Best way to clean solar panels?

[Mick2]

Hi everyone. I have an old solar hot water system on the roof and I've noticed it has got algae or something growing on it. Is there anything I should or shouldn't use to clean it? I've been putting it off as I'm not too keen to get up on the tiled roof as it could be slippery. I guess something that I could spray from a distance and stay on the relative safety of the ladder would be preferable. Thanks!

[Jason]

Welcome to Workshop @Mick2. We are pleased you could join us and hope community members provide lots of useful advice and inspiration for your projects. 

Hopefully Workshop community members like @Brad and @Henno will have some good suggestions for you about this problem, but in the meantime you might find information in this similar discussion helpful - https://www.workshop.com.au/t5/Outdoor/Mould-on-solar-panels/m-p/6496

Please let us know if you ever need a hand getting the most from this site or have any feedback about how we can improve Workshop so it is even more useful to you. 

All the best,

Jason

[Brad]

I found some on our old system that was in a corner from a leak - new system later only a bit of mould on a mounting bracket and no leak.
I would try a gentle spray with a garden hose first.

[Henno]

@Mick2

I've seen this stuff around and perhaps this might be useful. Not sure if they stock it at Bunnings though, but you could ring your local one and ask:

http://cleanwithglitz.com.au/product/glitz-out-door-cleaner-con-5l/