Timaru Solar Panel Cleaning – Protect Your Panels from Lichen Damage
- Eco Solar Clean Team
- Apr 27
- 2 min read
At Eco Solar Clean, we recently completed a solar panel cleaning job in Timaru that highlights why regular maintenance is essential for solar system performance.
The customer had a 10-panel installation that was heavily coated in lichen, a type of hardy organism that had built up over time across the entire surface of the panels. While lichen might seem like a minor nuisance, it can cause serious long-term damage if left untreated.
Why Is Lichen Bad for Solar Panels?
Lichen is much more than just a cosmetic issue. Here’s why it’s a problem:
Blocks sunlight: Lichen forms a crusty, dense layer that reduces the amount of sunlight reaching your solar cells, which can dramatically decrease your system’s output.
Permanent staining: If not cleaned properly, lichen can etch into the panel glass, leaving behind permanent marks that affect performance even after cleaning.
Encourages moisture buildup: Lichen holds moisture against the panels, which can speed up degradation of the surface and increase the risk of micro-cracks or long-term damage.
Harder (and costlier) to remove over time: The longer lichen is left untreated, the more it embeds into the panel surface, making cleaning more difficult and expensive.
In short, lichen doesn’t just make your panels look dirty — it costs you money by reducing the efficiency and lifespan of your investment.
The Timaru Solar Panel Clean — Before and After
When we arrived at the property in Timaru, the 10-panel system was visibly coated with thick, grey-green patches of lichen. This level of buildup can reduce a system’s efficiency by 20% or more — meaning the homeowner was losing out on valuable solar energy every day.
Using specialised soft cleaning techniques and deionised water, we were able to safely and effectively remove the lichen without damaging the sensitive panel surfaces.
After the clean, the panels looked almost brand new, and the homeowner is now seeing noticeably improved energy production.
Why Regular Solar Panel Cleaning Matters
Your solar panels are exposed to the elements 24/7. In New Zealand’s climate — especially in places like Timaru where moisture and cooler temperatures help lichen thrive — it’s important to schedule professional solar panel cleaning at least once a year.
Benefits of regular cleaning include:
Maximised energy output year-round
Longer panel lifespan
Protection against irreversible surface damage
Improved return on investment
A clean panel is an efficient panel.
And the longer you leave lichen and grime to build up, the more it will cost to fix down the road.
Book Your Solar Panel Cleaning in Timaru
If you have solar panels in Timaru or anywhere across the South Island, now is the perfect time to get them checked and cleaned.
At Eco Solar Clean, we specialise in safe, professional solar panel cleaning designed to maximise your system’s efficiency and protect your investment.
Don’t wait until lichen takes hold — get in touch today!
Visit www.ecosolarclean.co.nz to book your clean.
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