What not to do to your array

Common Mistakes That Damage Solar Panels

The most common mistakes that damage solar panels all come from cleaning them the wrong way: pressure washing, abrasive pads, harsh chemicals, tap water and cleaning hot panels midday. Any one of these can scratch the glass, void your warranty or crack a cell. Here's what to avoid on your Humboldt County array — and what to do instead.

Too much pressure

Pressure washing cracks seals and coatings

Pressure washing is the number-one damaging mistake — the force can breach frame seals and strip the anti-reflective coating. Panels need low-pressure soft washing, not a driveway blaster. This is the damage we're most often called to assess on North Coast roofs.

Abrasives and chemicals

Scrub pads and harsh cleaners void warranties

Abrasive pads and harsh household chemicals scratch the glass and can void your panel warranty. Only soft, solar-safe brushes and pure water should ever touch the surface. Once the coating is scratched, the fix is usually replacing the panel.

Wrong water, wrong time

Tap water and midday heat cause problems

Cleaning with mineral-heavy tap water leaves spots, and spraying cold water on hot midday panels risks thermal shock that can crack cells. Clean in the cooler morning with deionized water instead. It's a small timing detail that protects the glass on your Eureka array.