Solar panels are refreshingly low-maintenance — there are no moving parts and nothing to refuel. But a little care keeps them producing at their best. Here's what California homeowners actually need to do.
Do panels even need cleaning?
For most homes, rain does the majority of the work. But in dry, dusty stretches — common in the San Fernando Valley — dust, pollen, and the occasional bird dropping can build up and shave a bit off your production. If you notice output dipping during a long dry spell, a rinse can help.
How to clean them safely
When cleaning is needed, less is more: a gentle rinse with a garden hose and, if necessary, a soft brush with plain water. Skip harsh chemicals and pressure washers, which can damage panels. Most importantly, don't risk climbing onto a roof — do it from the ground where possible, or hire a professional for steep or hard-to-reach arrays. Your safety is worth more than a few percent of production.
What else to keep an eye on
Check your monitoring app now and then to confirm the system is producing as expected — a sudden drop is the best early warning that something needs attention. Keep the area around your inverter clear, and give the system a look after major storms.
Monitoring and warranties
Quality systems come with production monitoring and long equipment warranties. If output falls off and cleaning doesn't fix it, that's a service call — not something to ignore. A good installer stands behind the system and helps you sort it out.
Paxton Energy installs monitored systems and is here after the sale — if your production looks off, we'll help you figure out why. Have questions about your system? Get in touch.