How Often Should You Clean Your Solar Panels in Fresno?

If you've already made the smart decision to go solar, you're probably enjoying the benefits — lower PG&E bills, energy independence, and a greener home.

But there’s one question many Fresno homeowners forget to ask:

“Do I need to clean my solar panels… and how often?”

The short answer? Yes, you do. And if you want your solar system to perform at its best, regular cleaning is essential — especially in a dry, dusty place like Fresno.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• Why solar panel cleaning matters

• How Fresno’s climate affects your panels

• How often to clean them

• DIY vs. professional cleaning

• And how to schedule a safe, affordable service with One Sun Solutions

☀️ Why Clean Solar Panels Matter

Solar panels work by absorbing sunlight and converting it into electricity. But when dust, pollen, ash, bird droppings, and grime build up on the surface, it blocks sunlight and reduces efficiency.

You might lose 10–25% of energy output without even realizing it.

That’s money lost — especially under California’s NEM 3.0 system, where self-consumption matters more than ever. Clean panels = more usable power for your home.

🌵 Fresno’s Climate = More Cleaning

Here in the Central Valley, solar panels are exposed to:

• Dust from agriculture and open land

• Pollen and tree sap in spring

• Dry air and ash during fire season

• Bird activity and droppings year-round

• Limited rainfall, which means dirt doesn't naturally wash away

Unlike coastal areas that get frequent rinses from rain, Fresno’s dry seasons make professional solar cleaning a must to keep your system operating at full potential.

📅 How Often Should You Clean Your Panels?

For most Fresno homeowners, the ideal schedule is:

• 2x per year minimum (Spring and Fall)

• 3–4x per year if you live near farmland, trees, or construction zones

• Immediately after wildfire season or visible debris buildup

Pro tip: If you notice a sudden drop in solar production, dirt may be the culprit. Many inverter apps show your day-to-day performance — check for patterns.

🧽 Can I Clean My Solar Panels Myself?

Technically, yes. But we don’t recommend it. Here's why:

DIY Risks:

• Safety hazards climbing on the roof

• Damage to panels if the wrong tools or cleaners are used

• Voiding warranties if not done according to manufacturer guidelines

Even tap water can leave mineral streaks that reduce efficiency. Professional cleaners use deionized water and non-abrasive tools to gently remove grime without damaging sensitive materials.

🧼 What We Use at One Sun Solutions

Our solar cleaning service uses:

• Soft-bristle brushes

• Deionized (spot-free) water

• Eco-safe solutions

• Ground-mounted or roof-safe access methods

• Before/after system checks for peace of mind

We also offer maintenance plans to help you stay on schedule.

📉 How Dirty Panels Impact Performance

Let’s look at an example:

A Fresno homeowner with a 6 kW system noticed their monthly PG&E savings dropped by $55/month over the summer.

The cause? Dust buildup and pigeon droppings.

After a single cleaning appointment, system output increased by 18%, and savings went right back up — plus they extended the life of their inverter by reducing strain.

💰 How Much Does Solar Cleaning Cost?

At One Sun Solutions, we keep pricing simple and affordable:

• Standard single-story cleaning: flat rate

• Two-story or complex roofs: custom quote

• Quarterly maintenance plans available at a discount

And yes — we serve all of Fresno, Clovis, Madera, and nearby areas.

💡 When Should You Schedule?

We recommend booking cleanings:

• After fire season (Sept–Oct)

• In early Spring (Feb–March)

• Before summer peak production (May)

Scheduling early ensures we can secure your preferred date before the busy season.

🛠️ Bonus: We Inspect While We Clean

While we’re on your roof, we also:

• Check for panel damage

• Look for signs of roof issues

• Spot early signs of inverter or system malfunctions

If we see something, you’ll be the first to know — and we can help coordinate any needed repairs through our roofing or solar team.

✅ Final Thoughts: Clean Panels = More Power + More Savings

If you’ve invested in solar, protect your investment.

Dirty panels can’t perform — and over time, the loss adds up. Regular cleaning is the easiest way to make sure your system stays efficient, your bills stay low, and your home stays energy independent.

👉 Schedule your solar panel cleaning in Fresno today — and let One Sun Solutions help you get the most from your system.