Solar Panel Cleaning

Yes. Independent studies show soiled panels can lose 15–25% of their output. Bird droppings on a single cell can drag down the output of an entire string of panels.

Every 12 months for most South Coast homes. Properties near the ocean, under trees, or with bird activity nearby benefit from a clean every 6 months.

It can be, but roof falls are the leading cause of solar-related injuries. Hose water leaves mineral streaks, and detergents can void warranties. Professional cleaning with deionised water is safer and more effective.

Not with Coast Flow's method. We use only purified deionised water and a soft brush — no chemicals and no high pressure, which are the two things that typically void panel warranties.

No. Rain rinses off loose dust but leaves mineral deposits, salt, pollen residue and stuck-on bird droppings behind — often making streaking worse. Panels still need periodic proper cleaning.

Dust, pollen, salt spray, bird droppings, sap, ash from bushfires and industrial particulates all build up on panel glass over time.

Yes. Concentrated droppings block sunlight and can cause hotspots that permanently damage the cell over time. Regular cleaning combined with bird proofing prevents this.

Deionised water leaves no mineral residue, so panels dry spot-free. It also breaks the surface tension of dust and pollen, lifting them cleanly.

No. Only purified deionised water and a soft telescopic brush — the method preferred by most solar panel manufacturers.

No. High pressure can crack the glass, damage the seal around the frame, and void the panel warranty. Only low-pressure or hand cleaning is safe.

No. Detergents leave residues that attract dirt faster and are explicitly disallowed by many panel manufacturers, potentially voiding warranty.

Yes — if your panels are noticeably soiled you should see output return to expected levels. Monitor your inverter or app for the change.

Look for visible dust film, streaks, bird droppings, pollen build-up or a drop in daily kWh compared to the same season last year. If any of these are present, a clean is due.

Yes. Localised shading from droppings or heavy soiling can create hotspots that permanently damage cells.

Yes. Coast Flow cleans residential, commercial and rural solar arrays across the South Coast, Illawarra and Southern Highlands.

Yes. Ground-mount and tilt-frame arrays are cleaned with the same deionised-water method.

We avoid cleaning panels in the hottest part of the day because cold water on very hot glass can risk thermal stress. Early morning or late afternoon is preferred.

Early morning or late afternoon, when panels are cooler and the surface is easier to work on safely.

Yes. During the clean we visually check for cracked glass, delamination, loose fixings and bird activity, and flag anything worth watching.

Yes. Bird-proof mesh is designed to allow full panel cleaning access without removal.

Yes. Coast Flow carries full public liability insurance and uses proper roof-safety equipment for all rooftop work.

A typical residential array takes 30–60 minutes. Larger commercial arrays and multi-string systems take longer, with time reflected in the fixed-price quote.

A garden tap is helpful but not essential — we can bring water on the truck for jobs where access is limited.

Coast Flow is equipped for two-storey solar cleaning across the South Coast.

Salt spray builds up on panels near the coast and both reduces output and slowly corrodes seals. Regular cleaning removes it before it does damage.

Every 6 months is a good rule for homes within 1–2 km of the ocean along the Illawarra and South Coast — salt spray build-up is faster than most owners expect.