Why panel cleaning matters for your solar investment

When you install solar panels, you expect them to perform at their best every day. But did you know that if they get covered in dust, leaves, bird droppings or grime, their performance can drop by 15–25%? That’s a lot of lost electricity and potential savings. 

At Vigood Solartek, we install your solar panel system with care — and maintaining it is just as important. Clean panels let more sunlight reach the cells, so you get the full benefit of your investment.

What to inspect regularly

Every 1 to 3 months — or after bad weather — check your system. Look for:

• Dust, leaves, bird droppings or any obstruction on the panel surface. 

• Shading from new obstacles (like tree growth or nearby construction). 

• Physical damage: cracks, chips, discoloration in the modules. 

• Loose wiring, visible damage to the frame or mounting, and any inverter warning or error display.

A quick check catches problems early so your system stays efficient and safe.

How to clean solar panels the right way

When it comes to cleaning, here’s a good practice guide for your Vigood Solartek installation:

When to clean:
Pick early morning or late afternoon when the panels are cool. If you clean under the full sun, water can evaporate too quickly and leave streaks. 

What tools to use:
Soft brushes, a squeegee or long-handled sponge are ideal — avoid anything scratchy. Use filtered or distilled water if possible to avoid mineral deposits. 

What not to use:
Skip abrasive pads, strong chemicals (like ammonia), or high-pressure jets — they can damage the glass or protective layers. A mild soap in water usually does the job just fine. 

Safety first:
Always switch off the solar system before you begin. Don’t walk on panels unless they’re designed for it. If your panels are on a high roof, consider hiring a pro. 

When you should call a professional
Some tasks go beyond basic cleaning:

• If the inverter shows error messages or there are flickering lights — that could mean wiring or electrical issues. 

• If panels are cracked, chipped, or water has seeped in. These are job for experienced technicians. 

• If your system is on a large roof, commercial installation, or hard-to-access area. Professionals will clean safely and thoroughly.

Tips to keep your solar system working at its best
Beyond cleaning, here are some additional steps we recommend to ensure peak performance of your Vigood Solartek system:

• Monitor your system’s output (many inverters/apps let you track production). If output drops, it could signal a cleaning or maintenance issue.

• Watch for shading. As trees grow or buildings go up nearby, panels can get shaded and efficiency drops. Trim or reposition if needed.

• If your system uses batteries or other components, maintain them too — a malfunctioning battery or inverter affects overall system output.

• After extreme weather (dust storms, snow, heavy rain), check again. Clean off any residue or snow build-up to avoid efficiency loss.

Long-term care = more value from your system
Solar panels are built to last 20-25 years or more, but only if they’re looked after. Regular cleaning, inspections, and timely maintenance help you get the most out of your system. 

Also, many manufacturers’ warranties expect regular upkeep. Retaining records of cleaning and maintenance can help in warranty claims if anything goes wrong. 

In summary
Investing in a solar system from Vigood Solartek is a smart move — but to unlock full benefits, you must maintain it. A few routine checks, proper cleaning, and timely professional service when needed will keep your panels efficient, safe, and productive year after year.

If you’d like help setting up a maintenance plan for your system or want us to take care of cleaning and inspection for you, just reach out.