Companies that install solar panel systems tend to carry specific warranty conditions — among these conditions is typically regular panel cleaning. If you don’t regularly clean your property’s solar panels, you may not be eligible for continued coverage since you’ll have no way to prove that you’ve been cleaning your panels. 

Regularly cleaning your solar panels keeps them protected from harmful organic material that can potentially reduce the lifespan of your panels. Professionally performed solar panel cleaning is an excellent way to ensure that your property’s solar panels will last longer.

The cost for professional solar panel cleaning, following correct cleaning protocols, can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the solar panel system, its location, the accessibility of the panels, the level of debris accumulation, and the condition of your solar panel’s surface.On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $30 per panel. However, keep in mind that this is a rough estimate, and actual costs may be higher or lower based on the mentioned factors.

Factors That Affect The Cost To Clean Solar Panels:

Several factors can influence the cost of cleaning solar panels:
1. Number of Panels and Array: The total number of panels and their configuration in the array can impact the cleaning cost.
2. Level of Debris Accumulation: The extent of debris accumulation on the panels matters. Panels heavily covered in dirt or mildew will cost more to clean. Regular maintenance, such as yearly cleaning, can save you money by preventing severe buildup.
3. Accessibility of the Panels: The ease of access to the panels is crucial. Factors to consider include the roof’s pitch. Is the roof easy to walk on, hard to walk on, or impossible to walk on?
4. Location of the Solar Panels: Panels can be ground-mounted, on a one-story or two-story building, or on a solar carport. Each setup presents different challenges and setup times. A solar carport may require a scissor lift.
5. Condition of Solar Panel Surfaces: Damage from incorrect cleaning methods, using harsh chemicals or pressure washers are the most common causes of surface damage. Damaged panels are harder to clean.

It’s important to consider these factors when estimating the cost of solar panel cleaning, as they can vary from one situation to another. Regular maintenance and addressing debris accumulation promptly can often be more cost-effective in the long run, as it can help avoid the need for extensive and costly cleaning in the future. Hawaii Solar Panel Cleaning offers “One Time Cleaning” and an “Annual Cleaning Maintenance Plan”.

As a general rule of thumb, your solar panels should be cleaned at least once a year to ensure they’re working at peak efficiency. However, if they get dirty before the six-month mark, you should have them cleaned professionally on an as-needed basis. 

Solar panel cleaning in Hawaii presents unique challenges. Our tropical climate, characterized by high humidity, causes mildew to accumulate rapidly on the solar panel’s surface. Rainfall alone cannot effectively remove mildew, just as it doesn’t wash away mildew in your shower. Paradoxically, you can’t use bleach, vinegar, or scouring pads to clean solar panels as you might on bathroom tiles because they could damage your solar panels.

Years ago, many people, including some solar panel manufacturers, would happily tell you, “don’t use anything but rainwater.” Sadly, many solar panel owners took that information and ran with it.

Misinformation abounds on the internet.The evidence is glaringly apparent. Observe the solar panels in your neighborhood, and it becomes evident that rain is inadequate for thorough solar panel cleaning.