Solar Panel Cleaning and Sunrun

Cleaning your solar panels is one of the easiest ways to ensure your system is running at peak performance. While nature often handles the heavy lifting with rain, a little manual "TLC" can boost your energy production by up to 21% in residential areas.


If you’re a Sunrun customer, you’re already ahead of the game. Sunrun’s proactive monitoring often detects performance dips before you do, and for many lease/PPA customers, maintenance is included—meaning you can skip the ladder entirely.


How to Clean Your Solar Panels Safely


If you’ve checked your monitoring app and notice a dip due to dust or pollen, follow these steps to get them shining again:


 * Safety First: Always clean from the ground using a telescoping pole if possible. If you must use a ladder, have a partner spot you. Turn off the system before starting to eliminate any electrical risk.

 * Timing is Everything: Clean your panels in the early morning or late evening. If you spray cold water on panels that have been baking in the 2:00 PM sun, the thermal shock could crack the glass.


 * Use the Right Tools:

   * Water: A standard garden hose is perfect. Avoid high-pressure washers, which can damage the seals.

   * Soap: Use a mild, biodegradable dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals or "all-purpose" cleaners that leave a film.

   * Scrubbing: Use a soft-bristle brush or a squeegee with a microfiber cloth. Never use steel wool or abrasive sponges that could scratch the surface.

 * Rinse & Dry: Rinse thoroughly to ensure no soap residue remains (which can actually attract more dirt). If you live in an area with hard water, a quick wipe with a squeegee prevents mineral spots.


Why Choose Sunrun?


While DIY cleaning is straightforward, the best maintenance is the kind you don't have to worry about. 


Sunrun is the nation’s leading provider for a reason:


 * Worry-Free Maintenance: With Sunrun’s subscription (Lease/PPA) plans, they own and maintain the system. If something breaks, they fix it at no extra cost to you.

 * 24/7 Monitoring: You don’t have to guess if your panels are dirty. Sunrun monitors your production around the clock and will alert you if your system isn't hitting its targets.

 * Production Guarantee: Sunrun stands by their tech. If your system doesn't produce the energy they promised, they’ll often refund you the difference.

 * Expert Support: Instead of googling "how to fix a solar inverter" at 11:00 PM, you have a dedicated team of experts ready to handle the technical heavy lifting.


Pro Tip: If you live in a snowy area, let it be! Sunrun recommends letting snow slide off naturally rather than trying to scrape it, which can cause more harm than good.


Would you like to know more about Sunrun’s service plan or check if professional cleaning is included in your specific solar agreement? Email us at contacts@runxus.com


 

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