The Right Way and the Wrong Way to Clean Solar Panels

Pure Results: The Solar Panel Cleaning Equipment Professionals Rely On

If you’re running a window cleaning or exterior cleaning business, adding solar panel cleaning to your services is a smart move.

But not all cleaning gear is made equal.

To get spotless, safe results that help panels work at their best, you need the right solar panel cleaning equipment.

Which is why in this guide, we’ll cover what the pros use, the best cleaning method, common mistakes to avoid, and whether robots are really a thing.

What Do Professionals Use to Clean Solar Panels?

Professional cleaners use pure water systems and soft-bristled brushes mounted on long, water-fed poles. At Streamline®, our solar panel cleaning equipment includes van-mounted tanks with built-in filtration systems that produce pure water on the go.

Why pure water?

Because it dries without leaving any streaks or mineral spots.

This means your panels stay cleaner for longer and perform at their peak. Combined with high-reach carbon fibre poles like the OVA8® range, pros can clean panels safely from the ground, with no need for ladders.

Our systems range from compact trolleys to full van setups. They’re designed for speed, safety, and a spotless finish – something that’s hard to achieve with a garden hose and a sponge.

What Is the Best Method of Cleaning Solar Panels?

The best method, hands down, is using pure water and a soft brush through a water-fed pole. This avoids harsh chemicals, which can damage the panel coating, and gets rid of the grime without scratching the glass.

Our solar panel cleaning equipment delivers pure water through easy-to-use systems that rinse panels clean and then dry without any need to wipe down. It’s quick, effective, and safe for your clients’ investments.

Working during cooler parts of the day also helps, as it prevents quick evaporation that can leave streaks. Let the water do the work.

Are There Robots to Clean Solar Panels?

Yes, robotic solar panel cleaners do exist.

They’re used mostly for large solar farms, where panels are hard to reach and stretch for acres. These machines crawl along the panels, brushing and rinsing as they go.

But for most professionals in the EU, these robots are overkill.

They’re expensive, take time to set up, and often aren’t practical for standard rooftop installs. That’s why most cleaning businesses stick with trusted solar panel cleaning equipment like van systems and water-fed poles—it’s faster, more flexible, and more affordable.

What Should You NOT Do When Cleaning Solar Panels?

• Don’t use abrasive brushes or scouring pads. You’ll risk scratching the glass.
• Don’t use high-pressure washers. They can damage seals and force water into places it shouldn’t go.
• Don’t use strong chemicals. They might leave residue or degrade the panel coating.
• Don’t clean panels when they’re very hot, rapid cooling from cold water can cause thermal shock.
• And never walk on solar panels. It’s dangerous and can cause expensive damage.

Using the wrong tools can ruin your client’s panels or void their warranty. Sticking to proper solar panel cleaning equipment and pure water methods keeps you and the panels safe.

Conclusion

Professional solar panel cleaning is growing fast. But to do it right, and avoid damaging valuable panels, you need the right gear. At Streamline™, we supply professional-grade solar panel cleaning equipment designed for performance, reliability, and ease of use.

From van-mounted pure water systems to high-reach OVA8® poles and soft-bristle brushes, we help cleaning businesses deliver a spotless finish, every time. Skip the guesswork, and work with tools you can trust.

Ready to upgrade your setup?

Explore our full range of solar panel cleaning equipment here: solar panel cleaning equipment.