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Investing in a solar system for the home is a great way to save on costly electric bills, though the initial cost of a solar panel system is often a deterrent. However, once the solar panels are installed the system is relatively low maintenance; just make sure to keep the solar panels clean in order to maintain the efficiency of your solar system.
Knowledgeable DIYers who have experience working on roofs can handle this task with relative ease, but for those who haven’t spent a lot of time on a roof, the risk is significantly higher. So how do you clean solar panels? Trained technicians who work as solar panel cleaners almost every day are best equipped to handle this job. Professional solar panel cleaners work at heights on a regular basis, so they know the protocols and best practices to follow in order to get the job done quickly and safely. Learn more about what the best solar panel cleaning services have to offer, as well as what to look for when deciding on the right solar panel cleaning company.
- BEST OVERALL: Window Gang
- BEST IN CALIFORNIA: Premier Solar Cleaning
- BEST IN TEXAS: Solar Service
- BEST IN THE CAROLINAS: Sun Service Specialists
- BEST IN FLORIDA: 3 Guys Solar
- BEST AGGREGATOR: Thumbtack
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Solar Panel Cleaning Services
There are a number of considerations to take into account before choosing one of the best solar panel cleaning services. In choosing the best one for one’s needs, a customer may want to primarily consider the service area. However, other factors include scheduling, licensing and insurance, additional services provided by the company, and customer support.
Service Area and Scheduling
Before looking at the various services a solar panel cleaning company offers, it’s necessary for customers to check the service area to make sure that their home falls within the given range. There are very few solar panel cleaning services that have a nationwide range, so it’s recommended to look for regional service providers. Once a customer has narrowed down the choices to their state or general geographic location, the next step is to ask about scheduling.
Many solar panel cleaning companies have flexible scheduling available, though there are some that may need to book an assessment appointment before scheduling a cleaning appointment. If this is the case, customers will want to ask whether there is a cost associated with the assessment or if this service is included in the final cleaning costs.
Licensing and Insurance
One of the more important aspects to consider when you are looking for a solar panel cleaning service is whether the company is licensed and insured. Keep in mind that solar panel cleaning experts need to work on the roof, putting them at risk of potentially life-threatening falls. In order to feel confident that your solar panel cleaning appointment can be completed with minimal risk, it’s recommended to find companies that train and employ licensed and insured workers.
Technicians may be trained by the solar panel cleaning company or they may receive certification by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCAP), which specializes in certifying professionals in the field of renewable energy. While NABCEP certification isn’t required to be a solar panel cleaning expert, it does demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in the renewable energy industry.
Additional Services
Solar panel cleaning companies are not typically limited to cleaning solar panels, so if a customer has other work that they need done around the home, it’s worth it to check the company website or ask the customer support staff to find out what additional services the company offers. To better provide for the needs of potential customers, many solar panel cleaning companies have a range of extra services, like wildlife remediation, window cleaning, gutter cleaning, pressure washing, or chimney sweeping.
Wildlife remediation typically involves making repairs to the solar system, building protective barriers to prevent birds and other animals from damaging the solar panels, and repairing any barriers that have gotten damaged since they were installed. Some companies may also be able to install gutter guards to prevent wildlife and debris from entering the gutter system.
Customer Support
During an initial scheduling call or email communication, customers can ask any questions about information or services that are not clear on the company website. Customer support staff shouldn’t have any issues answering questions promptly or obtaining the correct information for more technical questions about the job.
Customer support is the backbone of any service-based company. If the people that are hired and trained to speak directly to customers are not knowledgeable about the service or cannot answer questions about costs, scheduling, service area, licensing, or insurance, then this indicates a low level of experience and high employee turnover. It’s recommended to avoid companies with these red flags.
Our Top Picks
The best solar panel cleaning services were selected for customer support, additional services, knowledgeable staff, expert technicians, and overall quality.
Best Overall
Window Gang
- Service area: 14 states
- Scheduling: Online, phone
- Additional services: Window cleaning, gutter cleaning, pressure washing, soft washing, dryer vent cleaning, chimney sweeping
- Customer support: Phone
Pros
- Services available in 1,600 cities nationwide
- All technicians are fully licensed, insured, and background checked
- Quick, convenient scheduling via online booking
- Additional services include window cleaning, gutter cleaning, pressure washing, and chimney sweeping
Cons
- Sum of services’ cost must reach a minimum of $125
- Solar panel cleaning service is only visible to customers at the time of scheduling
Why It Made the Cut: Window Gang offers a wide range of additional services on top of solar panel cleaning, as well as a broad service area that includes 1,600 cities nationwide. Window Gang started several decades ago as a window cleaning company for commercial and residential customers in North Carolina. Since its beginning, the company has expanded well beyond the borders of North Carolina, with a large 14-state service area that includes 1,600 cities across the U.S. Customers can book services online or over the phone for solar panel cleaning, window cleaning, gutter cleaning, pressure washing, soft washing, dryer vent cleaning, and chimney sweeping. Customers can rely on Window Gang technicians to be fully licensed and insured with recent background checks. However, Window Gang will only book appointments if the sum of the services has a minimum cost of $125. Additionally, the company only mentions solar panel cleaning services during the booking process, so it’s difficult to break down the exact process or what is included in the cost of a solar panel cleaning appointment. Customers can ask for more information at the time of booking or by calling the company’s customer support line.
Best in California
Premier Solar Cleaning
- Service area: California
- Scheduling: Phone, email
- Additional services: Solar system maintenance, protective barrier installation
- Customer support: Phone, email
Pros
- 6-point checklist ensures solar panel health and functionality
- All technicians are fully licensed, insured, and background checked
- Annual, biannual, and triannual maintenance plans available
- Additional services include solar panel maintenance and protective barrier installation
Cons
- Website can be somewhat user-unfriendly
Why It Made the Cut: Californians can book annual, biannual, or triannual maintenance plans through Premier Solar Cleaning to keep solar panel systems clean and protected. Solar panel systems have become incredibly popular in California, and Premier Solar Cleaning was developed to help customers address solar panel cleaning and maintenance concerns. All technicians employed by Premier Solar Cleaning are fully licensed and insured. The company also has regular background checks completed on all employees so customers can feel confident trusting the skill and expertise of the technicians working on their solar system. Prospective customers should be prepared to spend some time on the company website slowly sifting through a blocky Service Area section to figure out if a specific town is listed. Homeowners can invest in annual, biannual, or triannual solar panel maintenance plans or book individual appointments. The company provides a six-point solar panel health check that includes an inspection of the glass, framework, and roof fixings for damage as well as checking for damage from birds or squirrels. Customers can also hire Premier Solar Cleaning for protective barrier installation to keep wildlife from damaging a solar system.
Best in Texas
Solar Service
- Service area: Texas
- Scheduling: Phone, email
- Additional services: Solar system maintenance, home sale transaction assistance, protective barrier installation, system education
- Customer support: Phone, email
Pros
- Additional services include home sale transaction assistance and solar system education
- Tiered maintenance memberships available
- Comprehensive online FAQ section
Cons
- Limited information on services readily available
Why It Made the Cut: Customers can learn more about a home’s solar panel system with Solar Service’s home sale transaction assistance and solar system education program. One of the standout offerings Solar Service has is the home sale transaction assistance, which helps customers figure out the details of transferring a solar panel system or a solar lease when they are buying or selling a home. This Texas-based company also offers to send an expert technician to the customer’s home to provide solar system education, which involves the technician teaching the customer about their own solar system in order to help the customer make informed decisions about ongoing maintenance and repairs. Solar Service also offers solar system maintenance, solar panel cleaning, and protective barrier installation to prevent birds and other animals from damaging the solar system. Book one-time appointments or invest in tiered maintenance memberships for ongoing solar system cleaning and maintenance. While the company website has limited information on the services offered, it does have a comprehensive FAQ section to help customers find the answers to lingering questions.
Best in the Carolinas
Sun Service Specialists
- Service area: North Carolina, South Carolina
- Scheduling: Phone, email
- Additional services: Solar system maintenance, wildlife remediation, solar system expansion, electric vehicle charging station installation
- Customer support: Phone, email
Pros
- Additional services include solar system expansion and wildlife remediation
- Technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
Cons
- Wildlife remediation service procedures are unclear
Why It Made the Cut: Sun Service Specialists stands out in the Carolinas thanks to wildlife remediation service and solar system maintenance. Solar system maintenance, solar system expansion, and solar panel cleaning are just a few of the services offered by Sun Service Specialists. The company also offers electric vehicle charging station installation as well as wildlife remediation, though the exact procedures the technicians use for wildlife remediation services are unclear. Before booking this service, it’s recommended to ask whether the wildlife remediation includes repairs and solar panel maintenance or if it is limited to preventative measures, like protective barriers. Customers in North and South Carolina can book appointments through email or over the phone. Customers can rely on technicians that have been certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, indicating a high level of skill in the renewable energy field.
Best in Florida
3 Guys Solar
- Service area: Florida
- Scheduling: Phone, email
- Additional services: Solar system installation, solar system maintenance, Tesla charging system installation
- Customer support: Phone, email
Pros
- Additional services include solar system installation and maintenance
- Instant ballpark estimates available
Cons
- Limited information on solar panel cleaning readily available online
Why It Made the Cut: 3 Guys Solar offers instant estimates using satellite imagery, so customers don’t waste time and money on inspection appointments. For residents of the Sunshine State, 3 Guys Solar is a great option for solar panel cleaning. The company uses satellite images in order to provide prospective customers with instant estimates instead of booking unnecessary inspection appointments to come up with a cost for the work. Trained technicians can also handle solar system installation, solar system maintenance, and even Tesla charging system installations, providing customers with a focus offering of services. The company website provides information on installation and maintenance services; however, there isn’t a lot of detail about the solar panel cleaning services, so before booking with 3 Guys Solar, it’s recommended to speak with customer support through phone or email about the specifics of the job. Although 3 Guys Solar is a relatively new company, customers can rely on the professional technicians for expert knowledge and reliable communication throughout the entire process.
Best Aggregator
Thumbtack
- Service area: 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- Scheduling: Online
- Additional services: Varies by provider
- Customer support: Phone, email
Pros
- Service providers available in 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- Customers can filter by project and choose from local professionals
- Customers can obtain quotes or bids within minutes
Cons
- Search results can be somewhat unorganized
Why It Made the Cut: The nationwide service area makes Thumbtack an excellent resource for customers who reside outside of the major solar panel installation hotspots. Not every solar panel cleaning service is easy to find and research online, especially for smaller companies or private contractors. So for customers who are not located within the service area of a larger solar panel cleaning company, it’s necessary to have a reliable resource to find local technicians. Thumbtack is that reliable resource. This aggregator company provides a searchable database of professionals across 50 states and Washington, D.C. Prospective customers can filter by project to find expert technicians to clean the solar panel system and get quotes or even bids within minutes. However, it’s important to note that the search results are not organized and cannot be sorted, so the search may list top-quality companies below low-rated services. Make sure to take enough time to thoroughly research any companies or private contractors in order to make the best decision about whom to hire for solar panel cleaning and maintenance.
Our Verdict
If a customer is looking for a solar panel cleaning service that can also handle additional tasks, like window cleaning, gutter cleaning, pressure washing, soft washing, dryer vent cleaning, and chimney sweeping, then Window Gang is a great choice. However, for customers living in California who want to find a solar panel cleaning company that offers annual, biannual, and triannual maintenance plans, Premier Solar Cleaning may be right.
How We Chose the Best Solar Panel Cleaning Services
In order to find the best solar panel cleaning services, it was necessary to extensively research a broad range of potential options before being able to properly evaluate the quality of the services being offered. For each company, we considered key factors such as customer communication, service area, and any extra work the companies could handle outside of solar panel cleaning.
Very few solar panel cleaning companies offer a nationwide service area, so this list focuses on regional service providers that are based in the leading regions for solar energy use such as Florida, Texas, the Carolinas, and California. Additionally, clear, polite customer support is an integral part of providing excellent service to individuals, families, and businesses that want to have the solar system cleaned. With this in mind, companies that had an evident focus on customer support were selected over those with poor customer communication. Any extra services, like wildlife remediation, window cleaning, gutter cleaning, pressure washing, or chimney sweeping, also helped to improve the overall evaluation of a company.
Before You Hire One of the Best Solar Panel Cleaning Services
Consistent rainfall will wash away the majority of debris that has built up on the surface of the solar panels. But for homeowners who want to get the highest efficiency from their solar systems, cleaning solar panels is necessary. Regularly cleaning the solar panels can also help extend the life of the system by removing dust, dirt, animal droppings, and other debris that can bake onto the solar panels as they sit under the hot sun.
It’s important to note that while it’s a good idea to hire a solar panel cleaning service to quickly and effectively take care of a solar system, some homeowners will be able to tackle this job. However, if a homeowner doesn’t have experience working on a roof, or if the roof is steeply pitched, then it’s recommended to rely on trained professionals that can get the best results while staying safe.
Cost of Hiring One of the Best Solar Panel Cleaning Services
Given that solar panels only need to be cleaned about once or twice a year, this service is an affordable one that helps increase the efficiency of a solar system by about 5 percent. On average, homeowners can expect to pay about $100 to $350, though there are several factors that can increase the price of the job, including roof slant, home height, and system size.
Typically, solar panel cleaning services will charge about $3 to $10 per panel. Some companies may charge a flat rate fee for the cleaning instead of a per solar panel cost, but it’s important to speak to a customer service representative to find out the exact price and discuss any additional fees, such as annual inspection fees, which generally cost about $150 in addition to the cost of cleaning.
The Advantages of Using One of the Best Solar Panel Cleaning Services
There are many reasons it’s better to hire a professional solar panel cleaning service instead of trying to handle this work independently. Solar panel cleaners work in this field on a regular basis, which means that they are also much more comfortable than the average DIYer when it comes to climbing ladders, walking on roofs, and recognizing potential hazards.
Homeowners can also count on professional solar panel cleaning technicians to complete this work quickly and effectively. Their experience and knowledge not only improves the speed of the job, but the final results also tend to be better than if the same work was entrusted to an untrained DIYer. Similarly, experts in the solar panel services field can provide information or offer additional services to help solve ongoing issues.
- Trained solar panel cleaners have more experience working at heights than the average DIYer.
- Professional solar panel cleaning services work fast and produce great results.
- Knowledgeable experts can help address ongoing problems with services, like wildlife remediation.
FAQs
Check out the informative FAQs below to learn how to clean solar panels on a roof, what professional solar panel cleaners use, and some of the cleaning methods to avoid.
Q. Is solar panel cleaning worth it?
One of the most common questions that gets asked about solar panel cleaning is do solar panels need cleaning? After all, if rain and wind can remove most of the dirt and dust, then why do solar panels need to be cleaned? Although precipitation can help to remove some of the accumulated dust and debris, it isn’t as effective as manually cleaning the solar panels. With annual solar cleaning, you can increase the efficiency of a solar panel system by 5 percent or more. This may not seem like a lot, but the increased efficiency across the entire system is well worth the hassle of cleaning solar panels once or twice a year.
Q. What should solar panels be cleaned with?
DIYers with experience working on roofs may not need to resort to searching “solar panel cleaning near me” if they have the right tools for the job. Typically, you can clean the panels with a soft brush to remove any larger items, like leaves or sticks. The soft brush won’t damage the panels and it can also clean away dust and dirt.
Use a garden hose to spray the panels and rinse leftover dirt and debris. If there are problem areas, spray the panels with water while scrubbing with the soft brush to remove stuck on dirt and grime without damaging the solar panels.
Q. Does cleaning your solar panels make a difference?
Solar cleaning service isn’t essential for your solar system to work, but it does make a difference in the overall efficiency of the system. On average, dust, dirt, pollen, and other debris can decrease the efficiency of a solar panel by 5 percent or more, depending on the rainfall frequency and the amount of airborne debris in the area where you live. By hiring one of the best solar panel cleaning services to clean the solar panels once or twice a year, you can increase the efficiency of the entire system.
Q. How do professionals clean solar panels?
A professional solar panel cleaner uses a soft brush to remove leaves, sticks, dust, and dirt. They will then rinse the solar panels to remove any lingering debris, but if there are problem areas, they may need to scrub the solar panels with a soft brush and water. The method for solar panel cleaning doesn’t differ from DIYers to professionals, but the job is typically completed much faster, safer, and with better results when you rely on trained individuals that do this work almost every day.
Q. Can I use a pressure washer to clean solar panels?
While a pressure washer may seem like the best way to clean solar panels because it can reach the roof-mounted panels from the ground, the high pressure created by a pressure washer can damage the panels. Never use a high-pressure washer to clean your panels.
Q. How often should I have my solar panels cleaned?
When you are looking for a solar panel cleaning service, it’s important to consider the frequency with which you will need the solar panels cleaned. Generally, it’s recommended to clean solar panels about once every 6 months to a year, depending on the amount of airborne dust and debris in your area.
Q. Should I clean pollen off solar panels?
Pollen will cause the same reduction in overall efficiency as dust, so if you have recurring problems with pollen, it’s suggested to hire one of the best solar panel cleaning services to keep the solar panel system clean and pollen-free.