Residential Solar Panel Cleaning in Las Vegas
Deionized water, soft brushes and early starts for one- and two-story homes across the valley. No soap, no pressure washer, and a photo report of every panel when we are done.
What happens on a residential cleaning
- A quick check before we climb. Panel count, roof pitch, tile or shingle, and where we can work from the ground.
- A look at every panel. Panels make electricity whenever light hits them, even with the system off. If glass is cracked, a panel is browned or burned, or wiring is loose on the roof, we do not wash it. We photograph it and tell you to call a licensed solar electrician.
- A low-pressure rinse with deionized water to float off loose dust so the brush is not grinding grit across the glass.
- A soft-brush scrub. No detergents, no abrasive pads. Droppings get extra soak time instead of scraping.
- A final pure-water rinse that dries without spots.
- Your photo report: before and after shots, plus anything worth watching, like pigeon activity or a panel that looks off.
Most homes take about 30 minutes to 2 hours. Bigger systems, tile, two stories and heavy droppings take longer.
Why we never use Las Vegas tap water
The Las Vegas Valley Water District calls our water very hard: about 278 parts per million, or 16 grains per gallon. Roughly 90% of it comes from Lake Mead, which is fed by the mineral-heavy Colorado River. Mineral spots only form when water evaporates, and on a sunny Vegas roof that happens in minutes.
Deionized water has the minerals filtered out, so there is nothing left on the glass when it dries. A UNLV study that compared panel-washing methods found distilled water cleaned more effectively than groundwater, treated wastewater or a dry vacuum.
Why we start at first light in summer
Panel maker REC tells installers to clean only when panels are cool and to use water at air temperature, because cold water on hot glass, or hot water on cold glass, can stress it. Jinko Solar’s engineers give the same advice: clean early, before the glass heats up. From May through September our crews start at sunrise and are off the roof before the heat builds.
Tile roofs and two-story homes
Concrete tile is everywhere in Summerlin, Henderson and the newer master plans, and it cracks when someone steps in the wrong place. We walk only on the lower edge of each tile, where it overlaps the one below, and use water-fed poles from the ground whenever the panels are in reach.
On two-story homes we set up from the ground first, and only go up when the panels cannot be reached safely any other way. If you have spare tiles from the builder, tell us before we start.
How often should a Las Vegas home clean its panels?
For most homes, once or twice a year: in spring before peak summer production, and again after monsoon season if storms left mud. Jinko Solar’s engineers also point to spring as the best time. Homes next to new construction, dirt lots or pigeon activity may need more.
Your monitoring app is the best guide. Compare a clear day this month with a clear day in the same month last year. If output matches, you can wait. If it has dropped and nothing is shading the roof, it is time to look. Not sure it pays? Read is solar panel cleaning worth it.
Residential cleaning FAQs
Do I need to be home for the cleaning?
No, as long as we can reach the roof and you have told us about gates, dogs and any spare tiles. You will get the photo report either way.
Do you use soap on solar panels?
No. Panel makers such as Jinko and REC recommend plain water and soft brushes. Detergents can leave residue and some chemicals can harm the anti-reflective coating on the glass.
Will cleaning void my warranty?
Not when it follows the manufacturer’s guidance: plain water, soft brushes and cool panels. Pressure washers, harsh chemicals and abrasive pads are what put a warranty at risk. Your panel manual lists your brand’s exact rules.
Can you clean panels on a patio cover or ground mount?
Yes. Ground mounts and patio covers are usually the quickest jobs because everything can be reached from the ground.
What if you find a damaged panel?
We do not wash it. We photograph it, note where it is in the array, and tell you to call a licensed solar electrician or your installer. Cracked or burned panels can be an electrical and fire risk.
How much does a residential cleaning cost?
Most Las Vegas homes pay about $100 to $250, based on published local prices. Panel count, roof height, tile and how dirty the glass is set the final number.
Book a residential cleaning
Tell us your panel count, one or two stories, and roof type, and we will send a quote. Pigeons too? Ask about pigeon proofing on the same visit.
Sources: KTNV hard water, UNLV washing study, REC cleaning guide. Updated October 2026.