Solar Panel Cleaning Safety Guidelines

Cleaning solar panels requires more caution than cleaning other surfaces.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is aware of this and highlights several risks in solar panel maintenance, including fall prevention, lockout/tagout procedures, and arc flash hazards.

**Electrocution: A Major Risk**  

“Electrocution is the top concern for solar cleaners,” says Carla Dawson, Certified Training provider at the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners® (NABCEP®). Many contractors are unaware of the risks of cleaning panels that aren’t isolated. Damaged panels and faulty connectors are just a few examples of what could cause electrocution. A comprehensive hazard analysis is vital before starting any cleaning.

**Understand the Hazards**  

A proper hazard analysis involves understanding the various types of photovoltaic (PV) surfaces and complying with OSHA regulations. Luckily, organizations like NABCEP® provide educational resources, including safe practices and online training for contractors in solar panel cleaning.

**The Reality of Solar Panel Cleaning**  

Dangerous situations can easily be found online, showing individuals precariously cleaning solar panels on rooftops. Lying or sitting on a roof to clean panels can be more hazardous than cleaning with a wand. Recognize that a solar panel is very different from a standard roof shingle. 

As Dawson points out, one of the biggest challenges of solar panel cleaning is realizing that panels are not just another surface—they are power generators, and cleaning methods must account for this.

**Regulations and Disposal Concerns**  

Solar panels may have widespread support from regulators, environmentalists, and manufacturers, but actual safety scrutiny is just beginning. Cleaning methods for solar panels are likely to be more regulated as safety education improves. Additionally, the disposal of solar panels is becoming an environmental concern, with hazardous materials like lead and cadmium potentially classifying some as hazardous waste.

**Evolving Cleaning Methods**  

As photovoltaic technology advances, so too will the methods for cleaning solar panels. Rainfall, once thought to be sufficient for keeping panels clean, is not enough. Studies by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) show that soiling, particularly from pollen, can reduce panel efficiency by up to 15% during peak pollen periods. This highlights the need for regular cleaning to maintain optimal performance.

**Best Cleaning Practices**  

Basic cleaning methods involve using purified water and soft brushes. Whether or not to dry panels afterward remains debated. However, safety must always come first, especially for rooftop solar panels. OSHA regulations apply, particularly in residential areas.

**Leasing and Safety Standards**  

Many homeowners lease their solar panels, and some sell excess power back to the grid. Employers connecting to the grid must follow OSHA Standard 1910.269 (Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution), but regulations specifically for solar panels not connected to the grid do not exist yet. 

The contract cleaning industry faces the challenge of determining which OSHA standards apply, with installation governed by construction industry rules and maintenance (cleaning) falling under general industry guidelines. Falls from more than four feet require proper safety measures like railings or fall arrest systems.

**Water and Electricity: A Dangerous Mix**  

Solar panels are electricity generators, and cleaning them can be hazardous. Power must be shut off and secured using lockout/tagout procedures before cleaning begins. Another risk to watch out for is arc flash, which occurs when an electric current jumps between conductors, causing a fiery flash. 

**Temperature Considerations**  

Solar panels can reach temperatures as high as 150°F in direct sunlight, which affects both safety and performance. High temperatures can reduce panel efficiency by as much as 25%, adding yet another layer of complexity to solar energy integration.

**Solar Energy’s Rapid Growth**  

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is dedicated to expanding the use of solar panels. With an estimated 3.3 million new solar roof installations each year, there will be a growing need for professional cleaning services.

**In Summary**  

The demand for solar energy is increasing rapidly, and so is the need for proper cleaning and maintenance of solar panels. For contractors, this means more work but also more safety concerns. As the industry grows, staying informed and following safety guidelines is essential.

Carry on with care—and enthusiasm.