Solar panel popularity is on the rise, especially in the Southwest where Solar energy is becoming more accessible and inexpensive. Also, the go-green attitude many are adopting seems to motivate a lot of homeowners to seek out cleaner energy options. Advancements in technology have made it possible for homeowners to not only power their homes with solar energy, but make it profitable while being gentle on Mother Earth. Solar Panels are no longer a poor man’s dream, but what about maintenance? As long as we’ve had solar panels, we’ve had the argument over whether or not they should be cleaned. To clean, or not to clean… that seems like an odd question, huh? We are a cleaning company, so spoiler alert: we think you should have your panels cleaned if you want them to work at peak efficiency at all times. Much to our surprise, a lot of manufacturers have claimed that their solar panels are “self-cleaning” and therefore save you money, time and effort because they’re so “low-maintenance.” What they really mean is that it should rain enough for your panels to stay clean and efficient… enough. With that logic we could argue that your windows, roof, siding, deck, sidewalk and driveway are all “self-cleaning,” too. They’re outside, so if it rains once in a while… they must be clean, right?