Will cleaning my solar panels increase output?

Yes — homeowners often see a 15–25% improvement in energy generation after cleaning.

Can dirty panels damage my system?

Yes — buildup can create hot spots that strain solar cells, potentially reducing their lifespan.

How do I know it’s time to clean?

Track your energy output. If you see a drop in production not related to weather or season, dirt may be the cause.

Is professional cleaning worth it?

For most homeowners, yes — especially if panels are hard to reach, you want warranty protection, or prefer guaranteed results.

Does rain clean solar panels?

Rain can help rinse off light dust, but it rarely removes sticky residues like bird droppings, pollen, or sap. On its own, rain is unlikely to be sufficient for cleaning your solar panels.

Solar Panel Cleaning and Maintenance: Costs, Benefits, and Best Practices

Why Solar Panel Cleaning Matters

Solar panels are designed to capture sunlight and convert it into clean energy. But over time with exposure to the elements, they accumulate dust, pollen, bird droppings, leaves, and pollution particles, all of which can get in the way, preventing sunlight from reaching the cells and compromising solar panel efficiency. In fact, dirty solar panels can be 15-25% less efficient than when they are clean. Regular cleaning of your solar panels can have some benefits for the system as a whole, beyond just efficiency:

Preventing hot spots and long-term damage
Protecting warranties and investments
Ensuring your system delivers a consistent ROI

How Often Should Solar Panels Be Cleaned?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are some general guidelines you can follow when it comes to the frequency of cleaning your solar panels.

Every 6 months to 1 year is a good baseline for most homeowners.
2–3 times per year is recommended in areas with heavy dust, pollen, or bird activity.
Every 18–24 months is sufficient if you live in an area with frequent rainfall and minimal buildup.

Your system’s output is a good indicator of when it’s time to give your panels a clean. If you notice a drop in energy production that cannot be explained by a change in weather, your solar panels might need cleaning.

DIY vs. Professional Solar Panel Cleaning

There are two ways you can go when it comes to cleaning your solar panels. You can do it yourself or you can outsource cleaning to a professional service. There are pros and cons to both so be sure you consider the risks and well as the benefits before you make a decision.

DIY Cleaning

Pros: Cost-effective.
Cons: Safety risks, potential to damage panels, limited effectiveness.

Cleaning your own solar panels can be risky as you don’t want to damage the panels. Be sure to follow best practices like using soft brushes, low-pressure and de-ionized water (if available), avoiding harsh chemicals, and not cleaning when the solar panels are hot.

Professional Cleaning

Pros: Efficient, safe, and thorough.

Cons: Can be costly

Hiring professionals ensures safety and thoroughness. They typically use deionized water, specialized brushes, and safety equipment. Professional solar panel cleaning is especially recommended for large systems or roofs with steep pitches.

Ultimately, if you have hesitations about cleaning your own solar panels, it can be a safer option to seek professional cleaning and avoid any damage to your system.

How Much Does Solar Panel Cleaning Cost?

There are a range of factors that influence the cost of cleaning a solar system but these are estimates you can go by when thinking about the cost of solar panel cleaning

Per panel cost: $15–$25
For entire residential systems: $100–$350 per visit

Factors that affect solar panel cleaning costs:

System size (more panels = higher cost)
Roof height and slope
Accessibility (one-story vs. multi-story homes)
Local labor rates
Extra services (gutter cleaning, inspections)

What to Avoid When Cleaning Solar Panels

Never use pressure washers unless the panel manufacturer explicitly approves them. High pressure can damage gaskets or crack the glass on your panels.
Avoid abrasive tools and harsh chemicals that can scratch the surface of your panels and degrade protective coatings.
Do not walk on your panels when you’re cleaning them unless they are explicitly designed for this as you risk cracking and damaging them.

FAQs

Solar panel cleaning is a simple but essential part of solar system maintenance. Whether you opt for DIY methods or professional services, keeping your panels free of debris maximizes efficiency, extends their lifespan, and safeguards your investment.

If you want to avoid the headache of solar panel cleaning and maintenance, consider subscribing to a community solar project instead. Community solar offers renters and homeowners the opportunity to benefit from clean, renewable solar energy without any solar installation. Simply subscribe to a solar farm in your community at no upfront cost and start seeing savings on your electricity bills.