FAQs Archive - US Solar Cleaning

Q: What are the harmful effects of mold and mildew on PV modules?

Mold, mildew, and biological films such as lichen can act as a living anchor that traps dirt, dust, and pollen directly on the glass. When left untreated, biological buildup can block light from reaching photovoltaic cells, create uneven shading across modules, accelerate re-soiling, and may contribute to long-term coating degradation. Professional cleaning removes this buildup before it compounds into a larger performance or maintenance issue.

Q: Do you service solar farms outside of Texas?

Yes. While our primary operations are based in Texas, we service solar farms and commercial solar arrays nationwide. Contact us with your site location and array size for a custom quote.

Q: Does rain clean solar panels?

Rain removes some loose surface dust, but it is not a substitute for professional cleaning. Light rain can actually make soiling worse by creating a mud film that dries and hardens on the panel surface. Research shows that cemented soiling - caused when dust bonds with morning dew or light rainfall - often requires mechanical cleaning to remove. This is why even solar farms in moderate climates still require scheduled professional washing to maintain optimal energy yield.

Q: How much energy do dirty solar panels lose?

NREL estimates average annual soiling losses of 2% to 7% in the United States, with losses exceeding 25% in high-dust environments. The IEA Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme estimates global soiling-induced annual energy losses at 3% to 5%, representing billions in lost revenue industrywide. In dollar terms, even small soiling percentages on a utility-scale installation represent six- and seven-figure revenue losses over the life of the asset.

Q: What information do I need to provide for a quote?

The most helpful details are your site name and location, array size in MW, number of panels, mounting type, and any known cleaning history. If you have recent production data, performance ratio reports, or soiling measurements, those are valuable but not required.