Solar panels only pay off when sunlight is actually reaching the cells. In Calgary, windy seasons leave dust and residue film across the glass, spring melt brings runoff that dries into a hazy layer, and general grime bonds to the surface over time. Rain moves loose debris but does not lift bonded residue or correct mineral spotting, and your panels lose output for every week that buildup sits there.
At Silvertip Wash Co., we clean solar panels the same way we clean windows: water-fed, reverse osmosis purified system, soft brush to lift bonded dirt without damaging the glass, and a spot-free rinse that leaves nothing behind. No soaps, no residue. We recommend a biannual clean at minimum, or quarterly if you want to pair it with window cleaning and stay ahead of buildup year-round.
Most homeowners do not realize how much output they are losing until the panels get a proper clean. Dirt does not build up in a visible layer overnight, it accumulates gradually and quietly, and by the time you notice it, the performance loss has already been happening for months. Regular professional cleaning is not a cosmetic service, it is how you protect the return on a system you paid good money for.
We price per panel, not by the hour, so you know what you are getting into before we arrive. Most residential setups with standard rooftop access come in at ~$6 per panel for standard access. When panels are positioned higher, on a steeper roof, or in a spot that requires more planning, the rate moves to $10–$12 per panel when panels are higher or harder to access. The main variables that push a job toward the higher end are:
We do not charge minimum fees or trip fees beyond the per-panel rate, and if you are unsure which bracket applies, we will talk through the setup when you reach out.
Solar panel cleaning pairs naturally with other services, and we pass savings along when you combine them. Book two services and you receive 10% off when bundling two services; book three or more and that becomes 15% off when bundling three services. Window cleaning is the most popular pairing since both use the same reverse osmosis purified water system. For customers who want regular scheduled maintenance, our service plans include:
Before we confirm the job, we work through the access situation: panel location, roof pitch, and potential setup obstacles. High winds, icy surfaces, and unsafe conditions are reasons to reschedule, not work around. We would rather move a job to the right day than put your home or our crew at risk.
On-site, we walk each panel before cleaning begins. We check for loose wiring, visible cracks, and anything that belongs in front of a solar technician rather than a cleaning crew. If we find something, we stop and tell you before anything else happens. Cleaning starts only after we know the system is safe.
We deliver reverse osmosis purified water through a water-fed system directly to the glass. The RO process removes minerals before contact, so nothing in the rinse can dry and leave spotting behind. No soaps, no detergents, no additives.
Purified water loosens surface residue, but bonded grime needs physical contact to release. We use a soft brush with controlled, consistent pressure across each panel: enough to pull up built-up film, not enough to scratch the surface.
A full reverse osmosis rinse flushes everything the brush lifted. The water dries clean with no mineral traces or residue film. We offer a walkthrough at close, and four to five days later you will get a follow-up call to confirm the results are holding.
We back every solar panel cleaning with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Here is exactly what that means:
What we guarantee:
What we do not cover:
What to expect:
Solar panel systems are designed to handle water exposure from weather, and we clean with controlled water flow so it runs off in the appropriate way. We avoid disturbing wiring and components and focus on a safe, careful method. If anything looks unsafe before we start, we’ll talk it through with you.
No. Our standard process uses reverse osmosis purified water with a soft brush and a spot-free rinse. We don’t use soaps or leave residue behind, which helps reduce film that can attract more buildup. It’s the same purified-water approach we use for detailed window cleaning.
Rain can rinse loose dust, but it doesn’t always remove bonded residue or prevent mineral spotting. Over time, buildup can still block sunlight and reduce maximum power. A purified-water, soft-brush clean helps properly lift residue and leave a spot-free finish.
We use a gentle, purified-water method with a soft brush and no soaps or residues, and we avoid interfering with the system’s components. We also inspect for issues like loose wiring before cleaning. If you have warranty-specific requirements from your manufacturer or installer, we’re happy to align our approach to those guidelines.
We inspect the panels before cleaning and check for loose wiring. If we notice an issue, we don’t perform repairs and we’ll recommend contacting your solar installer or a qualified solar technician. Our goal is to clean safely without interfering with your system.
Most solar panel cleanings take about 30 minutes. The exact time depends on how many panels you have and how accessible the system is. Higher or harder-to-reach placements can require more setup time for safe access.
We typically recommend biannual or quarterly solar panel cleaning to keep panels capturing sunlight for maximum power. Many customers schedule it alongside window cleaning to stay consistent. The right frequency depends on how quickly residue builds up on your property.
Accessibility affects both feasibility and pricing, and we plan around it carefully. We use professional equipment and safety precautions and usually try to find a safe way to complete the job. If something is truly unsafe or inaccessible, we’ll explain the options before proceeding.
Safety always comes first, so icy or unsafe roof conditions may require rescheduling. We’ll assess conditions and plan the safest time to clean while still keeping you on track for regular maintenance. This helps protect both your home and our crew.
The main preparation is access. Make sure we can safely reach the work area and any exterior water connection if needed. If you have pets, we recommend keeping them secured during the service. If you’re aware of any panel issues or system concerns, let us know so we can plan accordingly.
Yes. Solar panel cleaning can be bundled with services like window cleaning, house washing, gutter cleaning, and driveway cleaning. We offer 10% off when bundling two services and 15% off when bundling three services. We also offer service plan discounts depending on the plan type.
If your panels have not been professionally cleaned in a while, call us at (403) 688-3661 or email us to get a quote, or reach us through our online request form. We serve Calgary and the surrounding area including Okotoks and De Winton, most standard jobs wrap up in around 30 minutes, and every clean is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee with over $2 million in liability coverage. Bundle solar panel cleaning with any other service and the 10% or 15% discount applies automatically, and if you set up a maintenance plan, you save $50 to $150 off depending on whether you go quarterly, annual, or monthly. When your panels are ready for a proper clean, we are ready to schedule it.
