Solar panels shouldn’t be left dirty.
Pollen, rainwater, dirt, bird waste, foliage, debris, and pollutants like wildfire smoke can build up over time and may reduce nearly half the energy yield of a home’s solar panel array.
According to Joe Lipskis, owner and operator of SonnyDay Solar Wash, a simple cleaning will rectify that, greatly improving the amount of sunlight absorbed by the panels and upping the energy generated. Consistent cleaning — Manufacturers recommend every six months at a minimum for residential systems — will also optimize the lifespan of the system, protect the homeowner’s investment and support the panels’ warranty. It is recommended that commercial systems be cleaned every 3 months. Regular cleaning is the best way to optimize return on the investment you have already made in clean energy.
However, Joe said most homeowners assume that once the solar panels are installed, that’s it and they can forget about it. He thought the same thing, too.
When Joe and his family bought their home in 2022, it came with solar panels that were installed 3 years prior.
“We never gave the panels another thought after we moved in,” Lipskis said. “But after about 8 months, we noticed the energy yield going down and our electric bill going up, nearly doubling in price. After doing some research, we realized the panels just needed to be cleaned regularly.”
The difficulty began when he started to look for a company to hire to do the cleaning.
“There wasn’t anyone in the entire state,” he said.
So, after much more research, some intense training and acquiring professional equipment to clean panels — including boar’s hair brushes and a deionized water supply system — he founded SonnyDay Solar Wash nearly a year ago. Today the family-owned business, which is licensed, insured and OSHA-certified, cleans panels throughout Yellowstone County and beyond.
His own roof after the first cleaning? Energy bills reduced by 48%.
Lipskis recommends homeowners hire a professional for the cleaning rather than trying to do it themselves.
“A lot of people think it’s just a matter of spraying the panels down with soap and water and using a squeegee. Unfortunately, this could actually leave a film on the glass and potentially void the manufacturer’s warranty. Think of the calcium deposit that builds up on a shower door or glass patio table, for example. The same thing happens to your solar panels over time,” he said. “Solar panel cleaning equipment is highly specialized. You have to utilize specific brushes and deionized water. In addition, a professional will save you from actually having to climb on your roof.”
Lipskis said professionals can also inspect the array of panels to ensure the homeowner’s lower energy levels are not associated with damage or an electrical issue.
“So, please keep your ladder in the garage and leave it up to us,” he said.
SonnyDay offers Veterans discounts and 20% discounts on any subsequent cleanings in a calendar year.
Homeowners interested in learning more about having their panels cleaned can call 406.647.0522 or visit sonnydaysolarwash.com to schedule an appointment. A representative will visit the home to check out the panels, explain the cleaning process and answer any questions.
