Gentle cleaning for solar arrays
Solar Panel Cleaning in Spring, TX
Pollen, dust and bird droppings settle into a film that the rain doesn't wash away, and every bit of it blocks sunlight your panels could be turning into power. We clean them gently, never with high pressure.
Why they get dirty
Rain Doesn't Clean Solar Panels Around Here
It's easy to assume the next storm will rinse your panels off. What actually happens is the rain moves the dust around, then dries and leaves a thin film behind. Add the yellow layer of pine pollen we get every spring, a few bird droppings and the leaves that collect along the bottom edge of each panel, and you've got a coating that cuts down on the light reaching the cells.
Panels mounted at a low angle have it worst, because debris slides down and sits against the frame instead of falling off.
Signs your panels are due
- Your monitoring app shows less production than the same month last year, with no change in the weather to explain it.
- You can see a haze, pollen streaks or droppings on the glass from the yard.
- Leaves or needles are piling up along the low edge of the array.
- There's been roofing, painting or construction work nearby that kicked up dust.
How we clean them
How We Clean Panels Without Scratching Them
Solar panels are glass with a special coating on top, and they sit on a roof that has to be treated with care too.
Washed by Hand
Each panel gets washed with a scrubber to loosen the film, the same careful approach we use on windows.
No High Pressure
A pressure washer can force water into seals and frames, so the panels only ever see a gentle rinse.
Careful on the Roof
Getting to the panels safely matters as much as cleaning them, so we take our time on the roof.
Every kind of setup
From a Few Panels to a Whole Roof Slope
Whether your array covers the whole back slope or it's a few panels over the garage, the approach is the same: clean glass, no damage, no shortcuts.
Common questions
Solar Panel Cleaning Questions
How often should solar panels be cleaned?
Once or twice a year is enough for most homes. If your panels sit under pines or near construction, a cleaning after the spring pollen and another in the fall keeps them clear.
Will cleaning void my panel warranty?
Most panel makers ask that panels be cleaned without high pressure, abrasive pads or harsh chemicals. If you have your manufacturer's care guide, send it over and we'll follow it.
How much more power will I get?
It depends on how dirty the panels are. A lightly dusty array won't change much, while panels coated in pollen and droppings can pick up a noticeable amount. Your monitoring app is the best way to see the difference for yourself.
Can I just hose them off myself?
A garden hose rinse from the ground can help with loose dust, but it won't cut the film, and climbing up with a brush isn't worth the fall risk. Please don't use a pressure washer on them.
Can you clean the roof at the same time?
Yes. If the roof around the array has black streaks or moss, a roof cleaning on the same visit makes sense, and we'll handle the panels separately with the gentler process.
Do you clean commercial solar arrays?
Send us the size and location of the system through the commercial quote request, and we'll let you know whether it's a job we can take on.
More Ways to Keep the House Clean
Let Your Panels See the Sun Again
Tell us roughly how many panels you have and what kind of roof they're on, and we'll send you a free quote for cleaning them.