(cleaning of a 2kW solar PV system, 10 panels)
(cleaning and repair of a 3kW solar PV system, 20 panels)
Cost to maintain your solar panels varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).
Get free estimates from solar energy contractors in your city.
The average cost of cleaning a solar system is $150 to $330 annually.
Solar power has many benefits worth noting. Investing in a solar panel system for your roof not only reduces your electricity costs but also adds value to your property. Other advantages include protection from continually rising energy costs, reduction in carbon footprint, and protection from the carbon tax effect on the cost of electricity. To ensure that such investments stay in great shape and continue to offer benefits, it is important to have solar panels professionally maintained and cleaned on a regular basis.
The average cost of cleaning a 2kW solar system with 10 panels is $150 to $330 annually in the United States, whereas cleaning a 3kW system with 20 panels costs on average $300 to $430. On the other hand, the average cost of an annual inspection of your rooftop solar panels is typically $150 to $300.
Some benefits of professional solar panel cleaning include:
Cleaning solar panels needs professional involvement due to the complexity of the system. Usually, the owner has a cleaning and maintenance guide for every panel. Contractors follow these instructions and warnings from the manufacturer. For safety reasons, they turn off the power before cleaning.
They prefer cloudy days because sunny weather evaporates the cleaning water and stains the panels. First, they use a soft brush to remove the dust settled on the panels. Then, the professional uses clean water and a sponge using circular motions to clean the panels gently. They usually avoid harsh detergents, chemicals, or abrasive materials like steel wool because they might leave scratches and affect the efficiency of the system.
Professionals sometimes use a water hose in the garden to spray water on the panels. This ensures a uniform cleaning. They clean the panel with a dry and soft cloth to ensure no settling of any minerals that can cause damage to the panels. They turn the power back on when the unit is completely dry.
The average cost to clean and maintain solar panels is $150 to $330. Depending on various factors such as the size of the pane and roof pitch, professional solar panel cleaning companies charge between $15 to $35 per panel. Some businesses charge a flat rate.
The following factors may influence the costs of professional solar panel cleaning:
A qualified solar maintenance technician inspects your solar panels annually to ensure that your investment is worth it and functions properly. Among other tasks, they focus on:
The average cost of an annual inspection of your rooftop solar panels is typically $150 to $300. After the inspection, the technician might suggest replacement or repair work if any of the components are broken or not working properly. This could increase the costs up to $750.
The most typical problems found by professionals include:
Problem | Potential repair/solution | Average cost |
---|---|---|
Corrosion | Replace all severely oxidized metal parts | $150-$350 |
Loose wiring | Fix loose wiring by cutting through the soft silicone to reach the back of the cells Re-solder the cells with bad connections Fix or replace the cuts and padding 3 material | $100 per hour |
Cracked panels | Either fix the panels by soldering the edges to save the unit, or consider a full replacement based on the the extent of the crack | $100-$300 |
Broken glass | Wrap the panel surface with a transparent laminating film, or fix it with a silicone encapsulant In some cases, the broken glass may require replacement | $20-$400 |
Tree branches obstructing sun exposure | Remove or trim the vegetation obstructing the system’s sun exposure | $50-$200 |
Inverter not communicating | Replace the micro inverter/string inverter A micro inverter is very expensive compared to a string inverter | $1,000-$2,000 |
Loose or damaged roof tiles | Temporarily remove the solar panels to replace and repair the loose or damaged tiles | $100-$500 |
The solar panels often last beyond their expected lifespan of 20 years. Expect new and advanced models to last about 50 years. These need replacement only if:
This system consists of nozzles positioned every few solar panels. The sprinkler-based systems have an adjustable frequency and independently programmed rinse and wash cycles. They require no tools, and the panel cleaning happens just by gravity. Once the system is installed and programmed, it does not need any attention except the infrequent refilling of the soap extract and replacing the water filters.
The system is designed to be maintained at a relatively low cost, ensuring that the solar panels are cleaned regularly for optimum solar generation. A one-time installation cost eliminates an ongoing labor cost incurred for manual cleaning of the solar panels. Expect to pay about $2,260 for a sprinkler-based solar cleaning system for around 50 panels.
Solar panel cleaning robots possess the capacity to wash your panels daily, mostly without the use of water. These usually run on solar energy as each robot has its own solar panel.
Cleaning robots use microfiber brushes to wipe off dirt and dust from the solar panels. They use a battery and a photovoltaic panel for energy storage, which allows them to clean during the night. And, the positioning of the panels beneath the rails ensures that they are cleaned by the robots themselves.
The automated cleaning system does not need the installation of water tanks, water pipes, or electrical cables to charge or power the robot since it is energy-independent. Expect to pay a price of $0.20 to $0.25 per kW for robotic solar panel cleaning systems. However, the approximate cost of a solar panel cleaning robot is $2,900 for 10 to 99 sets.
Most of the solar panel systems consist of monitoring equipment either included or bought as an add-on. The monitoring equipment helps you keep an eye on the energy production and usage, informing you whether your system is performing as per expectations.
The monitoring equipment has a green light which is always on. If it goes off or begins flashing 4, it is an indication that your system has stopped working and needs inspection and possibly repair. Monitoring of solar panels also involves accessing figures, data, and reports obtained from downloading information from an online portal on your computer.
Solar panels should be inspected and cleaned at a minimum of once every 12 months.
Yes, regular cleaning prevents the buildup of any debris, dirt, and residue and helps to keep the solar panels operating optimally 24/7. A solar panel that is dirty can lose up to 25% of its energy-yielding capabilities.
Solar panels are generally very durable and require little maintenance. A quality solar panel lasts around 25 to 30 years with minimal maintenance.
The best way to clean your solar panels is using clean water, a coarse cloth with spongy covering for little scrubbing, a soft brush, and lastly, some elbow grease. These should remove the most stubborn stains and grime.
We do not recommend high-pressure washing for your solar panels. A high-pressure attachment can result in impact damage and push water in between the frame and glass, delivering moisture to vulnerable areas.
Cost to maintain your solar panels varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.