Solar Panel Cleaning & Checkups: Maximise Your Power Output

If you’ve invested in solar power, you’ve already taken a smart step toward reducing energy costs, protecting the environment, and future-proofing your home or business. But like any long-term investment, your solar system needs care to keep performing at its best.

Over time, dust, dirt, salt spray, and bird droppings settle on your panels, blocking sunlight and reducing your system’s efficiency. In Canterbury’s varied climate — with everything from coastal salt to spring pollen — it’s easy for panels to lose up to 30% of their output without regular cleaning and servicing.

That’s where ATL Electrical’s solar system checkup and panel cleaning service comes in. Our qualified electricians don’t just wash your panels — we test, inspect, and fine-tune your solar setup to make sure every part is working safely and efficiently.

Keeping Your Solar Investment Working for You

Solar panels are designed to last for decades, but that longevity depends on maintenance. When a layer of grime builds up, it acts like sunscreen — blocking sunlight and reducing the amount of energy your system produces. That means less power generated, less savings, and a longer payback period for your investment.

A professional solar panel cleaning and system checkup ensures that your setup continues to deliver the performance it was designed for. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about protecting your return on investment and ensuring safety compliance across your system.

The Hidden Cost of Dirty Panels

Even a thin film of dirt can cause noticeable losses in solar production. Research and field tests show that panels that aren’t cleaned regularly can suffer efficiency drops of 15–30%, depending on the level of build-up.

Here in Canterbury, a range of environmental factors can accelerate that build-up:

• Dust and pollen carried by wind during dry months.

• Salt spray from coastal areas like Sumner, Diamond Harbour, and Parklands.

• Bird droppings and organic residue that stick and harden under sunlight.

• Tree sap and leaf litter that shade sections of panels, disrupting power flow.

  
  

When solar cells are partially shaded or blocked, they can overheat, which stresses the system and shortens its lifespan. In the long run, neglecting cleaning can cost hundreds of dollars a year in lost efficiency — easily outweighing the cost of a professional clean.

System Safety: Beyond a Simple Wash

Cleaning solar panels might seem straightforward — spray, wipe, rinse, repeat — but there’s more to solar maintenance than a bucket and sponge.

ATL’s solar system checkup and cleaning service combines hands-on cleaning with a full electrical safety and performance inspection by certified electricians.

We check:

• Earthing and electrical connections

• Voltage at the inverter

• Wiring integrity and mounting compliance

• Potential hotspots or loose terminations

This means your panels aren’t just clean — your entire system is verified as safe, compliant, and performing to spec.

Attempting DIY cleaning without the proper safety knowledge or products can risk damage to panels or personal injury. Our team uses CRC WattsUp Solar Panel Cleaner, a non-corrosive, solvent-free, eco-safe formula that removes grime without harming your panels or the environment.

What’s Included in a Full ATL Solar Service?

Our service goes far beyond surface cleaning.

Here’s what you can expect when booking a solar checkup and clean with ATL Electrical:

• Pre-service inspection – We assess your panels, cabling, and mounting for any visible faults or hazards.

• Electrical testing – Our electricians test the system’s earthing, inverter voltage, and terminals for proper function.

• Panel cleaning – Using CRC WattsUp cleaner, we safely lift dirt, dust, and buildup for a spotless finish.

• Rinse and dry – Panels are rinsed and left with a streak-free surface to ensure maximum sunlight absorption.

• Performance check and report – You’ll receive a condition summary with recommendations for any repairs or optimisations.

We can also schedule routine maintenance to ensure your solar system stays in top shape throughout the year.

How Often Should You Service and Clean Your Solar Panels?

There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule, but for most Canterbury homeowners, a professional clean once a year is ideal. Properties in coastal, rural, or dusty areas may benefit from cleaning every six months.

Spring and early summer are the best times to book — your panels are refreshed before peak sunlight months, ensuring maximum generation during the period of highest energy use.

If you notice visible dirt, a sudden dip in power generation, or error readings on your inverter, it’s time to schedule a checkup.

ATL also offers maintenance schedules so you don’t have to think about it — we’ll remind you when your system is due for servicing, keeping performance and safety consistent year-round.

Results You Can Expect

After a professional clean and system check, customers typically notice:

• A boost in power output (often 10–30%)

• Improved inverter performance and more stable readings

• Reduced shading hotspots, which lowers stress on panels

• Peace of mind knowing your solar investment is safe and protected

Clean panels not only generate more electricity but also run cooler, which can extend their lifespan and maintain warranty coverage.

For a typical Canterbury household generating around 5,000 kWh a year, even a 15% efficiency gain can translate into hundreds of dollars in additional power savings annually — all from a single service.

Professional vs DIY Cleaning

While some homeowners try to clean panels themselves, there are clear advantages to using qualified professionals:

A professional clean ensures the job is done safely and correctly — and the electrical checkup adds value no DIY wash can match.

Our Pricing and Coverage

ATL’s solar system checkup and panel cleaning service starts from just $349 incl. GST for homes within 20 km of Christchurch.

For residential properties in outer areas (up to 50 km), pricing starts from $449 incl. GST, with tailored quotes available for larger or commercial systems.

Each visit includes:

• Full inspection and testing

• Professional panel clean

• Detailed system condition report

We proudly service homes, businesses, and rural sites across Canterbury.

Eco-Friendly, Safe, and Certified

As an electrical company deeply rooted in sustainability, ATL only uses environmentally responsible cleaning products. CRC WattsUp Solar Panel Cleaner is non-corrosive, solvent-free, and biodegradable, meaning it’s safe for your panels, your property, and the planet.

Every service is carried out by qualified electricians, not general cleaners — ensuring that your solar system’s electrical integrity is checked at the same time.

It’s the difference between “just clean” and “clean and performing at peak efficiency.”

Your solar panels are a major part of your energy future — and like any investment, they need regular care to perform their best.

A professional solar system checkup and cleaning helps you avoid hidden performance losses, ensures electrical safety, and keeps your panels generating power efficiently for years to come.

At ATL Electrical, we handle everything from installation to ongoing maintenance — all delivered by qualified electricians who understand solar systems inside and out. Whether you’re powering your home, business, or lifestyle block, we’re here to help you make the most of your solar investment.

Book your solar checkup and professional clean today.

Keep your system safe, efficient, and performing at its best — starting from just $349 incl. GST.

Book now!