Lichen-Covered Solar Panels Cleaned in Wingatui – Here’s Why It Matters
- Eco Solar Clean Team
- Jul 20
- 2 min read
Yesterday, the Eco Solar Clean team was out in Wingatui, just off Guy Road, tackling a common but damaging issue for solar panel owners in rural Otago: lichen growth.
The property had multiple panels with heavy lichen buildup, especially around the lower edges and frames, a problem that’s more than just cosmetic. Lichen can block sunlight, degrade the panel’s surface over time, and reduce energy production significantly.
Why lichen is bad for your solar panels
Lichen thrives in damp, shaded areas, and it’s incredibly stubborn. Unlike dust or bird droppings, it bonds to the surface of your panels and won’t come off with rain. If left untreated, it can:
Reduce sunlight absorption
Cause hotspots that damage your panel cells
Shorten panel lifespan
That’s why regular cleaning is essential, especially in regions like Mosgiel, Wingatui, and rural Dunedin, where trees and seasonal dampness provide perfect conditions for lichen growth.
Our cleaning method – Safe & Effective
For this Wingatui job, we used our pure demineralised water system along with our specialised lichen removal tools, to safely remove the lichen without damaging the panels or voiding the warranty.
Our process is:
Chemical-free and eco-friendly
Uses zero detergents
Ensures a streak-free, spot-free finish
By the time we left, every panel on the roof was shining, and ready to perform at its best.
Servicing Wingatui and Beyond
We regularly clean solar panels throughout:
Wingatui
Mosgiel
East Taieri
Outram
Brighton and rural Dunedin areas
No matter how dirty your panels are, we’ve got the tools, the expertise, and the reach to get them back to peak efficiency.
If your panels look like the ones we saw on Guy Road, you’re probably losing a chunk of your energy production without even realising it. Lichen and dirt can cut efficiency by up to 25%.
Don’t let nature steal your solar power.
Book Your Solar Panel Clean Today
Ready to restore your panel performance in Wingatui or anywhere in Dunedin?
we’ll bring the shine back to your solar.
Comments