Does Cleaning Solar Panels Help? Absolutely—Here’s Why
If you’re wondering, “Does cleaning solar panels help?”—the short answer is yes.
Over time, solar panels collect dust, smog, pollen, bird droppings, and grime—especially in busy cities like Los Angeles. This buildup can block sunlight from reaching the solar cells, reducing energy production and costing you money.
In this guide, we’ll break down how solar panel cleaning helps, how much it improves performance, and when to get it done.
How Dirty Solar Panels Affect Efficiency
Solar panels rely on full sun exposure to generate maximum power. But when the surface gets dirty, sunlight can’t pass through as easily.
That means:
Less sunlight reaches your panels
Energy production drops
Your electric bill goes up
In fact, studies show that dirty solar panels can lose 15%–25% efficiency or more—especially in dry, dusty areas like Southern California.
How Solar Panel Cleaning Helps
So, does cleaning solar panels help? Yes—because it restores full sunlight access to the cells and improves output immediately.
Professional solar panel cleaning removes:
- Dust and debris
- Bird droppings
- Smog and salt (common in LA)
- Pollen and tree sap
When done properly, cleaning not only improves performance but also extends the lifespan of your solar investment.
Does Cleaning Solar Panels Save Money?
Yes. A study from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that dirty solar panels can reduce output by up to 25%.
Let’s say your panels normally save you $200/month in energy costs. If they’re underperforming by 20%, that’s $40/month lost—or nearly $500/year.
Regular solar panel cleaning more than pays for itself over time—and helps keep your warranty in good standing (most manufacturers require regular maintenance). In Los Angeles, where we get year-round sun, dirty panels can lead to even greater losses. Many homeowners here rely on solar to cover most—if not all—of their electric bill, so any drop in performance means real dollars left on the table every month.
Why LA Homeowners Need to Clean More Often
Living in Los Angeles comes with more airborne pollutants than most places—smog, coastal salt, tree pollen, and construction dust can quickly coat your panels and block sunlight.
But here’s the flip side: LA also gets some of the most consistent sunshine in the country. That means your solar panels have the potential to generate significant savings—if they’re clean and fully exposed to the sun.
If you live near the beach, a freeway, or under heavy tree cover, we recommend cleaning your system every 3 to 4 months to keep it running at peak efficiency and make the most of every sunny day.
DIY vs. Professional Solar Panel Cleaning
Cleaning your own solar panels might seem like a simple task, but it comes with serious risks:
- Walking on your roof can be dangerous and lead to injury
- Using the wrong tools—like abrasive brushes or tap water—can scratch the glass or leave mineral deposits
- Most panel warranties discourage or void coverage due to DIY-related damage
Professional cleaning ensures your system is protected and performs at its best. At ClearCraft Cleaning, we use soft brushes and purified water to gently remove grime without high pressure or harsh chemicals. Our technicians are trained to clean efficiently and safely—so you get maximum energy output without lifting a finger or risking costly damage.
So… Does Cleaning Solar Panels Help?
Absolutely cleaning solar panels help. Regular cleaning boosts performance, extends the life of your system, and saves you more money—especially in sunny, smog-filled Los Angeles. If your panels are underperforming, or if it’s been a few months since their last clean, it’s time to take action.
At ClearCraft Cleaning, we specialize in residential solar panel cleaning across LA. Our fully insured pros deliver spotless, streak-free results with zero risk to your roof or system.
👉 Call us today at (818) 671-8742
