Solar panels are constructed of energy producing photovoltaic cells and are protected by a glass covering. They are installed outside on rooftops, on top of covered parking lots or in open fields. Being exposed to the outside elements, it’s likely that soil, grime, dust, insects, algae, moss, bird droppings and any other blowing debris can cover the protective glass layer. This obstructs the ability of the sun’s rays to reach the photovoltaic cells and can reduce the energy collection capability of the solar panel by up to twenty-five percent.
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Dirty Solar Panels can decrease their energy efficiency by as much as 25 percent
Basically, they get dirty and need to be cleaned so that they can work properly. Solar panels should be cleaned regularly according to the area and climate in which they are installed. Cleaning a solar panel isn’t too difficult; however, it is better left to a professional. A professional solar panel cleaner will have the necessary equipment to clean them safely and without damage to the fixtures.
Solar panel cleaners are a part of a growing industry. Professional solar panel cleaners require little training, but have the proper technique to safely remove the dirt and grime to keep solar panels clean. People who clean solar panels find themselves in a business that often has very low competition and lots of room for growth. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, one of the necessary considerations is start-up costs, when contemplating the start of a new business.
Start-up costs can include:
- Equipment(panel cleaning brushes, telescoping poles)
- Insurance
- Advertising
- Office and Bookkeeping Set-up(Computers, Website, Phone, Software)
- Local and State license fees
- Proper equipment is vital to start your Solar Panel Cleaning business. A good place to start for more information on solar panel cleaning equipment is our article on the Solar Panel Cleaning Pure Water Cleaning System.
There are no standard fees for solar panel cleaning services. Often, it depends on several factors such as the distance you must travel to get to the site where the panels are installed. A good starting point is around $125 within ten miles or less and a fee per panel.
Solar panels need to be clean to produce energy
The more panels there are, the cheaper the rate per panel. The per-panel charge ranges from three dollars to twenty dollars, depending on their location, how high they are situated or how difficult they are to reach with your cleaning equipment.
Each year, more home owners and businesses are installing solar panels to reduce their ongoing energy bills. These solar panels will need to be on a regular inspection and cleaning schedule. Cleaning solar panels looks like a business with low start-up costs and a huge growth potential for many years to come. If you’re a hard worker with a goal to be your own boss, it might be an opportunity worth pursuing.
You’ll also like:
Doing it Right! – Solar Panel Pure Water Cleaning System
Opportunity Guide to Becoming a Solar Power System Installer
DIY Home Solar Installation Checklist: You can do it!
I’ve started a solar panel cleaning business, but would like more guidance on pricing structure and industry best practice standards as there are no companies in my area. Any advice.
Thanks for visiting our site… Like most new businesses, you’ll need to test your pricing, at first. I would suggest you begin with a flat rate as a starting point, plus a per panel fee. Once you start to get some paying customers, you’ll know where you need to be. If you think you’ve priced your service too low, you can try to raise it with the next customer. After you’ve done this a few times, you’ll find a price that customers are comfortable paying and that’s profitable for your business. As far as industry best practice standards are concerned, focus on being flexible with the times that you’re available to service your customer’s solar panels and provide top notch customer service. All the best and keep us updated on your progress…
I’m about to land a huge solar farm deal do any of you guys know pricing for hundreds of Acres
Hi Robert,
I’m planning to start a solar panel cleaning company. I’m currently working in solar industry selling solar systems and getting them installed. I can clearly see potential for a big market in the solar cleaning business. However I’ve no idea, where to start? Could you please give me ideas on how to start it and any guidance? Your help will be very much appreciated. Thanks
Check out http://www.WindowCleaningResource.com or http://www.jracenstein.com. They have the proper equipment for traditional window cleaning, water fed pole cleaning (aka pure water cleaning) and solar cleaning. I will definitely be adding solar cleaning to my list of services.
I have recently started a solar panel cleaning business. Where I’m stuck, is being able to show the customer the improvement in their wattage production. Any suggestions would be helpful… Reading the meters that I have done for practice wattage production didn’t change, but I cleaned the panels after 10 a.m. CST, and read the meter at 11 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. on a cloudless day. Panels were hot to touch so I think it could be that the panels were derating b/c of the heat.
Hi Robert…thanks for visiting our site. Solar panel cleaning is a preventative maintenance service to ensure that solar panels are working efficiently. It’s similar to regular oil changes on a car. You can go thousands of miles beyond your regularly scheduled oil change, but when your engine begins to have issues it’s a clear sign that you’ve waited too long. It could possibly cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars to repair. Likewise, if a solar panel system owner waits to clean their panels until they see measurable performance loss, then they may have already lost more money in potential energy, than it would have cost to clean the panels. Hope that helps!
How did you obtain your third-party permission slips to be able to clean solar panels because I’m trying to start a solar cleaning business as well and my city won’t allow me to get a business license without obtaining the third-party permission slip from each company that I’m going to clean…
Do nano sealant/coats protect solar panels from dust? In desert there is no water, so how it can be clean after nano coating? If yes, please provide detail calculation.
Great question…You’ll still need to clean the panels. The coating does not protect them from dust build up on the surface. These guys have an innovative waterless Solar Panel cleaner. Check it out! http://techcrunch.com/2016/01/10/saudi-arabian-startup-nomadd-looks-to-clean-up-solar-energy-production/
Hi there, I’m planning to get into the solar cleaning business. I’m already into solar business. I’m a sales consultant in a solar system company.
I recently realized that the solar cleaning business has potential in both residential and commercial.
If anyone could help me with the basic business work structure? How to get started into this? Any help and information will be very much appreciate. Thanks in advance.
Thanks for the comment!… Solar panel cleaning is a business with a huge potential and relatively low start-up costs. To get started, you’ll need some critical items like a telescoping pole brush system(read our article on the Solar Panel Pure Water Cleaning System , a ladder, and safety harness for fall protection. You may need a business license to do this type of work in your area, insurance, business cards, flyers, a business account with your bank, and/or a Paypal account to take credit card transactions from your customers. Don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun with a hat, some sunscreen and lots of water. A good pair of work boots and a hard work ethic are probably two of the most important things you’ll need. Start small, learn as you go, build and invest in the business as it grows. All the best to you. Keep us updated and please share your experience and tips with everyone here…
@EnergyMaxOut: thank you very much for super quick reply. You have actually given me the map on how to get started. I really appreciate it. I’ll keep you posted on the progress. I’ll definitely get back to you if I need any more guidance. Thanks heaps
Glad that we could help you get started. We’re looking forward to hearing about your progress.
Hello,
I was wondering what kind of insurance I would need to get to start my cleaning business. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Luke, thanks for the comment… You would need insurance coverage that’s similar to a roofing contractor or a solar panel installer. You’ll likely want to get a policy that includes General Liability insurance, which provides coverage for injury or property damage from your business activities and possibly Workers Compensation Coverage, which provides medical and wage protection for injuries on the job. Their are a variety of other types of coverage, as well. Speak with a professional insurance advisor to decide what’s best for you. Check out these two links for some more info on this topic: http://www.solarinsure.com/solar-power-contractors-insurance and http://www.nrca.net/roofing/Insurance-631
I am also interested in starting a solar cleaning business and was wondering where I may find a proper solar cleaning training class in California or at least any information on how I may begin to look for the training. A point in the right direction would be highly appreciated. Thank you
Hi John…I haven’t seen any training classes on solar panel cleaning. However, I think you can get started with the right equipment(http://www.energymaxout.com/doing-it-right-solar-panel-pure-water-cleaning-system/ and by checking out the proper solar panel cleaning methods with some of these videos… This is a basic instructional video for cleaning solar panels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1W3lHpNszg This video will show you how some pros are cleaning solar panels on one of the coolest solar panel systems I’ve seen. Check it out!…http://www.astoundwindowcleaning.co.uk/solar-panel-cleaning-video/
Hey, I just started my solar panel cleaning buisness, what kind insurance do I need and how do I use purified water to use on the panel? Some kind of system that I have to buy ?
Hi Oscar…See our reply to Luke on May 4, 2016, regarding the type of insurance that you’ll need. You can view more details on the equipment you’ll need, here: http://www.energymaxout.com/doing-it-right-solar-panel-pure-water-cleaning-system/ Let us know if you have any additional questions. We’re wishing you lots of success with your new solar panel cleaning business! Please keep us updated on your progress and feel free to comment here to help others.
Hi!
I am a solar installer who has decided to dig into the solar panel cleaning market. I just purchased a four stage filtering system with battery powered water pumps for the water tanks and have two carbon fiber water fed poles. Now that I have the equipment and some flyers, how do I sell the service? I have gone from door to door, but where might I find the right customers who might want my service? What kind of marketing should I start with?
Thanks for any help!
Hi Tracy…thanks for visiting our site. I would recommend starting with your solar installation customers and anyone that has solar panels on their roof. In your flyers, you should explain why solar cleaning is necessary(dust, pollen, bird droppings, smog, and debris build-up effects the performance of the panels) and that it’s a preventative maintenance service(like changing the oil in your car…the longer you wait to clean the panels, the more likely it is that your panels will lose some of their energy producing efficiency). Offer a great rate for first time customers, offer them a yearly maintenance contract(like 2 times a year for X dollars), provide them with flyers for their friends and neighbors, ask for referrals and maybe even offer them a cash incentive if they refer a new customer. Let us know if this is helpful and keep us updated on your progress.
Thanks so much! Very helpful…..I was thinking for the referrals maybe offer a free cleaning if you refer 5 cleanings up to 10 maybe 20 panels.
That’s a great idea. When it comes to advertising, promotions and incentives, you may have to try many variations, until you find the offer that really works. Please keep us updated and share your comments with readers here, as you develop and grow your solar panel cleaning business. We’re wishing you lots of success!
Hi,
My husband and I have decided to start our own Solar Panel Cleaning business.
He has the work ethic and customer service
And I have the marketing and business experience.
We have our business cards, flyers, t-shirts, car stickers, yard signs for when he’s working on a cleaning.
We are in the process of getting insured (filled out the application today)
And we started an LLC which is currently pending.
As far as the equipment we just bought a Water-fed Pole System with the deionized water filter
We’ve only worked on residential homes but our goal is to clean commercial.
I have a couple questions though
1. What steps do we take to get a business license?
2. Is an LLC the way to go?
3. What is the best way to get jobs from commercial/corporate business?
Thank you so much for your help!
Hi Shawna, congratulations on your new venture! It looks like you’re on the right track, here are my replies:
1. What steps do we take to get a business license?…Each state has different requirements for business licenses, I would recommend that you use this SBA.gov link as a starting point for details about your specific state: https://www.sba.gov/starting-business/business-licenses-permits
2. Is an LLC the way to go?…An LLC is a typical structure for most small businesses. It provides you with the limited liability and tax advantages of a corporation, without the complicated business structure of being incorporated. The SBA.gov website has some great information on this topic, as well: https://www.sba.gov/starting-business/choose-your-business-structure
3. What is the best way to get jobs from commercial/corporate business?…There are lots of ways to market to commercial/business customers. First, because you’re able to see solar panels on the roofs of commercial buildings, it’s simple to determine prospective customers. I would recommend creating a flyer, postcard, pamphlet or report that explains the benefits of solar panel cleaning and the reasons a new customer would want to use your company. Handout your material or do a mailing to these businesses in your area. You can also buy mailing lists of solar panel owners, run phone campaigns or do some Google Adwords to promote your service to local business owners doing web searches for solar panel cleaning services. One of the best ways to get at the most potential customers would be to form partnerships with the local solar installers in your area. Offer them a fee for customers that they refer to you. Lastly, always ask your satisfied customers if they know other businesses that can use your service. Word of mouth is one of the best, most affordable ways to get new customers. Let us know if you have any additional questions. Wishing you lots of success!
Its been 6 months since my husband and I started solar cleaning business. And I wanted to give you an update.
We did everything you suggested and we have had a great success.
We are currently working on a proposal to a local solar installation company. Any advice on any *key* things to mention?
Also, my husband said that he has only been on one roof where the solar company left the anchorage on the roof. Other than that he has never been able to hook his safety harness to anything. He doesn’t feel comfortable installing his own on every house because he doesn’t want to have to repatch it and cause any damage. Is there an easier way?
Thanks again for all of your help back in August. We would be where we are today without it.
Hi Shawna…We’re really glad to hear about your success! …In regards to your proposal with the local solar installation company, I would recommend that you focus on all of the aspects of your company that are making you successful. Great service, scheduling flexibility, reasonable pricing, friendly and professional workers, leaving clean job sites, and satisfied customers. In addition, you’ll want to provide them with some type of fee for each residential or business customer that they refer to you. Since this is your first partnership, you might need to offer them more then you would to your subsequent partnerships. Just make sure you make an offer that’s worthwhile for them, while maintaining enough profit to make it worthwhile to you, too.
As for the safety harness situation, I would highly recommend that you always us a fall protection system. You should consider installing a permanent anchor on the roof or a temporary anchor, if necessary. Cleaning solar panels involves water that’s going to be running over roofing tiles or shingles. All of that dirt and debris being cleaned from the panels can create slippery conditions. Always use fall protection. One fall could end your business, permanently, or worse. Here’s a link to a really good article about fall protection in the solar industry:http://solarprofessional.com/articles/design-installation/fall-protection-systems
Keep us updated on your progress and feel free to help others with comments on this page. All the best to you!
Owning a window cleaning business, I added on a solar panel cleaning service and overall I am very happy with the work I am getting. I have gone after the bigger solar grids in my area and the owners of the grids can not be happier with the increased production. It is up to them to determine how often it is cost effective for them to get there panels cleaned.
I read on here a few people had questions about pricing structure. Usually on residential homes I have a standard minimum and can add to it if needed. For larger commercial jobs I charge per panel. You have to think a large grid of 500+ panels, no company is going to be willing to pay $20 per panel. Try to develop a good business relationship, show off your quality work and you can do these jobs a few times a year for the company. They won’t look anywhere else unless you give them a reason to!
Insurance is a must have for any kind of business. Keep in mind washing solar panels goes hand in hand with heights. When I first started out, I really didn’t think about OSHA, a fall protection plan, or safety harnesses. It’s only going to help your company in the long run to get into those businesses that require all of these things. For these premium minded customers, you can charge a premium price for the work. Anybody can do some research, order a carbon fiber pole and de-ionizer and scrub some panels. You want to be as professional as can be and not be blindsided by things.
The link that was posted about the fall protection systems has some very good information on it. I would recommend anybody trying to get into this business to read that article. Home Depot sells some good entry level fall protection kits in a bucket. I would like to see some sort of temporary anchor for the residential side of things. I use standing seam clamp for metal roofs. You can get one of those for ~$200.
If anybody has any questions, let me know. I’ve literally done everything for my business (logo design, website, card design, etc.) and am always willing to help somebody that is willing to learn. Great information on this blog, keep it up!
Hi Tyler…thanks for the great post! Please feel free to share any additional tips that would help our readers with their solar panel cleaning business. We wish you lots of continued success!
Hey Tyler I’m trying to close on a huge solar farm here in Texas I was wondering if you have any advice about pricing? If you could get back to me I’d really appreciate it
Hi trying to get started In The solar panel cleaning business. We currently have a commercial cleaning franchise and my husband started window cleaning. What are your reccomendations on getting started and advertising tips? Thanks so much!
Hi Tyler, where are you located? I’m starting a solar panel cleaning and maintenance business in Nor Ca. You sound like you run a class organization. I’d like to hear more about your flyers, marketing strategy if you don’t mind sharing. Also, for example, what would you charge for a 40 module system on a second story roof, first time cleaning?
Thanks for your interest in helping others! So generous. There’s enough business for all!