I spend a lot of time testing portable power stations and solar panels, and one thing I’ve learned is that a solar panel can only produce what the sunlight reaching its cells allows. Dust, pollen, oily fingerprints, and dried water spots all sit between the sun and the cells. So I decided to try the CLEANTITE Solar Sheen Solar Panel Cleaner on my BougeRV Arch Pro 200W Flexible Solar Panel.
My BougeRV Arch Pro 200W is the panel I use for portable solar projects and outdoor adventures, so it gets handled, rolled out on the ground, packed up, and moved around much more than a roof-mounted panel. That also means it gets dirty.
In this CLEANTITE solar panel cleaner review, I’ll go over what Solar Sheen is, its key features, how I used it on my flexible panel, a simple step-by-step process for cleaning solar panels, and who I think this cleaner makes sense for.
Products Used in My Solar Panel Cleaning Video
👉 Solar Sheen 32 Oz Concentrated Solar Panel Cleaner
👉 BougeRV Arch Pro 200W Flexible Solar Panel
For business inquiries and collaborations: luisangel@aemind.com
Affiliate Disclosure: If you purchase an item through the links provided, I may receive a commission from the Amazon Influencer Program, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel.
What Is CLEANTITE Solar Sheen?
Solar Sheen is a concentrated cleaning solution made specifically for photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. It’s made in the USA by Cleantite, an American family-owned company based in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Instead of buying a ready-to-use spray that’s mostly water, you get a concentrate that you mix with water yourself. According to Cleantite, the 32 oz bottle of Solar Sheen makes up to 128 gallons of ready-to-spray solution.
The idea is simple: mix it, spray it on the panel, and wipe or rinse away the dirt, oils, fingerprints, and water spots that can block sunlight from reaching the solar cells.
CLEANTITE Solar Sheen Key Features
Here are the main features of the Solar Sheen 32 Oz Concentrated Solar Panel Cleaner:
- 32 oz super-concentrated formula
- Makes up to 128 gallons of ready-to-spray solution
- Made for photovoltaic (PV) solar panels
- Removes dirt, oils, fingerprints, soil, and water spots
- Works on glass, metal, plastic, and wood surfaces
- Ammonia-free and phosphate-free formula
- Simple spray-and-wipe application
- Made in the USA by Cleantite, a family-owned company in Carlisle, Pennsylvania
- Backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Also available in a larger 1-gallon (128 fl oz) size
Why the Concentrated Formula Matters
The concentration is the biggest selling point for me. If 32 oz makes up to 128 gallons, that works out to roughly 1 oz of concentrate per 4 gallons of water at the maximum dilution. Whether you’re cleaning one portable panel or a whole array, a single bottle should last a long time.
That said, always follow the mixing directions on the bottle. The label is the final word on how much concentrate to use for your situation.
Ammonia-Free and Phosphate-Free
A lot of household glass cleaners contain ammonia, and that’s not something I want to put on my solar panels. Cleantite describes Solar Sheen as an environmentally friendly formula that is free from ammonia, phosphates, and other harmful ingredients. That’s reassuring when the rinse water is running off onto the grass, a campsite, or a garden.
Why I Cleaned My BougeRV Flexible Solar Panel
My BougeRV Arch Pro 200W Flexible Solar Panel is a little different from a typical rigid, glass-front solar panel, which is exactly why I wanted to be careful about how I cleaned it.
Some of the specifications BougeRV lists for the BougeRV Arch Pro 200W include:
- 200W rated output
- N-type 16BB monocrystalline solar cells with up to 25% conversion efficiency
- Bypass diodes for better performance in partial shading
- ETFE surface coating (instead of PET) that BougeRV describes as anti-scratch, self-cleaning, and sand-proof
- Fiberglass construction that flexes up to 270°
- Approximately 7.9 pounds and about 2.5mm thin
- Approximately 52.95 x 30.91 inches
- IP68-rated water and dust resistance
- 2.95-foot pre-attached cables
- Open-circuit voltage of 36V ± 5%
Even with an ETFE coating, a flexible panel that gets carried around for outdoor use is going to pick up dust, dirt, and fingerprints. And because the panel is thin and flexible, I didn’t want to use anything abrasive or anything that required heavy scrubbing.
If you’ve read my BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 solar charging test, you already know that real-world solar output depends on things like sun intensity, panel angle, temperature, and shading. Dirt on the panel’s surface is one more factor, and it’s one of the easiest to fix.
How I Used Solar Sheen on My BougeRV Panel
For the video, I used the CLEANTITE Solar Sheen concentrate on my BougeRV Arch Pro 200W flexible panel.
I mixed the concentrate with water according to the dilution instructions, sprayed the solution across the surface of the panel, and then wiped it down with a soft cloth. That’s really all there is to it. There’s no special equipment required, which I appreciate for a panel I use away from home.
A couple of things I kept in mind while cleaning:
- I didn’t clean the panel while it was hot in direct sunlight. A hot surface can cause the solution to dry too fast, which can leave spots behind.
- I didn’t use anything abrasive. No scrub pads, stiff brushes, or rough towels. On a flexible panel especially, I want to protect the surface coating.
You can watch the full process in my YouTube video.
How to Clean Solar Panels: Step by Step
Here’s the simple process I recommend for cleaning a portable or flexible solar panel with a concentrated cleaner like Solar Sheen.
1. Disconnect the Panel
Before cleaning, disconnect the solar panel from your power station, charge controller, or battery. Solar panels produce voltage whenever light hits them, so it’s a good habit to disconnect first and keep connectors out of the water.
2. Wait for the Panel to Cool Down
Don’t clean hot panels in direct sun. Clean early in the morning, in the evening, on an overcast day, or move a portable panel into the shade and let it cool off first.
3. Mix the Concentrate
Follow the dilution instructions on the bottle and mix the concentrate with water in a spray bottle, pump sprayer, or bucket. Because it’s concentrated, avoid getting it in your eyes while mixing.
4. Rinse Off Loose Dirt (Optional)
If the panel is covered in sand or grit, give it a gentle rinse with plain water first. Wiping a gritty surface can drag those particles across the panel.
5. Spray the Solution
Spray the diluted solution evenly across the surface of the panel.
6. Wipe With a Soft Cloth
Wipe the panel gently with a soft microfiber cloth or a soft, non-abrasive brush. Don’t use scouring pads, steel wool, or abrasive powders.
7. Rinse and Let It Dry
Rinse if needed and let the panel dry before folding, rolling, or packing it away. Then reconnect it to your power station.
How Often Should You Clean Solar Panels?
There isn’t one answer for everyone. A portable panel that gets laid out at dusty campsites may need cleaning after every few trips, while a panel in a cleaner environment can go much longer. My rule is simple: if I can see dirt, dust, or fingerprints on the panel, it’s time to clean it.
CLEANTITE Solar Sheen Pros and Cons
Pros
- Super-concentrated: 32 oz makes up to 128 gallons
- Made specifically for PV solar panels
- Ammonia-free and phosphate-free
- Easy spray-and-wipe process
- Works on glass, metal, plastic, and wood
- Made in the USA by a family-owned company
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- It’s a concentrate, so you have to mix it yourself and supply your own spray bottle or bucket
- You have to pay attention to the dilution instructions
- It’s concentrated enough that you should keep it away from your eyes while mixing
- Some Amazon reviewers reported that it had limited effect on heavy hard-water deposits
- A cleaner won’t fix scratches, cracks, or other physical damage to a panel
Who Is CLEANTITE Solar Sheen For?
I think Solar Sheen makes the most sense for:
- Portable solar users who take panels like the BougeRV Arch Pro 200W camping, overlanding, or on other outdoor adventures
- RV and van owners with flexible or rigid panels mounted on the roof
- Homeowners who maintain their own rooftop or ground-mounted solar panels
- Emergency preparedness users who want their backup solar panels clean and ready to go
- Anyone who wants an ammonia-free cleaner instead of using a household glass cleaner on their panels
Because one bottle makes so much solution, it’s also a good fit if you have several panels to maintain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CLEANTITE Solar Sheen safe for flexible solar panels?
Cleantite says Solar Sheen is safe for all types of panels, glass, plastics, and metals. I used it on my BougeRV Arch Pro 200W flexible panel with a soft cloth and no abrasives. As always, check your panel manufacturer’s care guidelines too.
How much solution does a 32 oz bottle of Solar Sheen make?
According to Cleantite, the 32 oz bottle makes up to 128 gallons of ready-to-spray solution. Follow the dilution instructions on the bottle.
Does Solar Sheen contain ammonia?
No. Solar Sheen is described as ammonia-free and phosphate-free.
Can I use Solar Sheen on surfaces other than solar panels?
Yes. Cleantite markets it for glass, metal, plastic, and wood surfaces in addition to solar panels.
Should I clean solar panels in direct sunlight?
I don’t recommend it. Hot panels can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly and leave spots. Clean when the panel is cool, such as in the morning, evening, or in the shade.
Can I use a scrub brush or abrasive pad on my solar panel?
No. Abrasives can scratch the surface of a solar panel. Use a soft microfiber cloth or a soft, non-abrasive brush.
Where is CLEANTITE Solar Sheen made?
Solar Sheen is made in the USA by Cleantite, a family-owned company located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Do dirty solar panels produce less power?
Dirt, dust, and grime can block some of the sunlight from reaching the solar cells. Keeping the surface clean is one of the simplest things you can do to help your panel get as much light as possible.
Final Verdict: Is CLEANTITE Solar Sheen Worth It?
If you own solar panels, especially portable panels that get used outdoors, a dedicated cleaner like CLEANTITE Solar Sheen is an easy way to keep them maintained.
What I like most is the combination of a super-concentrated formula (32 oz makes up to 128 gallons), an ammonia-free and phosphate-free formula, and a simple spray-and-wipe process that works on my BougeRV Arch Pro 200W Flexible Solar Panel without any abrasive scrubbing.
My biggest takeaway applies to any solar panel cleaner:
Follow the dilution instructions, don’t clean hot panels in direct sun, and never use abrasives.
If you’re looking for a solar panel cleaner that will last a long time and that’s made specifically for PV panels, Solar Sheen is worth a look.
Watch My CLEANTITE Solar Panel Cleaner Review
In my video, I show how I used Solar Sheen to clean my BougeRV Arch Pro 200W flexible solar panel. If you’re researching solar panel cleaners or how to maintain a portable solar setup, you can watch the full video on my YouTube channel, Ryzzun Reviews:
▶ CLEANTITE Solar Panel Cleaner Review (Cleaning My BougeRV Flexible Solar Panel)
👉 Solar Sheen 32 Oz Concentrated Solar Panel Cleaner
👉 BougeRV Arch Pro 200W Flexible Solar Panel
For business inquiries and collaborations: luisangel@aemind.com
If you purchase an item through the links provided, I may receive a commission from the Amazon Influencer Program. Thank you for supporting the channel.