efficiency, maximizing energy output.
Can I Use a Solar Panel Cleaner on Other Surfaces?
Yes, most solar panel cleaners are versatile enough to be used on other surfaces, like glass doors, windows, and skylights. Since these cleaners are designed to be gentle and leave no residue, they work well on any glass surface.
The same properties that help maintain your solar panels will also keep your household windows streak-free and clear. However, always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure compatibility with other surfaces to avoid any accidental damage.
Using these cleaners on unsuitable surfaces might not yield the best results.
Are There Any Precautions I Need to Take While Using Solar Panel Cleaners?
Absolutely, there are several precautions to consider. First, always follow the instructions on the cleaner’s label. Avoid using harsh brushes or abrasive sponges that can scratch the panel’s surface.
When cleaning, it’s best to do it on a cool, cloudy day to prevent the cleaner from drying too quickly and leaving streaks. Ensure that any equipment you use, like hoses or ladders, is safe and stable.
Always wear rubber-soled shoes to prevent slipping. Additionally, keep in mind the environmental impact by choosing biodegradable products and disposing of any waste responsibly. Safety should always come first.
Concluding Recommendations: Selecting the Right Cleaner for Your Solar Panels
Choosing the right solar panel cleaner depends on your specific needs and preferences. For an eco-friendly option, Glass Gleam Solar cleaner and Windex Outdoor Glass Cleaner are excellent choices. If you need a powerful, concentrated formula, Solar Sheen Max won’t disappoint.
For those looking for ease of use, the One Shot Solar Panel Cleaner with Hose-End Sprayer offers a hassle-free application. For comprehensive cleaning kits, the Eazer Window Squeegee Cleaner kit and IGADPole 24 FT Window Cleaning Kit provide versatility and efficiency.
Remember to consider factors like formulation, ease of use, and environmental impact when making your selection. With the right cleaner, you can ensure your solar panels remain efficient and effective, contributing to long-term energy savings and sustainability.
