Community Forums

NW RV GUY · 06-15-2025, 06:46 PM

Hello,

2024 ORV 250RDS Titanium:

We have it covered when not in use, but I can see the panels are getting a little dirty where the panel meets the metal framing. Probably more of a pride thing as I know they are made to withstand the elements.

That being said:

Can anyone recommend a safe product to use or is good old dish soap( like Dawn) ok..?

Thank you...much appreciated.

AlanTerry · 06-15-2025, 06:50 PM

Windex and paper towels do a good job!

fcbbob15 · 06-15-2025, 07:24 PM

You can buy commercial products for cleaning panels. They work reasonably well for homes with slanted roofs. They however don't work well on panels that are mostly flat on a RVs. As said by Alan windex and paper towels work well. You can clean up the glass where it meets the frame. On some RVs like mine getting on the roof to clean the panels is difficult because of the number of panels. I use scaffolding and a squeegee. Works reasonably well but not perfect.

Fpmtngal · 06-15-2025, 07:33 PM

Can’t you use just about any glass cleaner that doesn’t leave streaks? I had pretty good luck with Sprayway Glass Cleaner on my old trailer, more than with Windex, which seemed to streak more.

BPTS · 06-15-2025, 07:36 PM

Wash them off with Dawn and water- rinse well and apply Rainex- it will help them stay cleaner.

fcbbob15 · 06-16-2025, 12:14 AM

I used Rain x on mine and it did help keep them cleaner. I noticed about 10% drop in wattage. Not a scientific test but questioned why. I have enough panels that it didn't really matter. I still use it. Good product that I use on windows all the time.

MKwilli · 06-16-2025, 10:04 AM

Good info! Following and thanks for the info.

rarebear.nm · 06-16-2025, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fcbbob15

I used Rain x on mine and it did help keep them cleaner. I noticed about 10% drop in wattage. Not a scientific test but questioned why. I have enough panels that it didn't really matter. I still use it. Good product that I use on windows all the time.

I have never seen a manufacture recommend or suggest using Rain-X on solar panels. Usually discourage doing it. I'd check with the manufacture of your solar panels before doing so.

I frequently just use water and a window squezzy or Windex and microfiber trowels if it is still a mess after a water wash. I have enough panel capacity I don't over think the cleaning routine.

Mark_K5LXP · 06-17-2025, 06:56 AM

The "best" way is nothing but a rinse with distilled water and wipe with a super soft cloth or shammy. Anything on the surface, from a microscopic soap residue to a wax or other coating will only diminish panel efficiency. I get it - picking nits but the OP said "best". I have a portable panel that gets pretty dusty being near or on the ground when deployed and watching a connected wattmeter reveals just how little accumulation of anything, pretty much anywhere on the panel affects output. My usual cleaning regimen is a liberal rinse with water to wash away dirt and dust, then a wipedown with a flannel or cotton terry cloth. Just spraying with a cleaner won't wash off the dirt, and you end up with an abrasive paste that will microscopically scratch the surface when you wipe it off.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

AlanTerry · 06-17-2025, 07:06 AM

Driving down the highway I see large Solar farms and nobody washing them. So I guess rain works pretty good. I do use Windex and paper towels to clean them, probably over kill.

Good luck with your cleaning.

ArtJoyce · 06-17-2025, 07:26 AM

There can an extremely thin film sprayed on the panels to assist in its efficiency. Its easy to scrub off the film. Check the website of you panel manufacturer for best cleaning method.

Yosemite77 · 06-18-2025, 12:23 PM

I carry a squeegee (sponge attached) and a pail with us while camping, using just water to clean the panels. They come out looking great.

TJFlyrod · 06-25-2025, 05:23 PM

I use distilled water, in a spray bottle, with Unger window cleaning concentrate ( professional window cleaning product available at the Home Depot), and a squeegee. It works great for both windows and solar panels.

Avoid using hard water (spotting), and clean when panels/windows are not in direct sunlight is best. I simply put 1/4 oz. concentrate in 25 oz. distilled water, and a bottle will last a month or two.

SafariBen · 06-25-2025, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlanTerry

Driving down the highway I see large Solar farms and nobody washing them. So I guess rain works pretty good. I do use Windex and paper towels to clean them, probably over kill.

Good luck with your cleaning.

Stationary panels are typically tilted pretty good, RV panels are more often flatter, so they accumulate more dirt and don't rinse as well in the rain. I've rinsed mine once, since they were dirty from extended storage, probably never rinse them again, unless I'm up there with a hose for some other reason.