Installing solar panels is only half the job done if you do not have solar panel cleaning tools. Solar panels are bound to get dirty and polluted, and also you cannot stop it from happening. After all, you need to install solar panels in an open area of your house, such as the terrace, balcony, lawn, or similar places.
Being in the open, they are always vulnerable to dust, pollution, bird droppings, fallen leaves, twigs, snow, and so on.
The problem is that without having proper solar panel cleaning equipment, your solar panels will reduce efficiency. It is simple after all, as the dirt and other materials block the surface area of the solar panel using which captures sunlight.
This guide walks you through the best solar panel cleaning equipment of 2025, along with expert tips to help you clean panels safely, efficiently, and effectively—whether you’re a homeowner, farmer, or run a commercial setup.
Why Clean Solar Panels?
• Prevent efficiency loss (up to 25%)
Guess what a heavy layer of dust, bird droppings, and snow can reduce the efficiency and power output of your solar panels by up to 25%. This means getting less power to run all the electrical and electronic devices in your home or industry.
• Maximize ROI and energy production
Use of different solar cleaning solutions allows maximum ROI over the term. You can also optimize your solar panels to generate maximum electricity from it for years of use.
• Protect the warranty and panel lifespan
Cleaning solar panels regularly also ensures its warranty lasts longer, and the general life span of your solar panels will increase.
Types of Solar Panel Cleaning Equipment's
Manual Cleaning Tools
• Microfiber brushes
A microfiber brush is one of the simplest cleaning equipment for cleaning your solar panels. The microfibers on the brush allow you to remove smaller dust particles and clean them thoroughly.
• Extendable poles
An extendable pole cleaner may be needed if your solar panels are installed with enough ground room. It is usually needed to clean commercial solar panels installed in factories and industries that run on solar power or generate solar electricity.
• Soft sponges
This is another simple and effective equipment to clean solar panels at home. Using a soft sponge as a material captures all the minute dust and unwanted particles from the surface of the solar panels. Plus, you can also use a sponge with a soap and water solution for effective cleaning.
• Garden hose with nozzle
A garden hose with a nozzle allows cleaning using water but with force. Consider this option if you have a lot of solar panels to clean and do not have much time to clean them manually.
Semi-Automatic Cleaning Equipments
• Water-fed pole with soft bristle brush
You can use a water-fed pole for cleaning solar panels. Use it along with a soft bristle brush to clean the dirt on the surface.
• Pressure sprayer (low PSI)
Pressure or jet spray is another high-pressure piece of equipment for cleaning solar panels. As the name suggests, it uses a water jet spray at high pressure to clean the dirt off the surface.
• Rotating brush systems
Rotating brush systems are easier to use with no manual movement of hands. The brush head is rotatable automatically that allows for easier cleaning. It is usually the best cleaning equipment for large solar panels which are usually installed in commercial settings.
Automatic & Robotic Cleaning Equipments
• Robotic solar panel cleaners (ideal for large installations)
Robotic solar cleaners are usually the best option for solar electricity manufacturing companies. These are highly specialized robotic arms that need little manual intervention during the cleaning of solar panels. Depending on your budget and affordability, you can opt for a different set of features, such as automatic or semi-automatic ones.
• Automated waterless rotating brushes
These are rotating brushes that clean dry dirt and bird droppings off the top of solar panels.
• Smart panel cleaning kits with sensors
Smart panel cleaning kits with sensors are some of the highly advanced cleaning devices for solar panel cleaning. Such machines are automated and fitted with different sensors to clean micro dirt off the surface.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Cleaning Equipments
• Type of installation (residential, commercial, ground vs. rooftop)
In case you have installed solar panels on your rooftops, you may need extendable pole cleaners if it is installed at ground height. Commercial solar panels are larger with much greater area coverage, so it is better to opt for high-end technology if you can bear the budget like automated solar panel cleaning machines.
• Panel tilt and accessibility
Tilt of the panels is a deciding factor for the manual cleaning process. Accessing large solar panels installed on top of stands may be challenging. This may need special automated cleaning robots.
• Water availability and quality
Water availability is also a consideration, especially for solar parks. It is always better to use purified water, not tap water, for cleaning solar panels to avoid mineral deposits from forming along the edges. You can use a hose pipe or jet spray machines too, depending on your budget.
• Roof safety and user comfort
Cleaning solar panels may require special effort along with tools for safety and to prevent any hazard during cleaning. If your solar panels are installed on rooftops not accessible by stairs its better to consult with professionals who come with special equipment to access the area.
• Budget and long-term usage
Finally, as you have seen above, there are lots of tools from very simple ones like brushes and sponges to highly technical devices such as robotic machines to clean solar panels. It depends on your budget and the term of use on how much you want to spend.
Top Solar Panel Cleaning Kits and Tools (2025 Picks)
Here is a list of the best solar panel kits and equipment for each type of solar panel setup. We have also given an approximate price for each equipment.
| Equipments | Best For | Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-fed Pole Kit | Homes | Soft brush, extendable | ₹2,000–₹4,000 |
| Robotic Cleaner | Large setups | Remote-controlled, waterless | ₹15,000+ |
| DIY Kit | Beginners | Hose adapter, sponge | ₹500–₹1,500 |
Best Cleaning Practices for Your Solar Panels
When you are cleaning solar panels on your own for the first time, you may not know some of the basic rules. Follow the ones given below-
• Clean during early morning or late evening
Of course, the timing of cleaning is an important factor. The best timings are often during the evening or early morning after dawn. Cleaning during broad daylight hours is not feasible, as generally you have to turn off the panels before cleaning.
• Turn off your solar system before cleaning
It is always better to shut down and switch of plugs on solar panels before cleaning them. make sure to detach the connection of the solar panels to the PV cells if you have battery backups to prevent any case of short circuit when cleaning with water.
• Use only soft, non-abrasive materials
Avoid the use of hard and abrasive materials as they can damage the top surface of the solar panels. The best idea is to always use a soft sponge, brushes, and so on.
• Avoid harsh chemicals or high-pressure washers
Do not use harsh chemicals for cleaning solar panels. After all, they are made of glass. Most experts suggest that using a simple soap and water solution is enough for cleaning. You can also buy cleaning agents for solar panels specifically.
Avoid using harsh washing powders or industrial chemicals.
It is always a good idea to use jet sprays, but with a lower PSI rating. Talk with an expert to know the ideal setting of the PSI scale on your jet spray, or else it may break or form cracks on the solar panels.
• Rinse panels with filtered or deionized water (if possible)
As we already told you above, using deionized water is a much better idea, or else the efficiency of the solar panels may be reduced.
Where to Buy Solar Panel Cleaning Equipments
Here are some of the places where you can buy solar panel cleaning equipment–
• Online marketplaces (Amazon, Flipkart, IndiaMART)
• Local solar equipment stores
• Solar installation companies may offer kits
Another option is to outsource the cleaning process or get into a contract with a solar panel cleaning agency. This is best if you do not have the know-how to clean solar panels. Handing it over to professionals ensures better cleaning, monitoring, timely maintenance, and so on.
Final Through
So, as you can see in this article, we have given you an idea about so many different types of solar panel cleaning Tools & Tips. We have introduced you to a simple cleaning process, like the use of a brush and sponge along with water.
However, larger setups may require more efficient cleaning methods like the use of automated cleaning machines or jet sprays for faster cleaning. You can always consult with your solar panel buyer to get further ideas on cleaning solar panels in the best method possible.
FAQs
It depends on the set up. If you have a simple ground setup and only a few panels installed simple brush and water would be enough. For commercial setups automated brush, robotic solar cleaners may be necessary.
For homely purposes, use of brush rotating or extendable brush, along with a hose pipe and, sponge, is simple and efficient equipment.
Think about the tilt, area coverage, ground height, and other parameters to come up with the most efficient tools for cleaning solar panels.
Yes, robotic solar cleaners are a worthy solution for large-scale commercial setups.
