AlanHarmon.net

My solar production went up 12% simply by cleaning my panels. Here is a before and after picture of when I cleaned my panels on July 29, 2023.


Cleaning solar panels can have both benefits and drawbacks, and whether it's worth it depends on various factors:

1. Efficiency Improvement: Dust, dirt, bird droppings, and other debris can accumulate on solar panels, reducing their efficiency. Cleaning the panels can help restore their optimal performance, leading to increased electricity generation which saves you money!

2. Location: The importance of cleaning solar panels is definitely affected by where you live.. If you live in an area with frequent rain, the panels might get naturally cleaned, reducing the need for manual cleaning. On the other hand, in dry and dusty regions, the need for cleaning might be more significant.

3. Energy Cost and Usage: The impact of dirty solar panels on energy production might not be substantial for small residential systems with excess capacity. If you generate more than you use, it might not matter - unless you want to generate more for the world which is a noble endeavor. For larger commercial installations, such as solar farms, even a slight improvement in efficiency can result in significant additional energy production.

4. Accessibility: Consider the ease of accessing your solar panels. If they are installed on your roof or in a difficult-to-reach location, cleaning might be more challenging and potentially risky, depending on the circumstances. You don't want to break your roof tiles cleaning your panels - that is a 'step' in the wrong direction.

5. Cost and Effort: Cleaning solar panels can be a time-consuming and potentially expensive task, especially if you need specialized equipment or professional assistance.

6. Warranty and Maintenance: Check your solar panel manufacturer's warranty and maintenance recommendations. Some warranties might require regular cleaning to remain valid.

Look how dirty my panels were. I probably hadn't cleaned them for 4 months!


If you are considering cleaning your solar panels, make sure it is worth your time and energy. Ask yourself: Will this cleaning produce enough savings to make it worth my while?

Look how nice and clean they got. I probably hadn't cleaned them for 4 months!


If you are considering cleaning your solar panels, make sure it is worth your time and energy. Ask yourself: Will this cleaning produce enough savings to make it worth my while?

Look how nice and clean they got. I probably hadn't cleaned them for 4 months!