Frequently Asked Questions

Twice a year for most Connecticut homes — once in late spring after pollen season and once in late fall after leaf drop. Properties with heavy tree cover, near construction sites, or with coastal salt-air exposure may benefit from a third cleaning. Regular cleaning prevents long-term efficiency loss.

Residential cleaning typically costs $100-$500 depending on the number of panels, roof accessibility, pitch, and overall condition. A standard 20-25 panel system averages $200-$300. Commercial pricing starts at $500 and varies by array size. We provide free quotes with no obligation.

Yes. Studies, including research by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), show that dirty panels can lose 15-25% of their energy production. Pollen, bird droppings, tree sap, dust, and mineral deposits all block sunlight from reaching the photovoltaic cells. Regular cleaning restores panels to near-original efficiency.

No. While rain washes away loose dust, it leaves behind mineral deposits and water spots. Rain does not remove pollen films, bird droppings, tree sap, or embedded grime. In fact, minerals in rainwater can actually create additional buildup over time. Professional cleaning with deionized water leaves panels truly spot-free.

While you technically can, we strongly advise against it for safety and effectiveness reasons. Working on a roof is dangerous without proper equipment and training. Additionally, using tap water leaves mineral spots, and improper tools can scratch panel surfaces. Professional cleaning with deionized water and the right equipment delivers better results safely.

No — in fact, many manufacturers recommend regular professional cleaning as part of maintenance. We use deionized water and soft-brush systems, which is the manufacturer-recommended cleaning method. No abrasives, no high-pressure washing. Our methods are compliant with all major panel manufacturer guidelines.

We use a deionized water and soft-brush system. Deionized water has minerals removed so it dries completely spot-free without leaving any residue. Our soft rotary brushes gently lift dirt, pollen, and buildup without scratching panel glass. No high-pressure washing is ever used.

Yes. We clean commercial and industrial solar installations of all sizes, from small business rooftop systems to large ground-mount arrays. We offer maintenance contracts with scheduled service, priority scheduling, and discounted rates for commercial clients.

We serve 26 towns across South Central Connecticut and Fairfield County, including Wallingford, Meriden, Cheshire, North Haven, Hamden, New Haven, Guilford, Madison, Branford, Milford, Orange, Woodbridge, Bethany, Southington, Westport, Fairfield, Trumbull, Easton, Weston, Shelton, and Monroe — plus the Naugatuck Valley. We're based in Wallingford.

Yes. Our Annual Maintenance Plan includes two cleanings per year — spring and fall — at 15% off, with priority scheduling and your rate locked in. Call (203) 677-0875 to sign up.

A typical residential cleaning (15-30 panels) takes 30-60 minutes. Larger residential systems or commercial installations take longer depending on panel count and accessibility. We work efficiently without rushing — quality and thoroughness come first.

Not necessarily, as long as we have access to your property and the panels. Many customers schedule cleanings while they're at work. We'll coordinate access details when scheduling and send before/after photos when we're done.

Deionized (DI) water is water that has been purified to remove dissolved minerals and ions. When used for cleaning, it dries completely spot-free because there are no minerals to leave behind. This is the same type of purified water used to clean laboratory equipment and precision optics. It's the safest and most effective method for solar panel cleaning.

Bird guards are mesh barriers that attach to the edges of your solar panels, blocking the gap between the panels and your roof. This prevents birds, squirrels, and other animals from nesting underneath. Our guards use UV-resistant mesh and panel-safe clips — no drilling into your roof. They last the lifetime of your panels and reduce debris accumulation.

A critter guard is a custom-fit mesh barrier installed around the perimeter beneath your solar panels to keep squirrels, nesting birds, and other animals out. SolarWash CT installations start at $300 with under-panel cleaning included — most run $300-$1,500 depending on panel count and perimeter length. See full details on critter guard pricing and installation.