Are Dirty Solar Panels Costing You Money? Here’s What Fresno Homeowners Need to Know

You invested in solar to save money, reduce your PG&E bill, and become energy independent. But if you haven’t cleaned your solar panels lately, you might be losing money — every single day.

Here in Fresno, where dust, pollen, and debris are a constant part of the environment, dirty panels can reduce your solar output by up to 25%.

In this blog, we’ll explain how solar panel buildup affects your energy savings, how to spot the signs, and what you can do to restore peak performance.

🌫️ What’s Stopping the Sun? Dirt Is.

Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity — but when dirt, grime, and bird droppings cover the surface, less sunlight reaches the cells. That means:

• Less power is generated

• Your system feeds less back into your home

• Your PG&E usage — and bill — goes back up

You might not even notice until your solar savings start shrinking.

🏜️ Fresno’s Climate Is Tough on Solar Panels

Between long dry seasons, wildfire ash, agricultural dust, and bird activity, Fresno homeowners face unique challenges. Unlike areas with frequent rain to rinse off panels, Central Valley panels need regular cleaning to maintain full output.

Common buildup includes:

• Pollen and tree sap (especially in spring)

• Dust and ash from nearby fields or fires

• Hard water spots and mineral deposits

• Bird droppings that can cause hot spots

All of these block light — and block savings.

📉 How Much Money Are You Losing?

Let’s break it down with a real-world example:

A Fresno homeowner with a 7 kW system saw their production drop by 22% over three months. That translated to:

• $34/month in lost savings

• Over $400/year in avoidable PG&E charges

After a professional cleaning by One Sun Solutions, their output returned to full capacity — instantly.

Multiply that by 25+ years of solar ownership, and you’re looking at thousands in missed value if your panels stay dirty.

🔍 Signs Your Panels Need Cleaning

Not sure if your solar panels are underperforming? Look for these signs:

• You notice a drop in savings or higher PG&E bills

• You see visible buildup or bird droppings

• Your inverter app shows lower-than-normal output

• You haven’t cleaned your panels in 6+ months

If you’re unsure, we’ll inspect your panels for free and let you know if it’s time to clean.

🧽 DIY vs. Professional Solar Panel Cleaning

While it may be tempting to clean your own panels, there are risks:

• Climbing onto your roof = safety hazard

• Using tap water = mineral buildup

• Scrubbing with the wrong tools = scratched panels

• Voiding your warranty by damaging components

At One Sun Solutions, we use:

• Soft-bristle brushes

• Deionized water for spot-free rinse

• Roof-safe equipment

• Safety-first techniques

• Trained techs who inspect your system while cleaning

You stay safe — and your panels stay powerful.

🔁 How Often Should You Clean?

In Fresno, we recommend:

• Every 6 months for the average home

• Quarterly if you’re near farms, trees, or heavy dust

• Immediately after wildfires, construction, or storm debris

We offer affordable single cleanings and maintenance plans to help you stay on schedule.

🛠️ Bonus: Every Cleaning Comes With a Mini Health Check

When we clean your panels, we also:

• Check for loose wiring or panel damage

• Inspect for roof issues around the mounts

• Make sure your inverter is functioning properly

• Share before/after performance comparisons

This helps you catch small issues early — before they become expensive.

✅ Final Word: Don’t Let Dirt Drain Your Solar Investment

You paid good money for your solar system. Don’t let Fresno’s dust and bird mess eat into your savings.

A quick professional clean can:

• Restore your panel efficiency

• Maximize your solar savings

• Protect your system long-term

👉 Book your solar panel cleaning in Fresno today and start saving more with every sunrise.