Solar panels are turning Chicago into a greener, more energy-efficient metropolis. Homeowners are raving about the benefits of solar power, from lowering energy bills to reducing environmental impact.
But just like you clean your windows regularly to enjoy a clear view, solar panels also need maintenance. Dust, dirt, or bird droppings eventually build up on your solar panels, reducing their ability to convert sunlight into electricity.
Read on to learn about the solar panel cleaning service cost in Chicago, what factors affect the price, and how you can save on it.
While some cleaning companies charge an hourly rate and others charge a flat rate, the ultimate cost of solar panel cleaning services depends on factors such as panel size, availability, how dirty the panels are, and some more.
| Size and Number of Panels | Larger panels require additional cleaning methods or equipment, making the process more expensive. |
| Availability | If your solar panels are easily accessible from the ground or installed on a low roof, the cleaning process will be easier and cheaper. However, the cleaning cost will grow if your panels are hard to reach or require additional safety measures. |
| Dirtiness | Cleaning dust, bird droppings, dirt, and pollen is usually cheaper than cleaning loose debris (small branches, wet leaves), moss, and lichens. Heavily soiled panels require additional cleaning agents, unique solutions, and incentive cleaning methods like stiff brushes or high-pressure water jets. |
| Cleaning Frequency | The recommended cleaning frequency for solar panels in Chicago is usually between one and four times per year, depending on the overall level of environmental pollution. More frequent cleanings will cost more overall, although some companies offer yearly discounts for multiple cleaning appointments. |
| Cleaning Brand | Companies with proven work experience and qualified specialists charge slightly more than less-known companies. However, they also guarantee better and safer cleaning, potentially saving you money on future maintenance and repairs. |
| Size of a solar panel system | Solar cleaning cost |
| Small system (10 to 15 panels) | $150 |
| Medium system (16 to 25 panels) | $200 to $250 |
| Large system (26+ panels) | $250+ |
Here‘s how the cost of solar panel cleaning depends on the pollution level:
| Low Pollution: $3 per piece | Solar panels with minor contamination, such as dust or bird droppings, require minimal cleaning effort and are thus cheaper to clean. |
| Medium Pollution: $7 per piece | Dirt, moss, or fungi are harder to clean, require using a cleaning solution, and are thus more expensive |
| High Pollution: $20 per piece | Heavily contaminated panels – grease, soot, and rust – are the hardest and most expensive to clean. |
Cleaning solar panels regularly is necessary to keep them working optimally and producing maximum power, but it may also seem like an extra burden on the budget.
Fortunately, there are several ways to save money on cleaning solar panels:
| Cleaning Service Research | Get estimates from several solar panel cleaning companies in Chicago. In addition to the solar panel cleaning service cost, consider the service conditions and discounts. Usually, the more panels you clean, the lower the solar panel cleaning cost per panel. |
| DIY Cleaning | It’s much cheaper to clean solar panels yourself than to hire professionals. However, self-cleaning is recommended only for small systems where the panels are easily accessible. Before you start, read the manufacturer’s instructions and take safety measures. Make sure you’re using the right brushes and chemicals that cannot damage the panels. |
| Extra Services | With additional services offered by some companies, you will get comprehensive care for your solar panels for less. The list of such services includes:
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Specific safety measures can reduce the frequency of regular cleanings, saving you tons of money over the years.
Here is what you can do to keep your solar panels clean:
Although cleaning solar panels involves additional costs, it is important to weigh these costs against the long-term benefits of increased energy production and an extended panel lifespan.
Now that you know the average solar panel cleaning service cost in Chicago – around $200 – it might be worth getting quotes from several relevant cleaning companies so you can choose the best one.
Get your online solar quote in just a few minutes to get back up to 25% of your solar power.