Pros of Cleaning Solar Panels 

1. Increased Energy Output

• Up to 30% efficiency gain: According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), dirty solar panels can lose up to 30% of their energy output in high-dust areas.

• Average gain of 12%: A study by the University of California, San Diego found that residential solar panels that had not been cleaned for 15 months lost about 7.4% of their efficiency, and in areas near agriculture or pollution, losses were as high as 12% or more.

2. Longer Panel Lifespan

• Reduced wear and corrosion: Dirt, bird droppings, salt, and other pollutants can degrade the anti-reflective coating and damage panel surfaces over time.

• Regular cleaning reduces these risks, extending the average 25–30 year lifespan of solar panels.

3. Improved ROI (Return on Investment)

• Cleaning improves your payback period by maximizing daily energy generation.

• In high-soiling areas, this could mean $100–$300/year in regained value per home, depending on electricity rates and system size.

4. Warranty Compliance

• Some manufacturers (like SunPower and LG) may void warranties if panels are not properly maintained, including regular cleaning when conditions warrant it (like in areas with heavy pollen, dust, or bird activity).

5. Early Issue Detection

• Regular cleaning often comes with inspections that can catch issues like:

  • Cracks in glass

  • Burnt-out cells

  • Loose wiring