Depending on some essential factors (panel condition, location, dust and debris) Solar panel cleaning service cost becomes different. In the USA, single solar pane cleaning cost (residential & commercial) is around 10 to 40 USD. The residential and commercial per panel cleaning cost in the UK is around £5 to £20. In Australia, the cost of solar panel cleaning services (especially residential PV system cleaning service charge) is around 100 to 300 AUD. In Bangladesh, the solar panel cleaning cost per panel is around 50 to 150 Taka.
However, when was the last time you cleaned your solar panels? Dirty solar panels can lose their efficiency and energy production by 7% to 50% with a lot of wear and tear. To prevent this, you must clean your solar panels regularly and efficiently. In this matter, a solar panel cleaning service can be a smart choice for you.
They have the expertise, tools, and skills to clean and maintain your solar panels safely and swiftly. But how much does it cost to get your solar panels cleaned? In this article, we are going to answer these questions. We will let you know the fundamentals of solar panel cleaning costs. So, if you are planning to hire a solar panel cleaning service, read the full article to get a complete idea of your spending. We will also let you know how to reduce your cleaning costs. Let’s start.
Understanding Solar Panel Cleaning Services
Before you know about the cost, you should know what you are spending on. Solar panel cleaning service cost, methods, and policies can vary from company to company. But here are the most common factors included in most solar panel cleaning services.
- Pre-cleaning Inspection: They check for dirt levels, cracks or other signs of damage, connection or wire problems, etc.
- Solar panel cleaning: This includes the complete cleaning of any dirt, dust, grime, bird droppings, nests, or pests under/around solar panels. Different cleaning procedures can be used, such as water-soap cleaning, dry cleaning, water-fed pole cleaning, low-pressure washing, robotic cleaning, etc.
- Post-cleaning Inspection: The expert checks whether further cleaning is required. Then, they inspect for damages or malfunctions and let you know about any needed repair or replacement.
- Panel Efficiency Checking: The professionals will check the condition and output of the panels. It helps your system to sustain efficiently.
- Protective barrier: The company can help you with their panel proofing services. This will prevent birds, squirrels, and other pests from nibbling your wires or nesting in your system and make your panel maintenance easier.
Average Solar Panel Cleaning Service Cost
Solar panel cleaning costs vary depending on location, task size, complexity, cleaning method, etc. However, on average, the cost ranges between $10 and $20 per panel. So, if you have 15-30 panels on your home, you will have to pay an average of $150 to $500. Here is an approximate price chart for a clearer idea.
| Number of Panels | Average Cleaning Cost |
| 5-10 | $50- $200 |
| 10-15 | $100- $300 |
| 15-25 | $150- $500 |
| 25-35 | $250- $700 |
| 35-45+ | $350- $900+ |
9 Factors Affecting Solar Panel Cleaning Services Cost
Now let us know which factors contribute to the increase or decrease in solar panel cleaning services costs.
The Solar Panel Cleaning Company
Not all solar panel cleaning companies are the same. They all have different estimates and pricing plans, labor costs, experiences, and a range of services. More popular and established companies will charge more. Newer and less-known companies can charge comparatively less. However, check their customer reviews before hiring, depending on affordability.
Geographic Area and Climate
The location of your solar panels has a good influence on the total PV system cleaning cost because the charges vary between states. Also, the availability of cleaning companies or professionals is a big factor. States or areas with a higher supply of cleaners have fewer cleaning charges. The lesser the availability of specialised skill sets, the more they will cost. Additionally, the proximity of your panels to the contractors will affect the cost.
The farther your panels are, the more you will have to count. So, try to pick the best from within a 20-mile radius. Lastly comes climate. Dry areas with heavy pollen, dust, bird droppings, or frequent storms need more frequent cleaning. It will increase your annual Cleaning cost. On the other hand, regions that are heavily rainfall-prone need less cleaning.
Panel Size, Number, & Type
The larger the number and the more complex the solar panels, the more time, cleaning solution, and labor-consuming their cleaning will be. So, cleaning services will charge more. However, cleaning services can give discounts per area for large-scale cleaning. The cost also varies depending on the panel type and manufacturer warranty stipulations because some of them need specialized cleaning methods and products. For example, cleaning rooftop solar panels costs more than cleaning foldable and portable panels.
Condition or Buildup Level
Cleaning neglected and extremely dirty solar panels requires a lot of extra labor hours. Some also need more expertise and supplies for intensive cleaning, which will eventually increase the cost. On the other hand, cleaning the panels with mild debris buildup costs less. So, if you haven’t cleaned your panels in several years, start cleaning regularly to prevent further damage and costs.
Roof height & steepness.
Roof height and steepness can significantly affect the cleaning cost. The higher and steeper the panels, the more risky it is to clean. So, the professionals will need extra tools and safety measures to clean the hard-to-reach panels. This safety concern will increase the labor cost greatly. However, dirt sheds off more easily from panels at a steeper tilt. So, it will demand less frequent cleaning and save some money.
Materials & equipment
The materials and equipment will depend on the level of dirt and the cleaning complexity. The cost will also depend on the materials. Many solar panel cleaning companies use high-end cleaning materials and equipment. These can include a resin bag, water-fed poles, specific cleaning solution, sturdy ladder, harness system, handheld wiper, etc. So, they will charge more to balance their overhead costs. On the other hand, if your solar panels have less dirt and are easier to clean, the charge will be less.
Labor and extra services
Solar panel cleaning services do not end with cleaning. Many cleaning contractors also help with regular maintenance and minor repairs. Additionally, they can provide maintenance tips in urgent situations and follow-up services. If you want to use extra labor and services, you will have to pay additional costs.
Frequency of Cleaning
If you need frequent maintenance and regular cleaning, the cleaning company can offer lower costs per visit and provide a discount on consistent scheduled visits. So, this can be an economical option for you. Also, it ensures that your panel can maintain its optimal efficiency.
Contracts & Warranties
Many solar panel providers offer an annual inspection and annual or bi-annual cleaning service with warranties. If you have this, you can save most of your solar panel cleaning costs. But if your provider does not offer this, you will have to pay extra for annual inspections, maintenance, or cleaning.
Is Solar Panel Cleaning Worth It?
So, the basic annual solar panel cleaning and maintenance service can range from $500 to $700. But is it worth it? Let’s examine the Big Picture: Solar Panel Cleaning Cost vs. Benefits.
Efficiency
Clean solar panels can produce more energy every kilowatt-hour (kWh) than dirty ones. It is the most prominent reason why you should get your solar panel professionally cleaned. Clean photovoltaic (PV) panels capture sunlight more efficiently. It ensures the utmost energy production. Thus, it can decrease your dependency on the electricity providers and the utility bills. And if your solar panels are your whole home backup power solution, routine cleaning is a must for you to maintain efficiency.
Longevity
Regular cleaning and maintenance can increase the life expectancy of your panels. The corrosive buildup of dirt, dust, sand, nesting, and bird droppings can cause serious structural damage. It also creates hotspots and blocks sunlight. Over time, the panels can weaken irreparably. So, you will have to replace them sooner than expected. Regular solar panel cleaning can prevent loss from the early stage. So, cleaning solar panels is important both to prevent structural and operational damage.
Appearance
A clean solar panel can contribute to better curb appeal. Aesthetics are always important, and cleanliness is the basis of them. Especially if you want to upgrade or sell your property, like solar panels, cleaning them will provide both you and your visitors with a good experience. Shining sun-catching panels also offer an extra sense of elegance. It makes them look far more appealing than debris-covered, unclean panels. So, clean your panels regularly to add value to this.
Warranty
Most manufacturers offer warranties and insurance on solar panels. However, they also have regular upkeep and cleaning terms to make the coverage valid. Any sign of negligence or hotspot can void the warranty. Regular PV panel cleaning and maintenance help to keep your panels in top condition. Clean with professionals and manufactured approved cleaning agents and equipment can present you as a conscious customer. It will help you keep your warranty valid for any coverage.
Safety
Any money you spend on overall safety is worth it. Dirty solar panels are not only less efficient but also can pose safety concerns. Additionally, solar panel cleaning is one of the most delicate tasks you can do. If your solar panels are in high areas, there can also be a chance of accidents. Professional cleaning services can save you from climbing roofs, the risk of falling, and getting electrocuted. They come with all the safety equipment. So, they are always the best choice.
Damage Prevention
If you don’t have the right skills and equipment, you risk damaging your solar panels. Hiring experts can prevent this damage. They are well aware of all the right tools, equipment, and cleaning agents, so they can easily clean them without hampering the panel’s efficiency. Also, they can detect any signs of damage while cleaning and help you take steps. As early detection is key, an expert cleaner can prevent serious damage.
Verdict On the Solar Panel Cost-Benefit Analysis
After all these discussions, the benefits seem heavier than the cost. You can outsource the cleaning hassle to services. For $500-$700, you get more efficiency and curb appeal, which will earn you more money. Damage prevention and longevity will also help you save money in the long run. Lastly, curb appeal and safety are the two essential benefits you will not want to lose. So, this cost is worth spending.
Solar Panel Cleaning Pricing Strategy
As you know, the factors that impact solar panel cleaning costs, we can now help you decide how to plan your service pricing with the strategy:
- Per-panel pricing is the most commonly used pricing plan. The price can be negotiated depending on the type, condition, and accessibility of the panels.
- Flat Rate Pricing: You can make some adjustments based on the complexity of the cleaning.
- Hourly Rate Pricing: The cost will depend on the time it takes to clean the panels.
- Tiered Pricing: This strategy adjusts different sizes of installations. By this, larger systems benefit from incremental savings.
- Subscription or Contract Pricing: You can get regular service contracts with lower per-visit costs
- Maintenance agreement: You can bundle a maintenance agreement with cleaning to lower your annual fee.
Conclusion
Here is all about the solar panel cleaning service cost. Several factors can fluctuate the cleaning costs, such as the amount of dirt, accessibility, area, equipment, labor cost, pricing policies, etc. Regardless of the costs, cleaning your panels is vital for overall safety and efficiency. So, do not just focus on the costs. Try to find solar panel cleaning services that combine the right tools, experiences, skills, and affordability. This will help you get the safest and most efficient cleaning experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Solar Panels Need to Be Cleaned?
Yes, you must clean your panels regularly. An unclean solar panel will lose efficiency and production and eventually get properly damaged. To prevent all of the losses, proper cleaning and maintenance are important. If your panels get frequent rainfall, there is a need for cleaning less often. But drought-prone areas need more regular cleaning. However, experts warn that “less is more” and that frequent cleaning can harm the panels, particularly if the wrong tools and cleaning materials are used. Hire a professional to guarantee that the cleaning process is safe.
Are Solar Panel Maintenance and Repairs Covered by Warranties or Insurance?
Each solar panel warranty is different. So, it is important to understand your system’s warranty, how you can mistakenly void it, and what it includes. In general, there are three kinds of warranties:
- Performance: It ensures that your system will run at a specific PV panel efficiency level throughout its lifetime.
- Workmanship: It guarantees coverage if your equipment is not properly installed.
- Equipment: It covers components like the inverter and panels in case they fail.
In case of a downed tree limb or bad weather, your home insurance should cover a significant percentage of the repair costs. However, cleaning and upkeep are often not covered by homeowners’ insurance policies.
How Much does It Cost to Get Your Solar Panels Serviced?
The cost will depend on the servicing you need. On average, solar panel repair costs $847, but depending on the damage, it can range from $228 to $1,492.
What Is the Average Cost of Cleaning and Maintaining Solar Panels?
The average annual solar panel cleaning and maintenance cost ranges between $450 and $780. American homeowners spend an average of around $630 per year. This includes the average solar panel inspection cost ($150) and solar panel cleaning cost ($15 to $25 per panel) for a home with 20 to 25 panels.