Fine for some arrays. Here’s how.
From the ground, with soft tools and clean water, you can.
If your array is a ground mount or sits on a single-story roof you can reach from the yard, you can wash it yourself. Stay on the ground, use soft tools and clean water, and follow your panel maker’s manual.
How do I wash it myself?
Allow an hour for 15 to 20 panels, on a cool, dry morning.
Read your manual
Find your panel model on the install paperwork and check its cleaning section first.
Pick a cool hour
Early morning or late afternoon, when glass is cool to the touch and no rain is due.
Look before wetting
From the ground, check for cracks, loose wires or nests. If you see any, stop and call.
Rinse loose dust
Gentle hose flow from the top edge down, never a jet or pressure nozzle.
Brush, then rinse
A soft brush on an extension pole, light strokes, water flowing as you go.
Lift droppings gently
Soak first, then a wet microfiber cloth. Never scrape with a blade or a nail.
Check your numbers
Compare the next clear days in your app to the week before.
What do the manuals say?
Two makers’ rules, as written. Your panel’s manual is the one that counts.
| Maker | What the manual asks | Source |
|---|---|---|
| REC | Clean with water at ambient temperature. The warranty is valid only if the installation manual’s instructions are observed. | REC cleaning guide |
| Panasonic | Deionized water free of grit, at ambient temperature, with a sponge, microfiber cloth or soft brush. | Panasonic EverVolt manual |
What is safe to do?
Stay on the ground
Work from the yard with a water-fed pole or extension brush.
Use soft tools
A soft-bristle brush, a sponge or microfiber, as Panasonic’s manual lists.
Use clean water
Deionized water dries without marks; hard tap water can leave white spots.
Match the temperature
Water and glass at air temperature, as REC and Panasonic both ask.
What should I never do?
No pressure washer
High pressure can damage coatings and drive water into seals and frames.
No soap or chemicals
Residue holds dust, and some manuals rule detergents out.
Never stand on panels
A knee or boot can crack cells you will never see from the ground.
Cold on hot glass
Cold water on sun-baked glass risks thermal shock. Wait for a cool hour.
No scrapers or squeegees
Blades, steel wool and hard edges scratch the glass for good.
When should I call instead?
If any of these is true, leave it to a trained crew.
Second story up
A two-story roof needs a ladder, a harness and a second person.
A steep pitch
If you would not walk the roof on a dry day, do not wash it.
Wet or icy roof
Dew, frost and wet shingles are where falls happen. Wait or call.
Any ladder doubt
If the ladder feels wrong, it is. No clean panel is worth a fall.
Damage or nests
Cracks, loose wires or nests go to the installer or a visual inspection.
Rather keep your feet down?
Our two-person crew washes with pure water and soft brushes, from $149 for up to 20 panels.