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George H
I recently had Carlsbad Home Cleaning clean my home, and couldn't be happier with the results! The are professional, thorough, and paid great attention to detail. Communication was excellent, and they worked efficiently without cutting any corners. I highly recommend for anyone looking for top-notch cleaning services. They definitely earned my five stars!
Craig C
Excellent management!!! This company really takes care of you! I couldn't be more satisfied with the way I was treated. What a breath of fresh air in this industry.
Chris L
A++ Cleaners. Will definitely use them again.
We Do It the Right Way
Avoid Permanent Damage
Routine cleaning throughout the lifespan of your solar system prevents dirt, moisture, and organic debris from accumulating and causing long-term damage. Periodic inspections can catch early signs of soiling-related issues.
For example, ‘early stage’ Discoloration (yellowing or browning of the glass or encapsulant) resulting from dirt, lichen, bird droppings, sap … etc. can block sunlight. UV exposure exacerbates this process, and chemical reactions can degrade the panel’s antireflective coating or encapsulant.
Simultaneously, an ‘intermediate stage’ can develop where the soiled cells are shaded, disrupting the current flow generating heat instead of electricity that can be viewed with a thermal imaging camera. The unshaded cells continue to generate electricity while shaded cells resist the current, causing them to overheat and form Hot Spots. In advanced stages, burn marks (permanent damage) may become visible.
Microcracks in solar cells can form by mechanical stresses induced during transportation and installation or by localized heating and cooling from the Hot Spots. Within 1 – 3 years of microcrack formation, Snail Trails can become visible in the microcracks which can cause a significant reduction in panel output. Accumulated dirt and organic matter can infiltrate the microcracks and when combined with heat and sunlight, can create electrochemical reactions that accelerate the migration of conductive materials like silver, leading to Snail Trails.
Within 5 years, corrosion of coatings and etching begins, especially with bird droppings. And after 5 – 10 years, seal degradation, Delamination, or significant internal damage can occur due to prolonged soiling and moisture exposure. Thermal cycling (expansion and contraction due to temperature changes) combined with moisture intrusion weakens the bonds between the encapsulant and the glass or back sheet, resulting in delamination. This moisture can also short out the DC power between the bus bars and the frames to ground.
Ensure panels are installed with the proper tilt and drainage to prevent water and debris buildup. Panels with high-quality encapsulants and protective layers are less susceptible to soiling-induced damage.
Depending on the manufacturer of solar panels that you have, the risk of permanent damage resulting from dirty panels can vary. The design criteria for solar panel manufacturers have been geared more towards efficiency, durability, aesthetics, and minimizing cost as opposed to addressing ‘Soiling Resistance’ (dirty panels).
However, there are a couple that have. Solar Panel Modules from SunPower (Maxeon Technologies) and REC Group (Alpha Series) include anti-reflective and hydrophobic coatings that repel dirt and water, helping to stay cleaner longer. They also include advanced technologies like Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) and Heterojunction Cell Technology (HJT) to minimize the risk of hot spots microcracks, two common issues that are made worse with dirty panels.
There are additional solar panel manufacturers that incorporate similar considerations but vary in how effectively these features are considered in their design. Panasonic and LG have excellent durability and decent soling tolerance but don’t match the cutting-edge encapsulation and IBC/HJT technologies of Mexeon and REC. Silfab, Q Cells, and Tesla share a focus on durability and robust manufacturing and incorporate anti-reflective coatings or tempered glass to reduce dirt accumulation, and Silfab does have a hydrophobic coating. However, regular maintenance is recommended for these brands.
Brands like Canadian Solar, Hevel, and Solaria emphasize efficiency and durability but place less focus on mitigating damage or efficiency loss caused by soiling.
Maximize Efficiency
Cleaning your solar panels can increase their efficiency by improving their ability to capture sunlight. The extent of the efficiency gain depends on how dirty the panels were before cleaning and the type of soiling.
Efficiency Gains
Mild Soiling: In areas with occasional dirt or light dust, cleaning can improve efficiency by 5–10%.
Heavy Soiling: In areas with high pollution, bird activity, or desert-like conditions, efficiency gains can reach 20-30% or more after cleaning.
Rainfall: While rain can wash away loose dirt, it doesn’t remove stubborn grime, bird droppings, or oily residues, so manual cleaning is still beneficial.
Why Cleaning Increases Efficiency
Removal of Obstructions: Dirt, dust, bird droppings, and debris can block sunlight from reaching the solar cells. Cleaning removes these obstructions, allowing more sunlight to reach the cells and increasing energy production.
Improved Light Transmission: Clean glass ensures better light transmission and minimizes the reflection of sunlight.
Prevention of Hot Spots: Cleaning prevents uneven soiling, which can create hot spots and damage the panels, maintaining their long-term efficiency.
When to Clean
Panels should be cleaned when visible soiling accumulates, particularly after dusty or rainy periods, or in areas prone to high dirt levels. Regular cleaning schedules (e.g., quarterly or semi-annually) are common in areas with heavy soiling.
Maintain Warranty
Why Cleaning Supports Warranty Maintenance
Manufacturer Requirements: Many solar panel manufacturers state in their warranty terms that panels must be properly maintained, which typically includes regular cleaning. Neglecting maintenance, such as allowing excessive soiling, could be considered improper use, potentially voiding the warranty.
Preventing Avoidable Damage: Issue like hot spots, discoloration, or delamination can sometimes result from heavy soiling. If a manufacturer determines that these defects were caused by neglect, they may refuse warranty claims.
Evidence of Maintenance: Some manufacturers may ask for proof of maintenance (e.g., cleaning records or receipts) when processing warranty claims. Regular cleaning helps show you’ve taken steps to care for the panels.
Key Steps to Maintain Warranty
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Check the warranty document for specific maintenance instructions or recommendations for cleaning. Use approved cleaning methods and materials to avoid damaging the panels.
Keep Maintenance Records: Document your cleaning schedule, including dates and methods, to provide evidence of proper care if needed.
Avoid Harsh Conditions: Inspect panels regularly for damage or soiling that could worsen if left unaddressed.
Professional Cleaning: In some cases, manufacturers recommend or require professional cleaning. Check if this is specified in your warranty.
We Use Approved Methods
Solar Panel Cleaning Process
Our experienced & insured cleaning professionals plan and position to
safely access the solar system and use a carbon fiber telescopic water-fed pole
to reach every panel. The cleaning process is performed early in the day at a
relatively cool ambient temperature utilizing pure water supplied by a portable
reverse osmosis deionized water filtration system. Water is distributed with a
water-fed pole and multiport injection to a soft bore’s hair brush. Both the
frames and panels are agitated with the soft brush to remove all contaminants
(dust, pollen, calcium deposits, lichen, pollutants, & bird droppings). A
cascade of pure water flows over every panel to remove contamination (post
brush) leaving a spotless finish. Chemicals and detergents are avoided because
these can damage the anti-reflective coatings on the panels.
We Inspect for Defects & Pests
Prior to cleaning the panels, we take photos of the arrays and any relevant observations which may include defects like; Snail Trails, Hot Spots, Discoloration, Delamination, Cracks, Chips… etc. We evaluate the mounting hardware to ensure that the panels are securely fastened and free from rust or damage. We identify any debris or shading from nearby trees or structures that could be impacting solar efficiency. We check for any signs of pests or bird nesting than can impact the performance or maintenance of the solar system. We also take photos of any additional observations that the home owner may be interested to learn about, which may include; pooling on solar panels, panel or roof tile lichen growth, damage to the roof, or debris on the roof or in the gutters that can cause water overflow issues.
We Provide a Cleaning Report
After the service has been performed, we follow up with a Solar Panel Cleaning Report that includes the before and after imagery of the solar arrays, the process description, and notes with imagery of any observations that we learned about. Here is a link to a ‘Sample Solar Panel Cleaning Report’ for reference.
Carlsbad Home Cleaning offers professional solar panel cleaning services in San Diego County. With our flexible one-time, quarterly and biannual cleaning options, we make it easy to maximize your solar efficiency while keeping your panels looking pristine. Contact us today to get started!
Clean Panels, Clear Savings.
At Carlsbad Home Cleaning, we know how busy life can get with work, family, and everything in between. That’s why our skilled team is here to take care of your solar panel cleaning, so you can focus on what matters most, relaxing with your loved ones and enjoying the benefits of efficient, clean energy.
We’ll keep your solar panels free of dirt, debris, and buildup that can affect their performance. Our detailed cleaning process will help to optimize energy efficiency and keep your panels in excellent condition.
Whether you’re scheduling routine maintenance or preparing for a special occasion, we’re here to help you enhance your solar efficiency and the value of your property. Reach out to us today to get started!
- Vetted & Insured Professionals with Background Check
- Local Family-Owned Business You Can Trust
- Excellent Reviews From Your Neighbors
- Deliverable Solar Panel Cleaning Report
- You Can Call or Text Anytime
Why Book Recurring?
Booking a recurring service ensures consistent cleanliness, saves time, reduces stress, and maintains a healthier home environment.
Reconnect
All our cleaners undergo a thorough vetting process, giving you peace of mind with any team member we send. If you prefer a specific cleaner, just let us know, and we’ll do our best to assign them to your home for each visit.
Personalized Services
Since cleaning isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, we customize our services to fit your specific requests. Explore our additional offerings on our online booking page! If you have any special requests, simply share them in the provided space, and we’ll make sure to accommodate them!
Hassle-Free
We are committed to not only meeting but exceeding your cleaning expectations, leaving your home spotless! If anything falls short of your standards, please inform us within 24 hours. We’ll dispatch a team to rectify the issue within a week.