We use only deionized water and soft brushes — no harsh detergents, no abrasives, no tools that can void your panel warranty.
We use pure deionized water — the same technology we use for windows — delivered via soft brush to gently scrub panel surfaces. Because the water is mineral-free, it rinses away without leaving deposits that would immediately re-attract dust and pollen.
Bird droppings cause "hot spots" — localized shading that can degrade panel cells over time. We pre-treat and remove all organic soiling carefully without scratching the anti-reflective coating on your panel glass.
Dirt accumulates in the frame channels around each panel and gets washed over the glass by rain. We clean frame edges and channels as part of every service so the next rain doesn't immediately re-deposit grime across your freshly cleaned cells.
Solar panels work by allowing light to reach photovoltaic cells. Any layer of material that reduces the transparency of the panel glass — whether it's pollen, dust, bird droppings, or the mineral film left by fog and sprinkler overspray — blocks a portion of that light. In the Bay Area, where homes are surrounded by trees, agricultural pollen blows in from the Central Valley during spring, and morning fog deposits a thin mineral film through the summer months.
Studies from UC Davis and similar research consistently find that panels in California's Central Valley and Bay Area lose between 15% and 25% of their rated output after six to twelve months without cleaning. For a 10kW system producing $200/month in electricity, that's $30–50 in lost production every month. A cleaning restores output within hours.
Tap water contains dissolved calcium, magnesium, and other minerals. When it evaporates on a panel surface, it leaves a white mineral film — one that's often worse than what you started with, because it sits flat across the entire panel rather than in concentrated spots. We use pure deionized water exclusively so the cleaning actually lasts.
Detergents and soaps can leave a residue that attracts dust faster, and some chemicals can degrade the anti-reflective coatings that manufacturers apply to maximize output. Our soft-brush, pure-water method is approved under most panel manufacturer warranties.
For most Bay Area homes, once or twice a year is sufficient — once in spring after peak pollen season, and optionally again in fall before winter rains. If your home is under a large tree or near a bird roosting area, more frequent cleaning may be worthwhile.
Working on rooftops requires proper insurance and training. We're licensed, carry full liability coverage, and use safe access techniques — no walking on panels, no dragging equipment across tile or shingle.
We never use tap water, which leaves mineral residue that immediately attracts dust. Our pure deionized water rinses clean and dry, restoring your panel surface to factory condition.
We look for cracked cells, delamination, loose wiring, and damaged mounting hardware while cleaning. You get a plain-language report on anything that needs your installer's attention — early detection prevents bigger problems.
We treat your roof and your property with care. We confirm panel layout before starting, use appropriate footwear, and close up after ourselves completely. No debris left behind, no shortcuts taken.
Solar panel cleaning available across the Peninsula and South Bay.
Tell us your panel count and system size. We'll respond same day with a clear estimate — no high-pressure sales calls, no surprise fees.