FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much does solar panel cleaning cost? (Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania) Solar panel cleaning pricing in the Mid-Atlantic region (Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania) varies based on multiple factors such as number of panels, roof pitch, number of stories, and overall accessibility. For most homes, EcoSun Wash typically charges between $6 and $15 per panel, depending on these conditions: ✔ Pricing factors that affect the final cost Number of panels (larger systems often receive better per-panel pricing) Roof pitch (flat, standard, steep) Number of stories (1-story is easier, 2–3 story requires more equipment) Home type (townhome vs single-family) Access points Safety requirements Condition of the panels Whether gutters or roof washing are combined ✔ Typical per-panel ranges by location Although every project is unique, here are general regional averages: Maryland: $6–$12 per panel Virginia: $7–$13 per panel Washington, DC: $8–$15 per panel Pennsylvania: $6–$11 per panel These are estimates, not guaranteed pricing. EcoSun Wash always provides individual quotes based on your home and roof structure. ✔ Minimum service fee EcoSun Wash has a minimum visit charge of $200, which usually applies to systems with fewer than ~20 panels or properties that require extra access setup. ✔ Commercial pricing For businesses, warehouses, office buildings, and solar farms, pricing is calculated differently because of: system size height and access flat roofs pollution levels output expectations Commercial pricing usually uses per-panel, per-hour, or per-project rates. ✔ Why pricing varies between states Climate and building structure differ slightly between MD, VA, DC, and PA: DC buildings often have harder roof access, which increases price Virginia and Maryland have many tree-heavy areas, causing more pollen and debris Pennsylvania has a lot of ground-mount systems, making them easier and cheaper to clean ✔ Rain does NOT clean panels Rainwater contains minerals and dust, which means debris stays on the surface. Proper cleaning uses: soft brushes designed for solar glass pure or filtered water low-pressure rinse (never high pressure) ✔ Want to know your exact price instantly? You can use the Solar Panel Cleaning Calculator on our website. It's available on the home page, where you can: Enter the number of panels Select your roof type Add optional services (gutters, roof soft wash) See your estimated cost Book your appointment online If you prefer, you can simply send your address or a photo of your roof, and EcoSun Wash will calculate everything for you.
How often should solar panels be cleaned in the Mid-Atlantic region? In the Mid-Atlantic climate (Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania), EcoSun Wash generally recommends cleaning solar panels at least once a year, and in some cases twice a year depending on the environment around your home. ✔ Why once per year is the minimum The Mid-Atlantic weather includes: heavy spring pollen humid summers bird activity tree coverage rain that leaves mineral residue fall debris winter dirt accumulation All of these reduce sunlight absorption and can cause long-term buildup. ✔ Homes that require more frequent cleaning (2x per year) You may need two cleanings if: your home is surrounded by trees you're near a major road or highway panels accumulate bird droppings your roof is flat or low-sloped your energy monitoring app shows production decline ✔ Monitoring your solar production Many homeowners use monitoring apps provided by SolarEdge, Enphase, Tesla, or their installer. Watch your year-to-year performance: If production dropped by 5%, 10%, 15% or more, this usually means the panels need cleaning. For example: If you generated 1,000 kWh last June, and this year you generated 880 kWh — that is a 12% drop. A 10–15% production reduction often means: 👉 Your panels are dirty and need cleaning. ✔ Use our Cleaning Calculator to estimate your loss On the EcoSun Wash home page, you can find our Solar Cleaning Calculator. You can enter: your panel count your production drop average electricity rate your location And you'll instantly see: how much money you’re losing per month how fast cleaning pays for itself how often you should book a maintenance plan You can also calculate this yourself, but the calculator makes it much easier and faster. ✔ Recommended cleaning frequencies Standard homes: once per year Homes with tree coverage: once every 6–9 months Near highways or dusty areas: twice per year Commercial flat roofs: every 3–6 months Solar farms: quarterly ✔ Why more frequent cleaning helps Panels covered with dust, pollen, bird droppings, or grime produce: lower daily power reduced long-term efficiency more heat (hotspots) faster degradation EcoSun Wash sees production improve by 10–30% after a proper cleaning.
Does solar panel cleaning improve efficiency? Yes. Homeowners typically see 10–30% higher production after cleaning. Dirt, pollen, dust, and bird droppings block sunlight, and rain cannot remove them. Professional solar panel cleaning restores clarity and helps your system operate at maximum efficiency year-round.
What affects the price besides number of panels? Pricing depends on roof pitch, height (1–3 stories), access points, panel condition, and home type (townhome vs. single-family). DC roofs often require more safety setup, while some Pennsylvania systems are easier ground mounts. Every home is different, which is why EcoSun Wash gives customized quotes.
Can rain clean solar panels? No. Rain leaves mineral spots, dust residue, and streaks, especially in Maryland and Virginia’s pollen-heavy seasons. Only proper soft-brush cleaning with pure or filtered water can safely remove buildup and restore full efficiency.
Can I clean solar panels myself? You can, but it’s risky. DIY cleaning can lead to falls, scratched glass, voided warranties, or incomplete cleaning. Professional cleaning uses solar-safe brushes, pure water, and proper equipment designed for one-, two-, and three-story roofs.
Do dirty solar panels get damaged over time? Dirty panels won't break immediately, but long-term buildup can cause hotspots, etching, reduced output, and uneven wear. Regular solar panel cleaning protects efficiency, prevents overheating, and helps maintain long-term performance.
Do you offer eco-friendly solar panel cleaning? Yes. EcoSun Wash uses eco-friendly, chemical-free cleaning with purified water and soft-bristle solar brushes. This method is safe for solar glass, roof surfaces, and landscaping, and is recommended by most panel manufacturers.
Do you clean commercial solar panel systems? Yes. We clean solar panels for commercial buildings, warehouses, offices, retail centers, government roofs, and ground-mounted solar farms. Commercial pricing is customized based on size, height, access, and cleaning frequency. Routine maintenance plans are available.
How do I know it’s time to clean my solar panels? Signs include visible dirt, bird droppings, haze, or a 5–15% drop in energy production on your monitoring app. If your output is lower compared to previous years, dirty panels are usually the cause. Our website calculator can estimate how much energy and money you may be losing.
How do I book a solar panel cleaning appointment? Booking is simple — send us your address or roof photo, use our website form, or email info@ecosunwash.com . We’ll provide a quick quote, schedule a convenient time, and deliver full before-and-after photos after every cleaning.
