Why Dirty Solar Panels Can Cost You Money — And How to Fix It

Jaden Turner • October 7, 2025

Why Dirty Solar Panels Can Cost You Money — And How to Fix It

If you’ve invested in solar energy, you want to get the most from your panels. But here’s the truth: dust, pollen, and buildup can reduce your solar panel efficiency by up to 25%.

At Sunlit Surfaces, we offer solar panel cleaning services across Salt Lake City and Davis County, helping homeowners protect their green investment.


Why Do Solar Panels Get Dirty in Utah?

Utah’s environment is dry and dusty, with:

  • Seasonal pollen (spring)
  • Dust storms (summer)
  • Hard water spots (from sprinklers)
  • Bird droppings and insects

All of this builds up and blocks sunlight — reducing your system’s output.


How Much Can Dirty Panels Cost You?

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), dirty panels can reduce energy production by 15–25%. That’s lost power and lost savings.

If you’re on a net metering plan, this could mean paying more to the utility company.


How Often Should You Clean Solar Panels?

In Utah, we recommend:

  • Every 6 months for average homes
  • Quarterly for high-dust or pollen areas
  • After major dust storms or wildfires


Why Professional Cleaning is Best

Cleaning solar panels may look simple — but using the wrong tools or soaps can damage them.

We use:

  • Deionized, spot-free water
  • Non-abrasive brushes
  • Safety harnesses for roof work

Avoid ladders, pressure washers, or harsh cleaners. Leave it to the pros.


Bundle Services and Save

Pair solar panel cleaning with:

  • Window cleaning
  • Gutter cleaning
  • Exterior house washing


Areas We Serve

We clean solar panels in:

  • Salt Lake City
  • North Salt Lake
  • Bountiful
  • Kaysville
  • Layton
  • Davis County and surrounding areas


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