Solar Panel Maintenance & Cleaning (Seasonal Guide)
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We test solar panels, power stations, and DIY kits in real-world conditions and share practical, step-by-step guidance.
Seasonal Maintenance Schedule
- Spring: Rinse pollen/dust, inspect cabling, verify inverter logs.
- Summer: Check airflow under panels and heat‑related derates.
- Fall: Clear leaves, confirm string voltages and connectors.
- Winter: Remove safe amounts of snow; watch for ice dams.
Cleaning Do’s & Don’ts
- Use clean water, soft brushes, and non‑abrasive pads.
- Avoid harsh detergents and pressure washers.
- Clean early morning or evening to avoid thermal shock.
When in doubt, use the Klein Tools Cleaning Kit for safe results.
Monitoring & Troubleshooting
Track daily output in your inverter app. Compare to seasonal expectations. Sudden drops often indicate shade changes, tripped protection devices, or connector/cable issues. Keep a simple log so patterns are obvious.
Recommended Gear
| Item | Purpose | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Klein Cleaning Kit | Safe panel cleaning | Buy on Amazon |
| Renogy 100W Kit | Test small upgrades | Buy on Amazon |
| Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro | Portable backup power | Buy on Amazon |
FAQs
Is rain enough to clean panels?
Light rain helps, but a film of dust or pollen can remain—inspect seasonally.
What’s normal performance drop over time?
Expect gradual degradation of ~0.5%–0.8% per year on many modules.
How do I know if a string is down?
Compare string voltages/currents and check for alerts in your inverter app.