The Brothers Solar Panel Cleaning Service
A quality service for guaranteed satisfaction.
Dirty solar panels
Dust on solar panels drastically reduces their efficiency by blocking sunlight, which can lead to performance losses of up to 20-35% or even more, and in the long term, micro-scratches that damage the protective layer. Dirt accumulates due to dust, pollen, pollution, and bird droppings, so cleaning the panels is essential (ideally every 3 months or at least twice a year).
When cleaning your solar panels
Cleaning solar panels significantly increases their efficiency and energy production (by up to 20-30%), maximizing the return on investment by removing dirt that blocks sunlight, reducing overheating, and preventing permanent damage from debris such as bird droppings. This extends the lifespan of the system and ensures greater savings on electricity bills.
Higher performance
Solar panels work by harnessing solar radiation to generate electricity, so any type of obstruction, such as dust or dirt, reduces the amount of sunlight reaching the photovoltaic cells, thereby decreasing their performance. Recent studies have shown that a layer of dust just 1 millimeter thick on a solar panel can reduce its efficiency by up to 20%, and in areas where dust or pollution levels are particularly high, this reduction in efficiency can be even greater.
Save money
Saving money with solar panels is a significant advantage, as it reduces your electricity bill to almost zero, with average annual savings exceeding $1,500 and a return on investment in 6 to 12 years, depending on consumption, location, and rates. Keeping your solar panels clean will always result in higher performance, which will be reflected in your savings.
Why Clean Solar Panels?
Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic cells. Dirt, dust, bird droppings, leaves, and other debris can block sunlight from reaching these cells, reducing the panel’s efficiency. Here are some key reasons to keep your panels clean:
- Maximize Energy Production: Even a thin layer of dirt can reduce energy output by 5-20%, depending on the location and conditions. Studies have shown that heavily soiled panels can lose up to 30% efficiency.
- Increase Longevity: Accumulated dirt and grime can cause hot spots or uneven heating, which may damage the panel’s surface and reduce its lifespan.
- Protect Your Investment: Solar panels are a significant investment, and regular cleaning ensures they operate at maximum efficiency, delivering the expected financial and environmental benefits.
How often should solar panels be cleaned?
The frequency of cleaning solar panels depends on several factors, including geographical location, weather conditions, and the type of installation:
Geographical location: Panels in arid regions or areas with high levels of dust, sand, or pollen require more frequent cleaning. Urban areas with pollution and industrial activity may also experience faster dirt accumulation.
Weather conditions: Rain can help remove light debris, but it is often not enough to remove more stubborn dirt or bird droppings. Humid areas may experience problems with algae or mold growth, requiring regular cleaning.
Panel orientation and tilt: Flat panels tend to accumulate more dirt, as debris does not naturally slide off. Tilted panels benefit from gravity, which can reduce dirt buildup to some extent.
Local wildlife: Bird droppings can be particularly problematic and require specific cleaning.
In most locations, semi-annual cleaning of solar panels is recommended: once in the spring, after pollen season, and again in late summer. However, very dirty panels or those located in dusty areas may require monthly or quarterly cleaning.