Product Overview

Summary: This Solar Panel Cleaning and Maintenance Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step method for safely inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining photovoltaic (PV) systems. It helps Australian businesses protect workers from height, electrical, and environmental risks while maximising system performance and meeting WHS obligations.

Solar arrays are often installed on roofs, elevated structures, or remote sites, exposing workers to a combination of height, electrical and environmental hazards during inspection, cleaning and maintenance. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, WHS-aligned method for planning and carrying out solar panel cleaning and minor maintenance tasks, including pre-start checks, access and fall protection, electrical isolation, cleaning techniques, and post-maintenance verification. It is designed for Australian conditions, where high UV, dust, bird droppings, salt spray and extreme weather can quickly impact both system performance and worker safety.

By implementing this SOP, businesses can standardise how solar maintenance work is done across sites and contractors, ensuring consistent risk controls are in place regardless of who is on the roof. The document helps duty holders demonstrate due diligence under WHS law by clearly defining responsibilities, required competencies, PPE, and safe work methods. At the same time, it supports operational objectives by reducing unplanned outages, avoiding panel damage from incorrect cleaning methods, and preserving warranty conditions through compliant, documented maintenance practices.

Key Benefits

• Ensure safe access, cleaning and maintenance of solar PV systems in line with Australian WHS legislation.
• Reduce the risk of falls from height, electric shock and heat stress for workers performing rooftop solar work.
• Protect solar assets from damage caused by inappropriate cleaning methods, tools or chemicals.
• Standardise maintenance practices across sites, contractors and teams to improve consistency and auditability.
• Demonstrate due diligence to clients, regulators and insurers through a documented, repeatable procedure.

Who is this for?

• Solar Installation and Maintenance Technicians
• Electrical Contractors
• Facilities and Asset Managers
• Operations Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Site Supervisors
• Property and Strata Managers
• Maintenance Planners
• Renewable Energy Project Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from height while accessing or working near roof edges and fragile surfaces
• Electric shock or arc flash from live DC or AC components during inspection and cleaning
• Slips and trips on wet, dusty, mossy or uneven roof surfaces and cable routing
• Heat stress, dehydration and sun exposure when working in hot Australian conditions
• Manual handling injuries from carrying equipment, ladders and cleaning tools to and on the roof
• Panel and glass breakage leading to cuts, lacerations and exposure to live conductors
• Chemical exposure and environmental contamination from inappropriate cleaning agents
• Adverse weather risks including high winds, storms and lightning during elevated work
• Contact with birds, insects or vermin nesting under or around panels

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Legislation and Standards
• 3.0 Definitions and Terminology (PV components, isolation points, working at heights etc.)
• 4.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 5.0 Required Tools, Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 6.0 Pre-Start Planning and Risk Assessment (JSA/SWMS integration)
• 7.0 Site Access, Roof Access and Working at Heights Controls
• 8.0 Electrical Isolation, Lockout/Tagout and Verification of De-energisation
• 9.0 Inspection of Solar Panels, Mounting Systems and Cabling
• 10.0 Approved Cleaning Methods, Water Quality and Cleaning Agents
• 11.0 Step-by-Step Cleaning Procedure (including sequencing and panel handling)
• 12.0 Environmental and Weather Considerations (heat, UV, wind, storms)
• 13.0 Manual Handling and Equipment Handling Practices
• 14.0 Post-Cleaning Checks, System Testing and Re-energisation
• 15.0 Waste Management and Environmental Protection
• 16.0 Incident, Near Miss and Damage Reporting Requirements
• 17.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 18.0 Recordkeeping, Maintenance Logs and Warranty Considerations
• 19.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the Procedure

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and harmonised state/territory laws)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 5033: Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS/NZS 1892: Portable ladders
• AS/NZS 1319: Safety signs for the occupational environment
• AS/NZS 4501: Occupational protective clothing
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 1715 & AS/NZS 1716: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment and respiratory protective devices