Costa Mesa gets all the sunshine you could want, but if your solar panels are covered in grime, they’re not making the most of it. And here by the coast, it doesn’t take long for salt air, pollen, and good old-fashioned traffic dust to build up. We clean solar panels all across Costa Mesa—from Mesa Verde to Eastside—and every time, it makes a difference.
We recently helped a family just off Baker Street. Their energy bills had gone up slowly over the past year, but nothing had changed in how they used power. They figured it was a utility issue. We took one look at the panels and saw a layer of sticky dirt baked on like a film. Took about 45 minutes to clean. That weekend, they called and said their solar app showed a 19% jump in production. Not bad for a little water and elbow grease.
Why Solar Panels Get Dirty in Costa Mesa
Between the beach breeze and all the traffic off Newport Blvd, your panels are dealing with more than just sunlight. The marine layer brings in moisture and salt that sticks to glass. Add in freeway grime, ash from seasonal fires, and those jacaranda trees that drop sticky blooms, and you’ve got a mess building up week after week.
Even homes in quieter parts of the city—like the streets near Fairview Park or the Upper Westside—still deal with wind-blown dirt and bird droppings from the palm trees that line the blocks. It all adds up faster than you’d think.
What Happens If You Skip Cleaning?
Your panels stop performing at full strength. Maybe not all at once, but slowly. You’ll start noticing higher energy bills even though the weather hasn’t changed. Or maybe your solar tracking app shows the numbers dropping. You might think something’s broken, but most of the time, it’s just dirt.
Even a thin layer of buildup can block light and lower output. If your panels are hazy, dull, or have water spots, they’re not doing their job. Regular cleaning keeps everything running smooth and saves you money long-term.
How Often Should Panels Be Cleaned in Costa Mesa?
Twice a year works for most folks. Once in the spring and again after the summer winds. But if you’re near the coast or closer to major streets like 17th or Harbor, we suggest adding a third round during fall. If your panels are flat or shaded, dirt builds up even quicker.
Rain doesn’t clean your panels. It might rinse loose dirt, but then it dries and leaves behind water spots and new grime. We’ve cleaned plenty of panels right after a rainstorm, and they’re just as dirty—if not worse.
What We Do and How We Do It
We clean your solar panels without harsh chemicals, rough brushes, or power washers. Instead, we use soft-bristle solar-safe brushes and pure deionized water that won’t leave behind mineral spots.
- No soaps, so nothing sticky gets left behind
- No pressure washers, so your panels stay safe
- Filtered water for streak-free results
- Before and after photos with every job
Our team works fast but careful. We protect your roof, keep the area clean, and treat your home like we’d treat our own.
We Work With All Roof Types
Whether your roof is tile, shingle, flat, or metal—we’ve handled it. From older homes near Canyon Park to modern builds in the South Coast Metro area, we’ve cleaned every kind of setup. We bring the right ladders, gear, and safety equipment so nothing gets damaged.
We don’t drag hoses across your roof. We don’t step on your panels. And we don’t leave a mess behind when we’re done.
HOAs? No Problem
If your neighborhood in Costa Mesa is part of an HOA—like the ones near Costa Mesa Country Club or Halecrest—we’ve probably worked there before. We’re fully insured and familiar with common rules around noise, access, and cleanup. If your board needs documentation, we’ll provide it. No hassle.
Commercial Solar Cleaning
We clean panels on commercial buildings too. That includes strip malls, restaurants, small office buildings, and even auto shops near Harbor and Victoria. If you’re a business owner or property manager, we’ll set up a schedule that works for your hours and budget. Monthly, quarterly, whatever you need.
One of our regular clients is a retail building off Adams Avenue. They used to call us once a year. Now we come out every three months, and they’ve said it’s made a noticeable impact on their power bill and the way the panels look to tenants and customers.
Real Story From a Local Customer
A homeowner in Mesa Verde called us up because her neighbor had mentioned our name. She wasn’t sure the cleaning would do anything, but figured it couldn’t hurt. We got on the roof and found spots from sprinkler overspray and tree sap baked into the panels. We cleaned them up, and three days later she called back to say her system had gained almost 20% output overnight. She was pumped. Said she didn’t realize how much the dirt was costing her.
Now she’s on a twice-a-year schedule, and her neighbor across the street is too.
What to Expect When You Book With BJ’s
- Quick quote based on panel count and access
- On-time arrival with a heads-up text or call
- Roof-safe tools and ladder protection
- No damage to panels or roof materials
- Full photo report when we finish
We don’t do hard sells. If you just want a one-time clean, that’s what we’ll give you. If you want us to remind you every few months, we can do that too. Totally up to you.
Trying to Clean Them Yourself?
It’s possible, but most people regret it. You need the right kind of water, the right kind of brush, and a safe way to get up there. Regular hose water leaves spots. And if you use a rough broom or sponge, you can scratch the panels.
One guy near Wilson Park tried using Windex and a towel. Left cloudy streaks and didn’t really help. He called us a week later and said, “Just fix it, man.” We did. And now he lets us handle it every spring and fall.
When Should You Book?
Now’s a good time if it’s been more than 6 months. Especially if you live near Placentia Ave, 19th Street, or anywhere with a lot of wind or tree cover. Spring pollen and summer dryness do more damage than people think. And the fall wind drags in more debris than it gets credit for.
Your panels might still look “okay” from the ground, but it’s what’s on the surface that counts. If they’re hazy or have buildup at the edges, you’re losing money every day they’re not cleaned.
Ready for a Quote?
We make it easy. Just reach out here or give us a call. Let us know your address, how many panels you’ve got, and what kind of roof you have. We’ll get back to you with a flat price and schedule a time that works.
Clean panels, more power, less stress. That’s the deal.