Solar panel systems have become popular among many homeowners. This is thanks to factors such as tax credits and rebates. The federal tax credit covers up to 30% of the total cost of the solar system. Different states offer varying credits and rebates, further reducing the cost of solar installation.
But to improve the panels’ longevity and efficiency, you need to clean them regularly. For this, you can do it on your own or consult a professional solar panel cleaner. So, what will solar panel cleaning cost? Let’s find out.
What is the Average Cost of Cleaning Solar Panels?
The cost of cleaning and maintaining solar panels in the USA ranges between $8 and $25 per panel. The overall cost depends on the type and number of solar panels. For example, cleaning portable solar panels costs around $300 per session. If you are looking for basic solar panel cleaning, consider setting aside around $700 per year.
If you are looking for serious maintenance such as fixing broken wiring, you can expect a budget of over a hundred dollars. Again, this varies between different solar types.
Overall, the average cost will depend on several factors, with the type of cleaning company being one of them. Some companies offer basic or in-depth cleaning only. It is up to you to choose one that meets your needs and fits your budget.
So, what affects the final budget? Let’s find out.
What Affects the Solar Panel Cleaning and Maintenance Cost?
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Equipment and Materials
Depending on the type of solar panels, you might need to buy specific equipment and materials.
For example, if your solar panels are installed on your house’s roof, you’ll need a sturdy ladder to reach them. You’ll also need a harness system to improve safety. And if you have a glass-paneled solar system installed, you’ll need a handheld wiper.
It helps to gently remove water without damaging the solar panel’s surface. Another material to consider is a non-abrasive cleaner such as a mild soap. Some solar panels specify the type of cleaning agent to use. So, check the panel’s manual.
For deep cleaning, you might need a soft-bristled cleaning brush. It helps remove stubborn stains without damaging the panel’s surface.
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Labor
Well, if you are not comfortable climbing on your house’s rooftop, consider consulting a professional cleaner. While most homeowners opt for the DIY route, it might not be an ideal option, especially if the panels require specialized cleaning.
Most professional cleaners charge by the hour, so the more the solar panels, the higher the cleaning fee. Other companies may have cleaning as part of their maintenance package. It means the cost will cover more than cleaning.
The complexity of cleaning your solar panels also affects labor costs. If you are using portable solar panels, the costs might be lower than cleaning a complex solar system integrated into your existing electrical system.
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Geographical Area
The location of your home also affects the overall cleaning and maintenance costs. As you’d expect, charges vary between states. And the more remote your home is, the higher the cleaning costs.
Furthermore, availability of professional cleaners affects the maintenance costs. If you live in an area with fewer professionals, you can expect a higher fee than an area with a higher supply of cleaners.
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Roof Height
If your solar array is at a significant height or hard-to-reach area, you might need to consider extra safety features. Climbing a high roof without safety features can increase one's susceptibility to an accident.
Professional cleaners will charge more if the roofing work is dangerous and challenging. Furthermore, they might require specialized equipment to reach your array. And this will be reflected in the final solar panel cleaning costs.
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Type of Solar Panels
Cleaning rooftop solar panels is more expensive than cleaning foldable and portable options. In fact, you might not need a professional cleaner when cleaning a foldable panel such as the BLUETTI PV200 Solar Panel. This, you can clean it alone with the right cleaning materials and equipment.
How To Clean Solar Panels?
If you want to save on solar panel cleaning costs, DIY is your best route. However, ensure you are comfortable climbing heights and you have the right protective gear.
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Gather Your Equipment and Materials
Make sure you have everything you need within reach. They include:
- Ladder
- Harness system
- Sponge
- Gloves
- Squeegee
- Sprayer
- Window cleaner or non-abrasive cleaning solution
Set up the ladder, making sure you can access the roof. Ensure the harness system is working properly before accessing the solar panels. Prepare the cleaning solutions, wear gloves, and have another person support the ladder and hand you the cleaning supplies.
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Turn Off the Solar System
To avoid electrocution or bodily injuries, turn off the power to your solar panels. This will allow you to clean the entire surface with minimal hiccups if any.
- Rinse Off the Solar Panels’ Surface
Have your friend handover a garden hose with a spray attachment to rinse off the surface of the solar panels. This will help remove large debris from the panels’ surface and the roof around them.
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Apply the Cleaning Solution
Now, take the cleaning solution in your sprayer and apply a thin layer to a small section of a solar panel. Give it time to cover the grime. However, do not give it too much time as it may dry.
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Wipe Down The Solution
After a few minutes, pick up your sponge and wipe down the solution. Make sure to do so gently to avoid damaging the surface. Also, avoid leaning over as this will increase the pressure on the panel’s surface.
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Repeat the Process
Repeat applying and wiping down the solution steps on all solar panels.
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Rinse the Panels
Finally, using the hose with a spray attachment, rinse off the panels and use a towel to wipe off the excess water. You can now turn the power back on to your solar panels.
When cleaning your solar panels, ensure you have all the supplies within reach. We’d recommend cleaning them in the morning or evening when the temperatures are relatively cool.
Avoid using a pressure washer as this might damage the surface of the panels. Another way to reduce the longevity and efficiency of the panels is to spray cold water when the panels are hot. Avoid it. As you’d expect, harsh chemicals can damage the solar panels, so use non-abrasive agents only.
And if you have safety concerns or physical limitations, consider calling a professional solar panel cleaner.
After How Long Should I Clean My Solar Panels?
On average, you should clean your solar panels every six months. This will however depend on the area you live in and the amount of accumulated debris. For example, if you live in a dry area, you can clean them sporadically.
Inspect them once every week for debris such as bird droppings. Ensure to remove them immediately. Remove ice accumulation daily during winter to improve the panels’ efficiency.
If you’ll be using solar panels for camping such as the BLUETTI PV200 | 350W Solar Panel, clean them after every camping trip. This will help maintain its high conversion rate and durability. Make sure to store it in a dry area to avoid damaging its connections.
Benefits of Cleaning Solar Panels?
So, what are the benefits of keeping your solar panels clean? Let’s find out.
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Using the Right Materials
While hiring a professional cleaner can increase the solar panel cleaning cost, it ensures the right materials and equipment are used. Professional solar panel cleaners use distilled water rather than tap water.
Tap water contains compounds that can leave a residue, reducing their effectiveness. They also use the right cleaning agents and equipment, which can bolster the panels’ longevity.
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Improved Longevity
Another benefit is improved longevity. Dirt and debris can accumulate on the panels’ surface reducing their efficiency. And as you’d expect, they will produce less energy than needed. Frequent cleaning helps prevent this.
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Improved Efficiency
Clean PV panels capture more sunlight during peak sun hours, leading to more energy production. And the more the energy, the less the electricity bills. So, if you want to get as much energy as possible from the BLUETTI PV200 | 420W Solar Panel, consider cleaning it regularly.
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Improved Appearance
Not only are clean solar panels appealing to the eye but also improve the aesthetics of your house. And with improved appearance comes improved house value.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the final solar panel cleaning cost will depend on several factors such as type of installation, geographical area, type of cleaning company, and roof height. Use the recommended materials and equipment to avoid damaging the panel’s surface. Always use non-abrasive agents for best results. And if you cannot clean the panels by yourself, consider consulting a professional solar panel cleaner.
