2026 pricing guide from a local exterior cleaning company.
Most Charlotte homeowners with 20 to 30 panels pay $160 to $360 for professional solar panel cleaning.
That range is based on our actual pricing in the Charlotte metro area. The final number depends on how many panels you have, how easy your roof is to access, and how much buildup has accumulated since the last cleaning.
Below you'll find what drives the price, why dirty panels cost you money every month, and how often to schedule a cleaning in the Charlotte area.
Based on our 2026 pricing for the Charlotte metro area
Dirty solar panels can lose 15 to 25 percent of their energy output. That shows up on your electricity bill month after month.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. Pollen, bird droppings, tree sap, and dust all block light from reaching the photovoltaic cells and reduce output. Even a thin film you can barely see makes a measurable difference.
If you live in the Charlotte area, you know what pollen season does. That yellow coating on every car and patio from March through May? It's on your panels too. Charlotte consistently ranks among the worst cities in the country for pollen, and panels mounted at a low angle don't shed it the way a steep roof might.
Bird droppings are even worse than dust because they create concentrated hot spots. A single dropping can block an entire cell, and because panels are wired in series, one blocked cell drags down the output of the whole string.
You spent thousands on your solar installation to reduce energy costs. A cleaning that runs $160 to $360 pays for itself if your panels are underproducing by even a few percentage points over the course of a year.
Panel count matters most. After that, roof accessibility, pitch, and how much grime has built up all affect the final price.
More panels means more surface area to clean. A 20-panel system takes less time than a 40-panel system, and the price scales accordingly.
Panels on a walkable, single-story roof are faster and easier to reach. Steep roofs, multi-story homes, or panels that are hard to access safely add time and equipment needs.
Ground-floor or single-story panel access is straightforward. Second- or third-story installations require more setup for safe access, which affects cost.
Light dust wipes off quickly. Heavy bird droppings, caked-on pollen, or tree sap take more time and care to remove without damaging the panel surface.
Some panels have specialized anti-reflective or hydrophobic coatings that require specific cleaning methods. We adjust our approach based on your panel manufacturer's specifications.
Homes near Lake Norman or in heavily wooded neighborhoods accumulate debris faster. If your panels sit under overhanging branches, expect more frequent cleaning needs and potentially heavier buildup per visit.
You can, but most panel manufacturers spell out specific cleaning requirements in their warranty documentation. Using the wrong method can damage your panels or void that coverage.
Before you grab a hose and head up to the roof, keep these in mind:
Your manufacturer warranty typically covers 25 years of performance. Damaging the coating or seals with improper cleaning puts that coverage at risk. At $160 to $360 for a professional cleaning, most homeowners would rather not chance it.
One to two times per year works for most Charlotte-area homes. If your panels are near trees or you notice output dropping after pollen season, bump that up.
Best times to schedule:
If you only clean once a year, late spring is the better choice. The pollen buildup from March through May drags down output during the sunniest months, exactly when your panels should be producing the most.
Your solar monitoring app can help you decide when it's time. Most apps show daily and monthly output. If you see a gradual decline that doesn't match seasonal patterns or weather, dirty panels are the likely culprit.
Most Charlotte homeowners with 20 to 30 panels pay between $160 and $360 for professional solar panel cleaning. The final price depends on the number of panels, roof accessibility, pitch, and how much buildup has accumulated.
Once or twice a year for most homes in the Charlotte area. If your panels sit under or near trees, or if you notice a drop in energy output after pollen season, you may want to clean them more frequently. Charlotte's heavy spring pollen can coat panels in a matter of days.
Yes. Studies show that dirty solar panels can lose 15 to 25 percent of their energy output. Bird droppings, pollen, dust, and tree sap block sunlight from reaching the photovoltaic cells. Even a thin film of grime reduces how much electricity your panels generate.
You can, but there are risks. Many panel manufacturers specify cleaning methods in their warranty documentation — using abrasive materials, harsh chemicals, or high-pressure water can damage the anti-reflective coating on your panels. You also need to work safely on your roof. Most homeowners find that professional cleaning is worth it given the relatively low cost and the risk of voiding manufacturer coverage.
Late spring (after pollen season winds down) and late fall are the best times. Cleaning after pollen season removes the heavy yellow coating that builds up in March through May. A fall cleaning clears any summer dust and bird droppings before the shorter winter days when you want every bit of sunlight reaching your panels.
See how we clean solar panels and what's included in a professional cleaning visit.
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