Solar Panel Cleaning Tips Every Homeowner Needs to Know in 2025

There are many good things about clean, green power that you already know about if you’ve invested in solar energy. But did you know that solar panel cleaning is one of the most important things you can do to keep your system healthy? Dust, dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and others may stick to the panels over time. This can block the sun and make them produce less energy. You might be losing out on a big chunk of your savings if you don’t put in regular maintenance.

Solar Panel Cleaning isn’t just for looks; it’s also essential for getting the most out of them and keeping your investment safe. Whether you own a home with solar panels on the roof or run a business with a big solar array, ensuring the panels are clean will help you get the most energy for your money. This guide will tell you everything you need to know, from when and how to clean your panels to whether you should do it yourself or hire a professional. Let’s make your panels work as well as they did before!

What Happens When You Don’t Clean Your Solar Panels?

Let’s be honest. You’re losing money if you don’t clean your screens. Here’s what you’re risking:

• Reduced efficiency
  • Dirt, bird droppings, pollen, and pollution block sunlight.
  • Even a light dust layer can lower efficiency by 5–10%.
• Long-term damage
  • Accumulated debris can cause hot spots or corrosion.
• Voided warranties
  • Some manufacturers require regular maintenance, including cleaning.

How Often Should You Clean Solar Panels?

You should clean them at different times based on where you live and what’s around your solar panels. If you want your solar panels to work at their best, you should clean them at least twice a year. You may need to clean them every three to four months if you live near a busy road, an industrial area, or a desert. These places have a lot of dust, pollen, birds, and pollution.

Rain can help remove some dirt, but it can’t make spotless panels with grime, bird droppings, or other sticky stuff stuck to them. By cleaning your panels regularly, you can ensure they get the most sunlight and produce the most energy. This will help you save more on your power bills.

Best Time of Day to Clean Solar Panels

When the panels are cool, early morning or late at night is the best time to clean them. They might dry too quickly if you wash them in the middle of the day, especially in full sunlight. This could leave behind streaks or residue.

If you spray cold water on hot panels during the hottest parts of the day, you could cause thermal shock, which could cause cracks or damage that lasts for a long time. Dew in the morning can also help soften dirt, which makes it easier to wipe off. For safety, efficiency, and better results, you should always clean your solar panels at night when it is darker and there is less light.

Solar Panel Cleaning Services

Solar panel cleaning by a professional can make a big difference if you want to get the most out of your system. These services are meant to safely eliminate dust, pollen, dirt, and other things clogging up your system and making it work less well. Cleaning professionals can help ensure your panels work at their best without hurting the system by using the right tools and methods. Whether they are for your home or business, cleaning your solar panels daily will keep them working at their best all year.

Commercial Solar Panel Cleaning Service

A commercial solar panel cleaning service is the right way to take care of large solar installations in business buildings. These services are designed to care for large solar panels, which are common in warehouses, factories, schools, and office buildings. Commercial cleaners help you get the most energy from your solar investment and make it last longer using industrial-grade tools and eco-friendly cleaning products. It’s a cheap way for companies to save energy and lower their carbon output over time.

Solar Panel Cleaning Companies

Solar panel cleaning services are available from many companies that work with homes and businesses. If you choose a reputable company, you can ensure your panels will be cleaned safely using the proper methods. Often, these businesses offer package deals, care plans, and even checks to see if there is any damage. By choosing a reputable company, you protect your solar panels and make them last longer and work better. Below are Solar Panel Cleaning Companies:

Solar Maid

• Nationwide coverage
• Specializes in commercial and utility-scale solar cleaning
• Offers vegetation management and inspection services

Sunshine Solar Cleaning

• Based in California
• Residential and commercial cleaning
• Known for eco-friendly methods

Premier Solar Cleaning

• Operates in California and surrounding states
• Residential and commercial service
• Offers panel inspection and maintenance

Solar Shine

• Located in Texas
• Provides cleaning and maintenance for homes and businesses
• Focuses on water-efficient cleaning techniques

Rooftop Solar Cleaning

• Arizona-based company
• Specializes in residential solar panel maintenance
• Offers affordable monthly or seasonal plans

Residential Solar Panel Cleaning Service

A residential solar panel cleaning service makes it easy for people to keep their rooftop panels clean and working well. Without the right tools, climbing on the roof alone can be dangerous and not work. So, it’s a good idea to hire professionals who know how home systems are built and how sensitive they are. They clean your panels well without hurting them and often look for minor problems. While doing that, they often look for minor issues. Making this easy investment will give you peace of mind and more energy.

Solar Panel Cleaning Prices

Service Type	System Size	Cleaning Frequency	Cost (Per Visit)
Residential Cleaning (Basic)	10–20 panels	One-time	$100 – $150
Residential Cleaning (Medium)	21–40 panels	One-time	$150 – $250
Residential Maintenance Plan	10–40 panels	Quarterly/Yearly	$300 – $500 per year
Commercial Cleaning (Small Business)	50–100 panels	One-time	$300 – $600
Commercial Cleaning (Large Scale)	100+ panels or solar farms	One-time	$600 – $2,000+
Emergency/Heavy Soiling Service	Any	As needed	+$50 – $100 (extra)
Add-on Inspection or Report	Any	Optional	$50 – $150

Can You Clean Solar Panels Yourself?

Yes, you can. But safety and technique matter.

Pros of DIY Solar Panel Cleaning

• Save money on service fees
• Regular control over panel condition

Cons

• Risk of damaging panels
• Working at heights can be dangerous
• May void warranty if improper tools are used

How to Clean Solar Panels (Step-by-Step)

Here is a good and safe way to clean your solar panels at home.

Basic Tools You’ll Need:

• A soft brush or squeegee with a long pole
• Mild soap (like dishwashing liquid)
• A hose with a gentle spray
• Safety harness (if cleaning on the roof)

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Turn off the solar system – Safety first.
2. Rinse panels with water – Use a garden hose with low pressure.
3. Apply soap solution – Use a soft sponge or brush.
4. Rinse again – Clear off all the soap.
5. Let it air dry – Avoid towels to prevent scratches.

What Not to Do When Cleaning Solar Panels

Avoid these common mistakes:

• ❌ Using abrasive materials or steel wool
• ❌ High-pressure washers
• ❌ Harsh chemicals or detergents
• ❌ Cleaning while panels are hot

These things might hurt the layer or even break the glass.

Does Rain Clean Solar Panels?

A little, but not enough.

Even though rain washes away some dirt, it often leaves behind:

• Mineral deposits (tough water areas)
• Sticky grime, like pollen or bird droppings

For example, it still needs to be washed when it rains on your windshield.

Solar Panel Cleaning Equipment

Want to find the right tools? These are some items that we recommend:

🧽 Top Tools:

• Telescopic solar panel cleaning brush
• Hose-end sprayers
• Soft rubber squeegee attachments

🧴 Cleaning Solutions:

• Mild biodegradable soap
• Vinegar and distilled water mix
• Pre-mixed solar cleaning kits

Tip: Avoid using standard window cleaners with ammonia.

DIY Solar Panel Cleaning

Cleaning your solar panels can be a safe and effective choice if you know what you’re doing. Cleaning your solar panel saves you money and ensures your system keeps working at its best. First, check the manufacturer’s instructions. Some panels may have special cleaning instructions that must be followed to keep the warranty valid. With lukewarm water and a light soap solution, use a soft brush, a sponge that won’t scratch, or a microfiber cloth.

Do not damage the panel surface with harsh chemicals, pressure cleaners, or rough tools. When they are cool, a good time to clean the panels is early in the morning or late at night. Also, be safe when cleaning the panels on top of buildings; if you can, use a ladder or an extension pole from the ground. When you’re unsure what to do, hiring a professional is always safer than risking getting hurt or damaging something.

Pressure Washing Solar Panels – Is It Safe?

Using a pressure washer on solar cells is not a good idea. The high-pressure stream may look like a quick and effective way to eliminate dirt, bird droppings, or grime, but it can crack the glass, damage the seals, or even void your guarantee. Solar panels are fragile, and even small harm to the surface can make them less effective or cause problems that last for a long time.

Instead, use a soft-bristled brush, a sponge that won’t scratch, and hot, soapy water to clean. It’s better to hire a professional solar panel cleaning service that uses safe, low-pressure, water-fed poles for solar care if the panels are hard to get to or dirty.

⚠️ Tip: Always check the manufacturer instructions before cleaning yourself or using high-pressure water.

FAQs about Solar Panel Cleaning

Do solar panels need to be cleaned?

Yes, cleaning keeps things running at their best by getting rid of dirt, dust, and other things that get in the way of sunshine.

What do you use for cleaning solar panels?

Don’t use harsh chemicals or pressure washers. Instead, use a soft brush, a sponge that won’t scratch, light soap, and water.

Is solar panel cleaning worth it?

Yes, especially in dusty places, because cleaning the system regularly can make it work better and last longer.

Does cleaning solar panels help?

Yes, it ensures the sun shines on the plant properly and stops energy loss over time.

Does cleaning solar panels make a difference?

Yes, dirty panels can lose up to 20% of their power, so cleaning them extensively affects how well they work.

How much does solar panel cleaning cost?

Depending on the size and location of the system, it usually costs between $100 and $300 per visit.

How to start a solar panel cleaning business?

First, you should learn how to clean safely, get the right tools, licenses, and insurance, and advertise in your area.

How to turn off solar panels for cleaning?

Before you clean, find the central AC and DC disconnect buttons and use them to turn off the power safely.

Final Thoughts

It’s not just about how your solar panels look; keeping them clean is also crucial for their performance, economy, and the safety of your investment. Make it a habit to clean them every week, whether you do it yourself or hire someone. You’ll save money on your bills, get a better return on your investment, and use more green energy if your panels are clean.