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Do I need to clean my solar panels, and how much does shading matter?

Short answer. Often a rinse once a year is plenty, and rain does a lot of it. Jinko’s manuals say to use a soft cloth and tap water, only when the panels are cool, with no abrasives or chemicals. Do not climb on a roof to do it: use a licensed cleaner or call us. Shading from a tree or chimney matters more than a bit of dust.

Safety first. Never open a switchboard, remove a cover from your battery or inverter, or touch any wiring. Anything beyond the app, a light you can read from a safe distance, or your own router is a job for a licensed electrician. If you see smoke, smell burning, hear arcing or see water on or near the unit: keep everyone away, switch off at your main switch only if it is safe to do so, and call 000 if there is any fire or smoke.

What the panel makers say

  • How often: Jinko says to clean preferably once a year if possible, depending on site conditions.
  • How: a soft cloth, dry or damp, and tap water only; mineral-heavy water can leave deposits.
  • When: early morning or late afternoon, when the panels are cool. Cool water on hot glass can crack it.
  • Never: abrasive material or chemicals, which can affect output and the module warranty.
  • AIKO: AIKO publishes its installation and maintenance guidance in its Australian resource centre; follow it for AIKO panels.

Staying safe

Falls from roofs are a real hazard, and panels are live in daylight. Clean only from the ground or a safe, stable position, and never use a pressure washer or a ladder you are not comfortable with. If the array is on a roof, book a licensed cleaner or ask us when we are next there.

Shading

Shading hurts output more than light dust. Even a small shadow on one panel can reduce a string, so tree growth, a new antenna or a neighbour’s extension are worth watching. If your output has fallen, our guide to what to check when solar is not producing goes through the checks. Our inspections look at the whole system for systems we installed.

More on our panels: AIKO solar panels, Jinko solar panels and AIKO vs Jinko.

When to call us

If we installed your system, call us on 0483 903 020. Our service help for existing customers is free: we start by working through it with you by phone. If you are not yet a customer, a service call is $250 + GST, which covers one hour on site within 20 km of Mullumbimby; travel further out is quoted separately. Contact us or call 0483 903 020 (Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 7am-4pm). We do not repair systems we did not install.

Quick questions

How often should I clean my solar panels?

Jinko says preferably once a year if possible, depending on your site. Rain handles much of it in the Northern Rivers.

Can I use a pressure washer or detergent?

No. Makers say not to use abrasives or chemicals, which can damage the glass and affect the warranty.

Should I clean in the middle of the day?

No. Clean when the panels are cool, in the early morning or late afternoon.

Does shading matter more than dirt?

Usually yes. Check for new shade from tree growth or additions.

Sources

Last checked 7 October 2026. Only the manufacturer’s, the network’s or the government’s own documents are used; app menus and defaults change between models and versions, so if your screen looks different, call us rather than guess.

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