Overview / Executive Summary
Solar panels lose up to 40% of their efficiency when they’re dirty. That’s not a minor drop in performance. That’s basically throwing sunlight in the trash. With the U.S. solar market booming and millions of panels being slapped onto rooftops from residential homes to retail giants like Kohl’s, there’s a growing need for one thing: keeping those panels squeaky clean. You don’t need a robotics degree or a giant warehouse. You need some deionized water, the right tools, and the ability to show up. This is a $3 billion industry hiding in plain sight. Let’s wash our way into it.
Value Proposition
This business exists because most people forget their solar panels exist the moment they’re installed. Out of sight, out of mind. Until their electric bill goes up. What we’re offering is simple: a professional solar panel cleaning service that restores performance, extends the life of the system, and makes customers feel like responsible, green-energy champions.
What sets us apart:
We use deionized water to avoid hard water spots and mineral damage.
We’re specialized, not generalists with a pressure washer and a dream.
We offer subscription-based cleaning plans, so customers never have to remember to call us.
And yeah, we’re cheaper than losing 40% of your solar ROI.
Target Audience
1. Residential Homeowners
Especially those who paid top dollar for a solar system and want that ROI. Think suburban homeowners with disposable income and rising energy bills.
2. Commercial Property Managers
Retail chains, warehouses, and office parks with rooftop solar. Companies like Kohl’s are installing solar on every location. That’s not a one-time job. That’s recurring revenue with commas.
3. Utility-Scale Operators
Solar farms and large installations where performance \= profit. They need professional services with performance guarantees.
4. Referral Partners
Solar installers, real estate agents, and HOAs who need a reliable partner to keep their installations performing (and their clients happy).
Market Landscape
The solar panel cleaning market is projected to hit nearly $3 billion by 2035, up from $1.22 billion in 2025, with 9.3% annual growth. The drivers are obvious:
Massive solar adoption across homes and businesses
Corporate renewable energy mandates (Kohl’s isn’t alone)
Investors demanding peak solar efficiency
Right now, manual cleaning still dominates small jobs. Robotic systems are on the rise, but they’re overkill for residential and most commercial clients. That’s where we win. Low overhead, flexible pricing, high-margin jobs, and room to grow.
SEO Opportunities
There’s real keyword heat here:
solar panel cleaning service near me
solar panel maintenance residential
deionized water solar panel cleaning
how to clean solar panels professionally
solar panel cleaning cost per panel
We’ll target these through a clean website, localized landing pages, and blog content (example: “How Dirty Panels Kill Your ROI”). Solar owners are already Googling this stuff. We just have to show up and look legit.
Go-To-Market Strategy
Step 1: Start Local, Start Small
Begin with residential solar homeowners in a specific zip code. Offer a flat rate, show up on time, do a great job, and leave behind a review card and referral discount.
Step 2: Partner Up
Work with solar installers. Offer them a cut for every client they send your way. Pitch it as value-add during system sales. Everyone wins.
Step 3: Get Visible Online
Set up a Google Business Profile
Launch a simple website with booking functionality
Get listed on directories and forums where solar homeowners hang out
Step 4: Document Everything
Post before-and-after shots, reviews, and client wins on social. One great drone shot of a sparkling rooftop array does more than a thousand words.
Step 5: Test Subscriptions
Offer quarterly or biannual cleanings. Discount it slightly but guarantee future business.
Monetization Plan
Residential:
$250 to $450 per job
Per-panel rate of $10 to $20 depending on access and complexity
Commercial:
$2,000 to $20,000 per job
Negotiated based on square footage and accessibility
Recurring Revenue:
Quarterly or biannual maintenance contracts at a discount
Upsell inspections or basic solar health reports
Add-ons:
Pest abatement
Minor repairs or seal checks
Gutter clearing bundled in
Financial Forecast
Startup Costs
Equipment and deionized water setup: $1,000 to $5,000
Safety gear and ladders: $1,000
Marketing and branding: $500 to $2,000
Insurance and permits: $1,000 to $2,000
Total: $2,000 to $10,000
Revenue Targets
50 residential clients at $350 each \= $17,500
5 small commercial jobs at $5,000 each \= $25,000
Subscription contracts: 20 clients at $300/year \= $6,000
Year 1 Revenue Estimate: $50,000 to $100,000
Margins
Gross margin: 60% to 80%
Break-even: Within 3 to 6 months with steady residential jobs
Risks & Challenges
Safety: Roofs are dangerous. Get insured, get trained, and don’t cut corners.
Weather: Rain kills demand. Build a waitlist and stay flexible.
Competition: It’s easy to start, so expect others to copy you. Win with consistency and professionalism.
Customer Trust: A bad cleaning job can damage panels. Use proper tools, especially deionized water.
Regulations: Some cities require water use permits. Know your local rules.
Why It’ll Work
The panels are already out there. Homeowners and businesses paid thousands to install them, and they’re watching their efficiency drop without even knowing why. We show up, fix the problem, and leave them feeling smart for hiring us.
It works because it’s recurring, needed, and wildly under-served. With a clean setup and a good reputation, this can scale into a six- or even seven-figure business.
Just start with one hose, one ladder, and one neighborhood. Then rinse and repeat. Literally.