Solar Maintenance
Solar Panel Cleaning
Keep your system at peak performance
Dirty panels lose 15–25% of their output. Most homeowners don't realise how quickly dust, bird droppings and salt spray cut into savings. Solar Advice sends accredited electricians for a full clean, safety inspection and written report. You get a clear scope, itemised quote and guaranteed work before we start.
⏳ Deadlines
- Cheaper Home Batteries steps down in 66 days (1 January 2027)About $252/kWh for the first 14 kWh, $151/kWh to 28 kWh and $38/kWh to 50 kWh (2026 rate) Source: DCCEEW Cheaper Home Batteries, from 1 May 2026 · checked 2026-10-16
- STC discount on new solar shrinks in 66 days (1 January 2027)about 20% less than this year (one fewer deeming year) Source: Clean Energy Regulator (small-scale technology certificates) · set by law
Why solar panels lose power and cost you money
A 5 kW solar system that drops 20% in output loses roughly $400–$600 per year in electricity credits. Dust, pollen, bird droppings, salt spray and leaves all block sunlight from reaching your cells. In Australia's dry inland regions, panels can lose 15% in just three months; coastal suburbs see faster fouling because salt crystals are smaller and stick longer.
Most homeowners assume cleaning is cosmetic—it isn't. When your inverter app shows a 10% dip on a clear day, or your energy provider confirms lower export, you're already losing money. The fix is simple: a professional clean costs $200–$350 and pays for itself in weeks. Waiting six months costs you tens of dollars in lost generation.
What this covers
- 01
Single-storey residential clean
Typical 4–8 kW systems on low-pitch roofs. Quick access, low risk. Clean, test and handover in one visit. Ideal for suburbs and regional towns.
- 02
Double-storey and steep-roof clean
High-pitched or multi-level homes need fall protection and more time. Solar Advice electricians use certified harnesses and scaffolding. Pricing reflects equipment hire and additional labour.
- 03
Bird-proofing mesh installation
Stainless steel mesh installed beneath panels to block nesting and chewing. Recommended in areas with native birds, possums and rodents. Can be combined with cleaning for better site access.
- 04
Annual clean and inspection combo
- 05
Post-storm damage assessment and repair
Heavy rain, hail or wind can crack panels or loosen mounting. Solar Advice inspects, tests for electrical safety, documents damage for insurance, and quotes repairs or replacement.
How solar panel cleaning works and what to expect
Professional cleaning starts with an assessment. Solar Advice electricians visit your home (or review remote photos) to determine panel count, roof access, degree of soiling and any special risks like nearby trees or power lines. You receive a written, itemised quote outlining the clean method, timeframe and any additional work needed—such as bird-proofing or repairs.
On the day, our team arrives with soft-bristle brushes, deionised water and safety harnesses. We work methodically across each row, removing debris without using high-pressure water or chemicals that damage coatings. Once panels are clean, we test the electrical system using a multimeter and thermal camera to check for cell defects that may have been hidden by dirt. If output is still low, we investigate wiring, inverter settings or shading issues.
Before you sign off, you receive a handover pack: photos showing before and after, electrical test results, any faults spotted, maintenance recommendations and proof that the work was done safely. This documentation supports warranty claims and helps you plan future maintenance. SAA-accredited electricians ensure all electrical work meets Australian Standards AS/NZS 3000 and AS/NZS 5033.
Safety, accreditation and why it matters
Cleaning a solar array is electrical work. Even after an isolator is switched off, panels generate live DC voltage in sunlight—a shock hazard that kills if mishandled. Solar Advice employs only SAA-accredited installers trained in solar electrical safety. We test equipment before and after cleaning, use lockout procedures and maintain public liability insurance covering $10 million. This protects you and our team.
Roofwork itself is hazardous. Falls from heights are a leading cause of serious injury in Australia. Our electricians wear certified fall-arrest harnesses, use proper scaffolding or elevated work platforms, and follow Safe Work Australia guidelines. We photograph your roof condition and document any repairs needed so you can plan remedial work or claim on insurance. Annual cleaning and inspection reduce the risk of electrical faults and keep your system compliant with manufacturer warranties and building codes.
Choose an accredited installer and you avoid liability if something goes wrong during cleaning. If a fly-by-night service damages your panels or causes an injury, you have no recourse. Solar Advice provides written warranties on labour and holds indemnity insurance. Confirm your provider's SAA accreditation via the Solar Accreditation Australia website before booking.
Pricing guide
How much does solar panel cleaning cost in Australia?
Cost depends on system size, roof complexity, ground access and your location. A single-storey 5 kW system typically costs $200–$300; larger or multi-level homes can run $350–$450. Solar Advice provides a free on-site or remote assessment and written quote before any work. Distance from our depot, urgency and additional services (bird-proofing, repairs) may add to the price.
- Number of panels and total array size (kW rating)
- Roof pitch and complexity (flat, low-pitch, steep, multi-level)
- Ground access (deck, scaffolding, boom lift required)
- Degree of soiling (light dust vs heavy bird droppings or salt)
- Distance from Solar Advice depot and call-out urgency
- Additional services (bird-proofing, repairs, electrical testing)
| Job type | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-storey clean (4–6 kW) | $150 | $220 | $300 |
| Double-storey or steep-roof clean (6–10 kW) | $250 | $350 | $450 |
| Bird-proofing mesh (residential array) | $400 | $600 | $800 |
| Annual clean and inspection combo | $280 | $380 | $500 |
Don't assume the cheapest quote is best. Verify the provider is SAA-accredited, has public liability insurance and provides a written warranty. Choosing an unaccredited contractor to save $50 can cost thousands if your panels are damaged or you're injured.
Typically included
- On-site or remote photographic assessment
- Written, itemised quote with no hidden fees
- Supply of approved cleaning equipment and deionised water
- Soft-brush cleaning of all accessible panels
- Electrical testing (multimeter and thermal imaging)
- Handover documentation with before-and-after photos, test results and warranty details
Often excluded
- Repairs to cracked or damaged panels (quoted separately)
- Inverter software updates or resets (electrician advice only)
- Gutter or roof cleaning (separate contract, quoted on site)
- Removal of large obstacles like heavy tree branches or building debris
Do not allow anyone to clean your panels without SAA accreditation and public liability insurance. High-pressure hoses, abrasive pads and harsh chemicals void warranties and damage anti-reflective coatings. Never climb onto a roof yourself—falls are life-threatening. If you spot cracked panels, discoloured cells or loose wiring during a clean, stop and contact Solar Advice for urgent assessment.
Questions to ask every installer
- 1Is the installer SAA-accredited and can they provide a copy of their accreditation?
- 2Do you supply a written, itemised quote before starting work?
- 3What method do you use—are high-pressure hoses or harsh chemicals involved?
- 4Will you test electrical output and provide before-and-after results?
- 5What warranty or guarantee covers your labour and any accidental damage?
Brands we install
Brands we install
Ask us about current stock and warranty terms for each brand.
- Panels
- JinkoTrinaLONGiAikoRECCanadian SolarSunPower (Maxeon)
- Inverters
- FroniusSungrowSolarEdgeEnphaseGoodWeHuawei
- Batteries
- Tesla PowerwallSigenergyBYDAlpha ESSEnphase IQ BatterySungrow SBRFranklinWH
Solar designed around your situation
Which situation best suits you?
How often should I clean my solar panels?
How much does solar panel cleaning cost in Australia?
Can I clean solar panels myself?
Does cleaning void my solar panel warranty?
What is included in a professional solar clean?
Will cleaning increase my solar output immediately?
How do I know if my panels need cleaning?
What is bird-proofing mesh and when do I need it?
Get a free solar panel cleaning assessment
Accredited electricians. Written quote. No hidden costs.