Solar Panel Maintenance and Cleaning: Why It Matters & How Ambrose Solar Safeguards Your Investment

As Ambrose Solar expands its professional solar maintenance and cleaning services in January, now is the perfect time to educate homeowners on why regular care is essential in California’s desert climate.

The Coachella Valley’s dust, pollen, hard water, bird droppings, and debris can significantly reduce energy production—even on newer solar systems. With proper solar panel maintenance and cleaning, homeowners can protect system efficiency, extend equipment life, and safeguard their long-term ROI.

Here’s what every solar owner should know.

1. Why Solar Panels Need Regular Maintenance and Cleaning

Solar panels are incredibly durable but not maintenance-free. Over time, external buildup causes:

• Reduced sunlight absorption

• Lower energy output

• Hotspots on panels

• Faster wear on electrical components

• Inverter strain

• Dirt-driven energy losses up to 25% or more

In the desert, the accumulation rate is much higher than in other climates, making regular cleaning essential—not optional.

2. Why Solar Panel Maintenance and Cleaning Matters More in the Desert

Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indio, and Rancho Mirage all experience:

• Sand & dust storms

• Pollen-heavy seasons

• Bird activity around rooftops

• Hard water spotting

• Dry debris buildup

These conditions block sunlight and can erode panel glass over time if not properly washed using professional, solar-safe cleaning methods.

3. What Happens If Solar Panels Aren’t Cleaned?

Ignoring solar panel maintenance and cleaning can lead to:

• Up to 50% of their energy production

• Permanent staining

• Micro-scratches from abrasive dust

• Faster component degradation

• Warranty complications

Often, dirty panels produce so little power that homeowners mistake it for system failure.

4. Benefits of Professional Solar Cleaning vs DIY

While DIY cleaning may seem tempting, it’s risky and often ineffective.

DIY Risks Include:

• Hard water residue causing permanent spotting

• Scratching panel glass

• Loose wiring or mounting hardware going unnoticed

• Risk of slipping or falling

• Using detergents that void warranties

Professional Cleaning Ensures:

• Deionized water + soft-bristle tools

• No scratching or residue

• Safety from trained technicians

• Full system health inspection

• Performance readings before & after cleaning

Ambrose Solar uses industry-best cleaning tools designed specifically for PV glass.

5. Annual Solar System Inspections

Cleaning alone isn’t enough. Regular inspections check:

• Inverter health

• Wiring & connections

• Panel degradation

• Roof penetrations

• System voltage

• Animal or pest issues

These inspections prevent small issues from becoming expensive repairs.

6. Why Ambrose Solar Is Launching Expanded Service in January

Ambrose Solar is doubling down on customer support with a new, comprehensive solar maintenance and cleaning program launching this January. This includes:

• Scheduled cleanings

• Emergency cleanings

• System performance audits

• Warranty support

• Annual & semi-annual maintenance plans

• Add-on services for battery and inverter checks

Our goal is to help homeowners maximize system output all year long—especially in desert climates where panels get dirty faster.

7. Ready to Schedule Maintenance?

Ambrose Solar’s new service division makes it easier than ever to maintain your system.

👉 Book a Cleaning or Inspection with Ambrose Solar today.

Conclusion

Solar panel maintenance and cleaning are essential for California homeowners who want reliable performance and maximum energy savings. With Ambrose Solar’s expanded service program launching in January, now is the best time to get ahead of buildup and ensure your system is operating at peak output.