How to Remove Paint from Solar Panels?

Ivan McCloud | Nov 1, 2022

If your solar panels are covered in paint, there’s a good chance you can remove them. But before scrubbing, you must understand which chemicals and equipment you’ll need. How to remove paint from solar panels?

To remove paint from solar panels, identify the type of paint used. Next, select a cleaning solution, such as water and vinegar, for removing water-based paint. After that, wet the solar panel with the cleaning solution. Scrub the paint off with a stiff brush.

How to Remove Paint from Solar Panels?

If your solar panel is covered in a protective coating, try to remove it with an acetone-based cleaner. The painter’s glaze or lacquer will flake off, revealing the raw metal underneath. A water-vinegar solution and glass cleaner will work if there is no coating.

Use a non-flammable cleaner when scrubbing, and avoid cutting the panel. There are a few simple steps that you can take to remove any paint from solar panels.

1. Identify What Kind of Pain Is on the Solar Panels

The first step is identifying the type of paint on the solar panels. You must choose the correct cleaning method based on the type of paint. You may have some of these basic paints in your solar panels.

• Protective coating
• Hydrogen-producing solar paint
• Perovskite solar paint
• Photovoltaic Paint
• Water-based paint

2. Choose the Cleaner Type

Now that you have identified the type of paint on solar panels, it is time to choose the cleaner based on its ability to remove stain.

• Water and Vinegar Solution: If the paint is water-based or contains a low oil level, you can clean solar panels with white vinegar and water solution. Furthermore, this solution also removes dirt, moss, and other contaminants from the panels.
• Acetone-based Cleaner: Acetone is a typical household cleaner to remove paint from surfaces. You can use acetone-based cleaners if your solar panel has a protective coating. Acetone is not recommended to remove ordinary paint.
• Glass Cleaner: A glass cleaner is designed to remove paint from a glass surface. Solar panels are made of glass on the upper surface. Thus, glass cleaners can remove paint from surfaces by breaking down their cleaning solution.
• Paint Remover Spray: Paint remover sprays can easily remove paint from solar panels without causing any damage to them. Cleaner of this type contains powerful solvents for removing photovoltaic and perovskite from solar panels.

Hydrogen-producing solar paint, however, is used to generate electricity from water vapor. Therefore, this paint is necessary for producing electricity. There is no way to remove that.

Remove Paint from Solar Panels Using Water and Vinegar

Before applying any cleaning agent to solar panels, wet them with water. You can remove the dried paint residue from solar panels by doing this. Dilute 1-part white vinegar with 2 parts water before cleaning solar panels with this solution.

Use a scrubber such as a brush or sponge if the paint on your solar panel is stubborn or hardened. Gently scrubs the paint away from the panel until all traces are gone. If you clean the solar panels this way, ensure you rinse them thoroughly afterward.

Remove Paint from Solar Panels Using Acetone-Based Cleaners

If your solar panels have any protective coating, you should remove it with acetone. To remove the solar panels from the frame, remove the screws or bolts.

Wear gloves and eye protection when doing this. Acetone can irritate the skin and eyes. Apply acetone to a cloth and wipe off the paint from both sides of each panel. Ensure that the boards are completely dry before reinstalling them.

Remove Paint from Solar Panels with Glass Cleaner

With a glass cleaner, you can remove paint from solar panels without damaging the surface. Spray the glass cleaner on a cloth and wipe off all the paint from both sides of the solar panel. Reinstall them on the frame after they have dried completely.

Remove Paint from Solar Panels Using a Pressure Washer

A pressure washer may be your best option if all other methods fail to remove paint from solar panels. If you use this method, be careful not to damage the surface with a powerful stream of water.

Let the solution soak into the paint for a few minutes after spraying it on a heavily soiled area. You can quickly and easily remove all of the paint with your pressure washer.

Remove Paint from Solar Panels Using a Wire Brush

If all other methods don’t work, you can try cleaning the solar panels with a wire brush. Clean the panel very well with acetone or glass cleaner. Next, use an electric drill to scrub the paint with the wire brush. Wear eye protection and gloves when doing this.

Remove Paint from Solar Panels with a Paint Scrubber

After spraying down a heavily soiled area, wait until the white vinegar and water solution soaks into the paint. Start rubbing away at the panel with your hands after placing the scrubber over its surface. Don’t damage any wiring or delicate solar panels.

Can You Use Vinegar to Clean Solar Panels?

It is possible to clean solar panels with vinegar. Due to vinegar’s powerful acidity, it is a good choice for cleaning solar panels. Acids are effective at breaking down organic materials, which include paint and other types of residues left on solar panels from years of use.

Vinegar is also a natural cleaner that can remove paint from surface without causing damage. Be sure to follow all safety guidelines before using this method. Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 10 cups of water in a spray bottle and use it to clean solar panels. Reinstall the panel on the frame after thoroughly rinsing it off.

How Do You Clean Solar Panels without Damaging Them?

The best way to clean solar panels without damaging them is to avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing them. You can clean the surface with a wet vacuum. You can avoid damaging your solar panel by following these tips.

• Use a Soft Rag

The first step in cleaning your solar panels is to wet a soft cloth and wring it out. To gently clean the panel’s surface, use this to remove any accumulated dirt or dust.

• Do Not Use Acidic Cleaner

Clean your solar panels with gentle, non-acidic cleaners. Using these chemicals can damage your board irreparably and damage the underlying electronics.

• Use a Gentle, Non-Abrasive Cleaner

Instead of using a scrubbing cleanser, choose one that is gentle but effective. This method can clean dirt, paint, and other residues from solar panels without causing damage.

• Use Plain Water and a Soft Brush

You can also use water and a soft brush to remove paint from solar panels without making any damage. Wet the cloth and apply it to the solar panel’s surface. If dirt or paint remains, gently buff it away in a circular pattern.

Learn How to Remove Paint From Your Solar Panels:

Final Thoughts

To conclude, use a wet vacuum to suck up water and particles from the surface of solar paint, or use a gentle cleaner and brush. Before reinstalling the panel on the frame, thoroughly rinse it off. Make sure you use a soft rag to prevent damage to your solar panel.