How to clean solar panels on garden lights

21 Sep 2023
3 min
Beginner

Julia ZaraevaAuthor

Solar-powered garden lights are a great way to illuminate gardens, pathways, and terraces. The sun charges their batteries, allowing them to glow at night. However, solar lights’ performance diminishes over time due to dust, dirt, and debris accumulating on their panels. To ensure they continue to shine brightly, learn how to clean solar panels on garden lights.

Why it’s important to clean solar panels on garden lights

When garden light solar panels are dirty, they can’t absorb sunlight effectively, their performance drops, the batteries don’t get enough charge during the day and can’t run long and bright at night. But that’s not all. Dirty panels can overheat, which may cause increased wear and tear and long-term damage. These are two main reasons why you should make cleaning your solar panels a regular part of your maintenance routine.

Best practices for cleaning solar panels on garden lights

Cleaning garden light solar panels is a very straightforward process, but it requires some care to avoid damaging the panels or the lights themselves. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it properly:

• Turn off the lights: Before cleaning, turn off the garden lights to ensure your safety and prevent any potential electrical hazards.
• Gather your cleaning tools: To clean your solar panels, you’ll need soft cloth or sponge, mild detergent, and water.
• Wash the panels: Take a wet soft cloth or sponge and gently clean the solar panels. For stubborn dirt or grime, you can use a mild detergent. Avoid using abrasive or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the panel’s surface, and be careful not to apply too much pressure.
• Rinse and dry: After cleaning, rinse the solar panels with clean water to remove any soap residue. Then, use a clean, dry cloth to gently wipe the panel dry. Ensure there are no water spots left behind

Clean your solar panels regularly, especially during seasons with increased dust and pollen. Generally, it’s recommended to clean them every 6-12 months. Remember that regular maintenance is key to keeping your solar garden lights performing at their best year-round. Read our article on how to clean solar panels to learn more.

Julia Zaraeva

Author

Years of experience in translation and a love of nature help Julia find the right words to encourage going solar. She joined the team in 2023 and is happy to make her contribution to a greener future.