Do you have to clean solar panels?

Keeping Your Solar Panels Clean: Do You Really Need to Wash Them?

In Colorado’s dry climate, people sometimes worry that dust or pollen will cake onto their solar panels and curb performance. The truth? Most of the time, Mother Nature does the cleaning for you. Occasional rain showers—and even snowmelt—tend to slide debris right off the panels. But if you’re in a particularly dusty area or have nearby construction stirring up dirt, you might see a thin coating building up over time. If you notice a haze of dust forming, you can give your panels a quick rinse with a garden hose. A spray from below is usually enough to dislodge loose grit.

Is It Really Necessary?

In many cases, dust buildup has only a small impact on monthly production. Panels are designed to operate efficiently even when they’re not sparkling clean. While a heavy layer of dirt or caked-on grime can reduce output, that’s more of an occasional situation. Day-to-day dust usually comes off the next time it sprinkles.

Our Free Cleaning Offer for Sundog Customers

Worried about going up on the roof? We get it. Even though you can spray from the ground, sometimes homeowners want the peace of mind that a pro has inspected everything. Sundog Solar customers can call us anytime at 970-SUNDOGS for a no-cost cleaning. We’ll hop up there, do a quick wipe-down (if needed), and make sure everything else is in top shape. If we notice any problems or unexpected wear, we’ll address it right away, so you can relax knowing your system is operating at peak efficiency.

Remember, solar is designed to be low-maintenance. A quick hose-down once or twice a year, or after a particularly dusty season, is usually all you need. If you’re seeing a slight drop in your monitoring app, that might be your sign to rinse. Otherwise, let nature take care of it. Between Colorado’s intense sun and brisk winds, it’s rare for panels to stay dusty for long.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re thinking about adding solar—and would love a system that’s both easy to maintain and comes standard with built-in battery backup—visit our custom quote page. In just a few clicks, you’ll get an instant overview of your potential savings. Or if you’d rather chat directly, give us a call at 970-SUNDOGS. We’re happy to walk you through every detail, from financing options to free panel cleaning—so you can dive into solar with confidence.