Understanding Soiling on Solar Panels

Experiencing lower-than-expected solar production? Learn about soiling, how it affects your panels, and when to take action. 🌞🔧

June 12, 2026

What is soiling and how does it impact my solar panels?

Soiling occurs when particles like dust, pollen, or bird droppings accumulate on the surface of your solar panels. This can slightly reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the photovoltaic cells. However, for our LightReach customers, the impact of soiling has already been modeled into the long-term performance expectations of your system.

Rest assured, even with soiling, your panels are designed to meet the 90% performance guarantee over the term of your agreement.

Do I need to clean my solar panels?

The good news is that cleaning your panels is not necessary in most cases. Here's why:

• Natural Cleaning by Rain: Your solar panels are designed to be cleaned naturally by rain, which helps wash away dirt and debris.

• Built-in Performance Modeling: The expected impact of soiling has already been considered in your system's performance projections. You're still covered by our 90% performance guarantee.

Safety first: Do NOT climb on your roof

For your safety, do not attempt to climb onto your roof to clean your solar panels. Walking on your roof can be dangerous and may also risk damaging your panels or voiding your warranty.

If you have concerns about soiling, we recommend:

• Observing your panels from the ground or a safe location.
• Letting rain handle the cleaning for you.
• If you wish to clean your panels yourself, you may use a garden hose to rinse them off, but only from the ground. Do not use high-pressure washers or climb onto the roof.

What if I think soiling is impacting my system's performance?

We continuously monitor the performance of your solar panels. If there are any significant issues, our system will detect them automatically, and we will take steps to service your panels if needed.

If you notice a significant, prolonged drop in your system's energy production, here are steps you can take:

1. Check your Palmetto app or online dashboard to monitor system performance.
2. If you suspect an issue unrelated to soiling, contact our Customer Experience Team.

Key takeaways

• Soiling is a normal and expected part of owning solar panels.
• Cleaning your panels is not required; rain will handle most debris.
• Your system is backed by a 90% performance guarantee, even with soiling considered.
• We actively monitor your system's performance and will address issues as needed.
• Prioritize your safety: Do not climb onto your roof to clean the panels.