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How Often Should You Clean or Inspect Your Solar Panels in Kittitas County?

 

Clean solar panels provide more bang for your solar energy investment buck, lowering utility costs year-round. If you don’t regularly clean your commercial or residential solar panels, you could be missing out. How often should you clean or inspect your solar panels in Kittitas County?

 

Recommended solar panel cleaning frequency

Our solar installation and maintenance team suggests annual or semi-annual solar panel system inspections and maintenance.

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Effects of dirty solar panels on energy output

Just a thin layer of buildup can reduce solar energy production by 10-20%.

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Best time to schedule solar panel cleaning and maintenance

We recommend performing maintenance during late summer/early fall, or near the end of winter/early spring, to manage the impacts of farming and weather.

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Professional vs. DIY solar panel cleaning

Professional cleaning yields better results, is safer, and helps identify issues that impact performance.

 

How Often Should You Clean Solar Panels?

 

We generally recommend an annual or semi-annual solar panel system inspection and cleaning to ensure efficient operation. However, your solar panels may require more frequent cleaning depending on environmental factors in your area. Solar panels located near farms, open fields, and gravel roads in Kittitas County generally require more frequent maintenance than those in urban areas.

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Effects of Dirty Solar Panels on Energy Output

 

Neglecting solar panel maintenance after particularly dusty or stormy seasons can significantly reduce energy production and system lifespan. Just a thin layer of grime from contaminants like water minerals, dirt, dust, pollen, mildew, leaves, branches, or bird droppings can reduce output 10-20%. Over time, stains, scratches, and permanent panel damage from ‘hot spots’ where uneven sunlight distribution causes premature wear can occur.

 

Best Time to Schedule Solar Panel Cleaning and Maintenance

 

The best time to clean solar panels in Kittitas County is:

 

  • Late summer/early fall

Dusty farming and harvesting activities and soot from regional wildfires can leave significant accumulations on solar panels.

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  • Near the end of winter/early spring

Heavy snow, wind, and rain can leave behind mineral buildup, mildew, dirt, and tree debris that limit energy production.

 

  • Signs of heavy buildup or a drop in energy production

Extremely dirty panels or performance issues indicate it’s time to schedule a solar system health check and cleaning.

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DIY vs. Professional Solar Panel Cleaning in Kittitas County

 

While a quick spray with a garden hose or cleaning with a soft brush may improve solar power system performance, professional cleaning is safer and more effective. During professional service, our experienced team:

 

  • Uses specialty equipment (ladders, lifts, safety harnesses) to inspect and maintain rooftop panels without risking injury or roof damage

  • Performs a thorough but gentle solar panel washing without harsh chemicals using specialty equipment that won’t scratch solar panel glass

  • Rinses solar panels with purified or deionized water to prevent mineral spots and streaks

  • Looks for cracks, loose wiring, and mounting hardware issues

  • Verifies proper function, informing you of current and upcoming repair or maintenance needs to ensure maximum energy production

 

Keep Your System Performing at Its Best with Regular Solar Panel Cleaning

 

Now that you know how often you should clean or inspect your solar panels in Kittitas County, maximize your investment with help from Ellensburg Solar. Contact us at 509-929-2728 to schedule affordable solar panel cleaning and inspection services in Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Grandview, Granger, Kennewick, Kittitas, Moxee, Naches, Pasco, Prosser, Richland, Selah, Sunnyside, Toppenish, Wapato, White Swan, Yakima, or Zillah today.

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Kittitas County

 

Kittitas County, home to Central Washington University, the Kittitas County Fair, and nationally recognized Ellensburg Rodeo, offers a unique blend of rural charm and university living. The region is a growing leader in solar energy and sustainable living. Ellensburg Solar is proud to help area home and business owners rise to meet their goals, providing high-performance solar power solutions in Central Washington.

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