Why Solar Panel Cleaning is Important

Howdy Texans! As a solar company that handles installations, maintenance and repairs, we get asked constantly – how important is it really to clean your solar panels? 

The answer is clear: Regular solar panel cleaning is absolutely critical to maximize your system’s production and savings over its 25+ year lifetime. Here’s why panel cleaning should be a top priority:

Dirt & debris reduce solar production

Dirt, dust, pollen, bird droppings, leaves and other debris accumulation is simply a fact of life when you have equipment installed outdoors. Here in the Lone Star state, we have more than our fair share of the elements to contend with from seasonal storms. Over time, all that grime buildup on your solar panels blocks sunlight from converting into energy.

In addition to blocking light, the accumulation of dirt and debris can attract unwanted critters, and trust us when we say you don’t want them anywhere near your solar panels. Between nesting under panels and chewing up wiring, a lot of damage can be prevented if you keep your panels clean and don’t invite critters onto your roof! 

Just how much energy is lost from dirty panels?

Studies conclusively show dirty solar panels can cut power generation by 20-25% in certain environments. For a typical 5 kilowatt residential system, that could mean losing out on over 1,000 kilowatt-hours per year. At Austin’s average electricity rate of 15 cents per kWh, that’s $150 in annual savings lost to dirt!

While $150 alone may not seem hugely significant, those compounding losses are massive over the 25-30 year lifespan of your system. You could leave thousands of dollars in electricity savings on the table, seriously reducing your long-term return on investment.

To put some real numbers on it, a moderately dirty 5 kW system could lose around $4,500 in energy production over 25 years. But keep those panels spotless, and the same system will bank over $30,000 total in electricity savings! That’s a staggering difference.

Proper Maintenance yields big dividends

Proper maintenance pays off exponentially over decades of solar panel operation. Yet many homeowners take a ‘set it and forget it’ approach after installation and never clean their panels. This is sacrificing substantial savings.

Here at North Texas Solar, we recommend all our customers schedule biannual solar panel cleanings at a minimum. Many homeowners choose to clean their panels themselves with a soft brush, hose and mild detergent a couple times per year.

But it’s wise to also have professional cleanings annually. Our licensed solar techs use specialized equipment to safely access your roof and thoroughly clean every inch of your system. We apply a grease cutting solution before gently agitating panels and rinsing. A squeegee ensures no water spots remain.

A professional cleaning is ALWAYS better!

This comprehensive cleaning clears even stubborn grime that regular DIY efforts can miss. An annual tune-up by solar experts ensures your system is operating at peak production before entering high sun months.

The small recurring investment in proper solar panel maintenance pays off exponentially over decades of operation. Well-cared for PV systems produce their full savings potential year after year. Just like you wouldn’t skip oil changes in your car, don’t neglect basic upkeep for your solar investment.

Contact North Texas Solar to learn more about our affordable cleaning, maintenance and repair packages tailored for homeowners. Let us handle the dirty work while you continue banking maximum solar savings for years to come! Here’s to keeping your panels dust-free and energy bills low.