Absolutely, it does make a significant difference in power production.
Solar panels are designed to harness the power of the sun, but did you know that dirt, dust, bird droppings, and other debris can significantly reduce their efficiency?
You can expect a boost in power production efficiency by 10% to 30% or higher, depending on the level of dirt accumulated on the solar panel.
In this post, you will learn in detail about how cleaning your solar panel can make a difference and by how much.
How Dirty Panels Affect Performance?
Your solar panels rely on direct sunlight hitting their surface. Over time, natural build-up from pollution, grime, tree sap, and even lichen or moss in some areas can block sunlight from reaching the cells. This reduces the amount of electricity your system can generate.
According to studies and industry insights:
- Light dust build-up can reduce efficiency by 5–10%
- Heavier dirt or soiling (like bird droppings or urban pollution) can drop efficiency by 15–25% or more
- Neglected panels that haven’t been cleaned in years may underperform by up to 30–35%
In the commercial setup, it is even more important as the input and output is calculated to ensure it is producing the desired output. Check out our commercial solar panel cleaning in Melbourne to learn more.
Imagine losing a third of your energy output, this can be improved.
How Much Can You Save by Cleaning?
Let’s break it down with a simple example:
- Your solar system typically produces 20 kWh/day.
- A 20% loss from dirty panels reduces this to 16 kWh/day.
- That’s 4 kWh/day lost, which is 120 kWh/month.
- At $0.25 per kWh, you’re missing out on $30/month, or $360/year.
Professional cleaning costs a fraction of that and pays off quickly in recovered performance.
DIY vs Professional Cleaning
While some homeowners may attempt to clean panels themselves, there are risks:
- Damaging panel glass with improper tools or high-pressure water
- Voiding manufacturer warranties
- Safety concerns, especially with double-storey homes or tin roofs
Ultimate Solar Care uses industry-grade equipment, deionised Water, and safe cleaning agents to remove grime without damage. Visit how we clean to learn more.
How Often Should You Clean Your Panels?
We recommend:
- Every 6–12 months for urban and suburban areas
- More frequently in high-dust, coastal, or bird-heavy environments
We also advise cleaning after major storms, construction work nearby, or bushfire seasons (ash can leave a residue on panels).
Benefits of Regular Solar Panel Cleaning
- Maximise energy output
- Save money on your power bill
- Extend system lifespan
- Maintain warranties (many require proof of regular cleaning)
- Promote cleaner energy usage
Let Ultimate Solar Care do the job for you
At Ultimate Solar Care, we don’t just clean – we care. Our experienced team provides:
- Safe cleaning for all types of roofs
- Service for residential & commercial properties
- Before & after photos for your peace of mind
- Affordable plans with no lock-in contracts
If you are looking for the best solar panel cleaning in Melbourne, then contact Ultimate Solar Care today!
