You’ve invested in solar panels to save on energy costs, but have you considered the ongoing expense of keeping them clean? Solar panel cleaning cost is an often overlooked factor that can impact your system’s output. Dirt, dust, and debris buildup on your panels can reduce their energy efficiency, and potentially cost you more in the long run. Understanding the costs associated with cleaning services can help you maintain your solar investment and optimize its performance.
Average Cost of Solar Panel Cleaning
The cost of solar panel cleaning can vary based on several factors. You’ll find that prices differ depending on whether you’re dealing with a residential or commercial setup, the number of panels you have, and your location.
Residential vs. Commercial Costs
For residential solar panel cleaning, you can expect to pay between $150-$500 dollars per visit. This cost covers basic cleaning and maintenance. If you need more serious maintenance, like fixing broken panel glass or wiring, your average could go up by a few hundred dollars. Commercial solar cleaning costs are higher due to the larger scale and high-tech equipment used.
Cost Per Panel
On average, cleaning a single solar panel costs between 8-25 dollars. This price range accounts for different types of panels such as rigid or flexible solar panels. Professional cleaners usually charge by the hour, so the complexity of the job affects the overall cost.
Total Cost Range
The total cost for solar panel cleaning can range from 50 to 900 dollars or more, depending on the size of your system. Here’s a breakdown of average cleaning costs based on the number of panels!
| 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+ |
At the end of the day, the annual cost of cleaning your solar panels is dependent on the amount of money you are willing to spend on cleaning services or materials. Remember that the cleaner a solar panel is, the more output it will create.
Factors Affecting Solar Panel Cleaning Costs
The cost of cleaning your solar panels can vary based on different factors. Understanding these can help you budget for maintenance and keep your system running at its best for your capabilities.
Roof Accessibility
How easy it is to reach your panels has a big impact on cleaning costs. If your panels are on a single-story roof or ground-mounted, cleaning will be cheaper. But if they’re on a steep or multi-story roof, expect to pay more. This is because cleaners need special equipment and safety measures for hard-to-reach panels. The extra time and effort required drives up the cost.
Number and Size of Panels
The size of your solar panel system plays a big role in determining cleaning costs. More panels mean more surface area to clean, which translates to higher costs. On average, you can expect to pay between $8 and $25 per panel for cleaning. For a standard system of 14 to 20 panels, this can add up fast. However, larger systems might benefit from economies of scale, which could possibly lower the cost per panel.
Location and Climate
Where you live affects your cleaning costs in two ways. First, areas with higher living costs and labor rates tend to have pricier cleaning services. Second, your local climate determines how often you need to clean. If you live in a dusty area or near a beach, your panels will get dirty faster. The same goes for areas with lots of pollen or frequent storms. In these cases, you might need more cleanings to keep your panels working well.
Frequency of Cleaning
How often you clean your panels affects your total costs. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning at least twice a year. But depending on your location, you might need more frequent cleanings or even less. For example, if there’s construction nearby or you live in a particularly dusty area, you might need to clean more often. Regular cleaning can prevent buildup and keep your panels producing energy like they are meant to.
Professional vs. DIY Solar Panel Cleaning
When it comes to cleaning your solar panels, you can either hire a professional service or try doing it yourself. Both approaches have their upsides and downs.
Pros and Cons
Professional cleaning services provide experience as well as a peace that your panels are getting cleaned the right way. They have the right tools and chemicals for the job, so you can get a clean without causing damage. These services also inspect your entire system, and they can point out and troubleshoot issues. This gives you confidence that your system is performing as good as it can be.
On the other hand, DIY cleaning puts you in control. You can clean your panels at your convenience without scheduling appointments. It also saves you money on service fees. However, DIY cleaning has its challenges. You might lack the specialized knowledge and equipment needed for proper maintenance. This could lead to mistakes that reduce your panels’ efficiency or even void warranties.
Safety Considerations
Safety is a key factor when deciding between professional and DIY cleaning. Solar panels are often installed on roofs, which presents a fall risk. Professional cleaners are trained to work at heights and use proper safety equipment. They also know how to handle the electrical components of your system well.
If you choose to clean your panels yourself, you need to take proper safety precautions. This includes using stable ladders, wearing protective gear, and avoiding contact with electrical components. Remember, if you’re not confident in your ability to clean safely, it’s best to get it to the professionals.
Cost Comparison
Professional services come at a price. The annual maintenance cost for solar panels is about $31 per kilowatt of installed capacity. For a 6kW system, this could amount to $200 per year. These costs can vary based on your location and system size.
DIY cleaning can save you money upfront. You’ll need to invest in some basic equipment like soft brushes and eco-friendly cleaning solutions. While this initial cost is lower than hiring professionals, consider the potential long-term costs. Improper cleaning could lead to damage.
The Choice Is Yours!
Solar panel cleaning is an important part of maintaining your system’s output & longevity. The cost depends on factors like the number of panels, roof accessibility, location, and how often you clean. If you are in need of professional solar panel cleaning services, reach out to Between Cleaning for a free estimate, and we will get your solar panels working at their best!
