Solar panel cleaning cost: What it takes to stay efficient in 2025

Did you know that more Aussies than ever are turning sunlight into savings? In fact, recent reports show that over 300,000 rooftop systems were installed in 2024 alone. With government rebates still available and electricity prices climbing, solar panels have become the go-to solution for savvy homeowners looking to slash their power bills permanently.

Now that you’ve joined the solar revolution, keeping those panels spotless is crucial for maximum performance. Today, the average cost of cleaning solar panels is $12 per panel or around $480 for 40 panels. To help you out, this guide breaks down everything that affects these prices and explains whether professional cleaning is worth the investment for your setup.

Solar panel cleaning prices

To help you with budget planning, we’ve prepared a list showing how much each solar panel cleaning job costs and how long it will take.

Sometimes, what starts as a routine cleaning turns into something more expensive. Your cleaning technician might spot damaged panels that need repairing or replacing before your system can return to peak performance. 

Here are some common problems that cleaning can uncover and their typical repair costs:

A man checking and cleaning solar panels (Source: iStock)

Factors affecting solar panel cleaning costs

Solar panel location

Solar panels on the ground floor are much cheaper to clean than those on the roof. If your Colorbond or tile roof is much steeper than average, expect to pay more.

Property location

Solar panel cleaning service prices also depend on property location and accessibility. If you live in bigger cities or remote areas, the cost of living, admin, and gas will affect your budget. Here's an estimation of the cost per panel:

Solar panel condition

Solar panels are exposed to dust, leaves, soot, and animal waste. If your panels haven't been cleaned for a long time, they might perform poorly. It’s ideal to clean solar panels and your entire roof every six months to maintain efficiency and prevent costlier repairs.

Benefits of hiring a solar cleaner

If you plan to save on solar panel cleaning by doing the job yourself, you need to think twice before starting. Here's why asking a professional to clean your solar panels is a good investment:

Quality assurance

Although home cleaning seems straightforward, solar panel cleaning is a different matter. It requires specialised tools and products. A specialist knows what works best for your brand of solar panel and has the equipment or materials readily available.

Solar panel cleaning isn't for the faint of heart. Fortunately, professionals are prepared to deal with heights and angled planes. One wrong move might result in a huge safety issue. Also, they can clean up animal droppings and other thick layers of dirt.

Safety

Cleaning solar panels means working at heights, often on steep or slippery surfaces. Pros come equipped with safety harnesses, non-slip boots, and ladder systems, and they’re covered by public liability insurance. More importantly, they know how to handle live electrical systems safely, since solar panels generate power even in low light. They can also spot loose tiles, cracked gutters, or structural issues before they become costly surprises.

Better solar panel performance

Hiring a professional to clean your solar panels will make them last longer. Since professionals have experience handling different types of solar panels, they can diagnose potential issues and repair your solar panels immediately.

Need a few damaged panels replaced? Want to add more panels to your existing system? Most professional cleaners work with qualified electricians and can arrange repairs, replacements, or even system expansions during the same visit. This bundled approach often works out cheaper than hiring separate specialists and means less disruption to your home. 

A man wiping solar panels to remove dust, dirt, and debris (Source: iStock)

Ready to maximise your solar investment?

Those solar panels on your roof are working hard every day to cut your energy bills, so it makes sense to keep them in top condition. Now that you understand the costs involved and what separates amateur cleaning from professional service, the decision becomes much clearer. 

Why wait for your next energy bill to remind you that your panels need attention? Through Airtasker, you can find trusted solar panel cleaners in your area and get quotes that fit your budget and timeline. Give it a try and add as many details as possible to get this project sorted ASAP.