Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you're wondering about solar panel cleaning.
Can't find your answer? Contact us and we'll get back to you the same business day.
General
Most Elgin County homes do well with a bi-annual clean — once in spring after pollen season and again in fall before winter. Properties near farm fields, gravel roads, or with heavy tree cover often benefit from quarterly cleaning instead.
Yes. Dust, pollen, bird droppings and winter road grime can reduce output by 15–25% depending on soiling level and panel tilt. The drop happens gradually, so most homeowners don't notice until they compare production data before and after a cleaning.
A full soft-wash clean of every accessible panel using deionized pure water, a visual inspection for micro-cracks, loose mounts or hot spots, and a written report emailed to you after the visit.
Safety & Warranty
No. Our soft-wash, pure-water process uses no abrasive tools, harsh chemicals, or high-pressure equipment — the practices most manufacturers specifically warn against. We're happy to review your manufacturer's cleaning guidelines with you before the visit if you have any concerns.
Yes, Elgin Solar Cleaning carries full liability insurance and WSIB coverage. Documentation is available on request for property managers and commercial clients.
No. We use deionized, mineral-free water exclusively, which lifts dirt without residue and dries completely spot-free. It's also safe for your landscaping, gutters and any nearby waterways.
Usually not. Most residential arrays are cleaned entirely from the ground or a ladder using extension water-fed poles. On steeper or harder-to-reach roofs, our technicians are trained and equipped for safe roof access when it's genuinely required.
Cost & Booking
We price per panel rather than a flat fee: one-time cleanings are $15/panel, our bi-annual plan is $12.50/panel per visit (2 visits/year), and our quarterly plan is $10/panel per visit (4 visits/year). Every visit carries a $150 minimum to cover travel. See our pricing page for full details. Commercial and solar farm sites are quoted individually based on panel count and access.
Fill out the short form on our Book a Quote page, or call us directly at 226-268-5500. Most quotes are confirmed within one business day.
Weather & Scheduling
Our main cleaning season runs spring through late fall. Once snow and ice are on the roof, cleaning isn't safe or effective, so winter visits are limited to inspections and, where needed, safe snow-load assessments.
No problem. Because we use deionized water, there's no soap or residue left behind for rain to disturb — a light rain shortly after cleaning won't undo the results.
Most residential visits take 45–90 minutes depending on panel count and roof access. Commercial and solar farm sites are scheduled based on total array size and may span a full day or more.