A quick Google search will give you plenty of DIY tips for cleaning panels with dish soap. However, what works for your dinner plates can be a disaster for your 25-year solar investment.
The Problem with "Suds"
While soap might look clean initially, it creates three major issues for your solar efficiency:
The Sticky Residue Trap
Standard detergents leave behind a thin, sticky film that doesn't rinse away with a garden hose. This residue acts as an adhesive for pollen and dust, meaning your panels will often get dirtier faster than if you had never touched them.
Anti-Reflective Coating Risks
Modern solar panels feature a delicate anti-reflective (AR) coating to maximize light absorption. Harsh chemicals in household soaps can strip this coating away over time, permanently reducing the panel's ability to produce power.
Voiding Your Warranty
Most major panel manufacturers explicitly state that using chemicals or detergents for cleaning can void your warranty. If a panel fails due to glass etching or seal corrosion caused by soap, you are on your own for replacement costs.
The Pure Water Advantage
We use a 100% chemical-free, Pure De-ionised Water system. By stripping minerals and ions from the water, it becomes a "hungry" solvent that absorbs dirt naturally and dries 100% streak-free without soap.