Frequently Asked Questions

Most San Clemente homes do well with two cleanings a year, once in spring and once in late summer. Homes with direct coastal exposure in Pier Bowl, North Beach, Marblehead, or Cyprus Shore, or any property with an active bird problem, often need a third cleaning.

Yes, when there is meaningful soiling. Light dust may cost only 2 to 5 percent of output, while bonded salt film or heavy bird droppings can cost 15 to 25 percent. The benefit scales with how dirty the panels actually are.

Never soap, dish detergent, or a standard high-pressure power washer. Deionized water and a soft brush is the manufacturer-safe standard we use on every job.

Rinsing with a garden hose from the ground is generally low-risk. Getting on the roof yourself is where the real risk is, especially on Spanish tile, which cracks underfoot, or near skylights, which are not load-bearing.

A gradual, even production dip across the whole system usually points to soiling. A sudden drop, or underperformance isolated to specific panels, is more likely a hardware issue, and cleaning alone will not fix it. A thermal imaging scan can tell the difference before you pay for an unnecessary repair.

Yes. We can provide a certificate of insurance for HOA approval, use only deionized water with zero runoff or chemical residue, and coordinate around any posted access rules specific to your community.

No, as long as it is done with deionized water and a soft brush, which matches standard manufacturer maintenance guidance. Pressure washers and soap are what void warranties.

Pricing is based on panel count, roof pitch, and access difficulty. Call for a specific quote based on your actual system rather than a generic per-panel estimate.

Yes. Twice-yearly and three-times-yearly plans are available, matched to San Clemente’s seasonal soiling pattern and your property’s specific coastal or inland exposure.

Often, yes. Most residential solar installations carry a manufacturer parts-and-labor warranty, commonly around 10 years, that covers module defects. A dated thermal report gives your installer the documentation needed to file a claim.