Should You Clean Solar Panels Yourself or Hire a Pro? Here’s What Fresno Homeowners Need to Know

You know that keeping your solar panels clean is key to getting the most out of your system — but what’s the best way to do it?

If you’re like many Fresno homeowners, you’ve probably wondered:

“Can I just clean my solar panels myself?”

The short answer: You can. But should you? That’s a different story.

In this blog, we’ll break down:

• The pros and cons of DIY vs. professional solar cleaning

• The risks of doing it wrong

• What professional service actually includes

• And how to make the smartest choice for your roof, your safety, and your savings

💡 Why Solar Panels Need Cleaning in the First Place

Fresno's sunny skies are perfect for solar — but they also bring:

• Dust from agriculture

• Ash from wildfire season

• Pollen and tree debris

• Bird droppings

• Rare rainfall that doesn’t rinse panels clean

This buildup blocks sunlight, reduces efficiency, and costs you money on your PG&E bill.

Regular cleaning (2–4 times a year) helps you:

• Maximize system performance

• Extend panel lifespan

• Protect your solar investment

🛠️ DIY Solar Cleaning: What It Involves

If you want to try cleaning your panels yourself, here’s what you’ll need:

• Soft brush or microfiber mop

• Long-handled pole

• Hose or water source

• Ladder or roof access

• Safety gear (harness, shoes with grip, gloves)

• Deionized water (if available)

Sounds simple, right? Not always.

⚠️ DIY Risks to Know About

1. Personal Injury

Falling from a roof is the biggest risk of DIY panel cleaning. Sloped surfaces, slippery water, and heat can quickly turn dangerous.

Every year, thousands of homeowners suffer falls from ladders and rooftops during home maintenance attempts.

2. Panel Damage

Using the wrong tools (scrub brushes, rough sponges, or high-pressure hoses) can:

• Scratch your panels

• Crack the glass

• Strip protective coatings

• Void your warranty

Even tap water can leave behind hard water stains that reduce efficiency over time.

3. Missed Problems

Most homeowners won’t know to check for:

• Loose mounting brackets

• Wiring issues

• Inverter alerts

• Sealant deterioration

This means early warning signs get missed — until something breaks or output drops significantly.

👷 What a Professional Cleaning Service Includes

At One Sun Solutions, a professional cleaning includes:

• Gentle, non-abrasive tools designed for solar

• Deionized water to avoid spotting

• Safe roof access using proper harnesses and gear

• Full system walkaround and performance check

• Before/after photos (optional)

• Optional inverter monitoring review

• Guaranteed no damage and full warranty protection

You get peace of mind, maximum output, and no risk — all in under an hour.

🔄 Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional

Cleaning MethodUpfront CostLong-Term RiskQuality of CleanDIYLow (tools + time)High (injury or damage)InconsistentProfessionalAffordable flat feeNoneOptimal & safe

While DIY might save money today, the long-term cost of panel damage or injury can be thousands — not worth the gamble.

🧠 Real Fresno Example

One customer in Clovis attempted to clean their panels using a basic garden hose and squeegee. They didn’t realize their water was high in minerals — and ended up with permanent streaking that required a costly deep clean.

Now they schedule seasonal cleanings with us — and their system has maintained 98%+ efficiency since.

🧽 Signs Your Panels Need Cleaning (No Matter Who Does It)

• It’s been 6+ months since the last cleaning

• PG&E bill is climbing

• Monitoring app shows decreased production

• Visible grime, ash, or bird droppings on panels

• Recent wildfire smoke or storm activity

We recommend twice a year minimum, and quarterly cleanings for homes near trees, farms, or dusty roads.

✅ Final Word: DIY Solar Cleaning Is Risky — Leave It to the Pros

Solar panels are a major investment — one that should last 25+ years. Protecting that investment means more than just spraying them down with a hose.

With professional cleaning, you’ll:

• Maximize system performance

• Avoid costly damage

• Stay safe on the ground

• Keep your warranty intact

• And get expert eyes on your roof every time

👉 Schedule your solar panel cleaning with One Sun Solutions today — Fresno’s trusted solar maintenance team.