Solar Panel Cleaning Market

Solar Panel Cleaning Market Size and Share:

The global solar panel cleaning market size was valued at USD 812.92 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 1,845.89 Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.06% from 2025-2033. Asia-Pacific currently dominates the market, holding a market share of over 42.6% in 2024. The solar panel cleaning market share is expanding, driven by the rising demand for solar energy, the escalating environmental concerns, and the growing implementation of favorable government policies.

As more people and businesses use solar energy, the demand for solar panel cleaning solutions rises. Dirt and bird droppings block sunlight, lowering efficiency, so regular cleaning helps to maintain power output. In dusty regions or places with high pollution, frequent cleaning becomes necessary. As solar farms expand, companies want better performance and longer panel life, increasing the need for cleaning services. Besides this, water scarcity encourages the employment of eco-friendly dry cleaning methods, such as robotic and automated solutions. Government policies and incentives for clean energy also promote maintenance. Moreover, innovations in technology and coatings reduce manual effort and enhance the effectiveness of solar panel cleaning solutions.

The United States has emerged as a major region in the solar panel cleaning market owing to many factors. The high demand for solar energy across homes, businesses, and large farms is impelling the solar panel cleaning market growth. Bird droppings lower panel efficiency, making regular cleaning necessary. Many states promote clean energy, and government incentives encourage solar adoption, driving the demand for maintenance. In the United States, recent data from the Treasury Department revealed that wind and solar subsidies far exceeded any other energy-related tax code benefits, amounting to USD 31.4 Billion in 2024. Apart from this, in dry and dusty areas like California, Texas, and Arizona, panels get dirty faster, increasing cleaning requirements. Water shortages lead to innovations in robotic cleaning methods.

Solar Panel Cleaning Market Trends:

Growing adoption of renewable energy

The rising adoption of renewable energy, with more homes, businesses, and industries installing solar systems to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, is fueling the market growth. According to the International Energy Association, renewable energy usage in the heat, power, and transport sectors will increase nearly 60% over 2024-2030. As solar farms expand, maintaining clean panels is crucial for sustaining efficiency and optimizing energy production. Dirt, dust, and debris block sunlight, reducing performance, which creates the requirement for regular cleaning. Government agencies worldwide support solar energy through incentives and policies, leading to rapid installation growth and higher maintenance needs. Large-scale solar farms seek automated and robotic cleaning systems to minimize labor costs and enhance effectiveness. Apart from this, in arid and dusty regions, frequent cleaning becomes necessary.

Rising integration of Internet of Things (IoT) with solar panels

The increasing integration of IoT with solar panels is offering a favorable solar panel cleaning market outlook. IoT sensors track dust accumulation, weather conditions, and energy output, helping to schedule cleaning only when necessary. This minimizes unnecessary maintenance and extends panel lifespan. Automated robotic cleaners employ IoT data to operate efficiently, optimizing water and energy use. Large solar farms depend on IoT-oriented predictive maintenance to detect performance drops caused by dirt buildup, ensuring maximum reliability. Smart home systems alert homeowners about panel cleanliness, making maintenance easier and more cost-effective. IoT also supports waterless and electrostatic cleaning technologies by providing precise control over cleaning cycles. According to the IMARC Group Report, the global IoT market size is set to reach USD 3,486.8 Billion by 2033, showing a growth rate (CAGR) of 14.6% during 2025-2033.

Increasing electricity demand

The growing electricity demand is positively influencing the market. As solar installations rise, routine cleaning is crucial for sustaining optimal performance and guaranteeing high energy production. As per a recent report by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), as of November 2023, over 250 Million households in India had the capability to install 637 GW of solar power on rooftops. Environmental pollutants reduce panel performance, making cleaning a necessary maintenance practice. Utility-scale solar farms, which generate large amounts of electricity, require automated and robotic cleaning solutions to maintain consistent power production. Government agencies and private investors continue expanding solar infrastructure to meet high electricity needs. Solar panel cleaning devices help to optimize power generation and lower reliance on traditional electricity sources.

Solar Panel Cleaning Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global solar panel cleaning market, along with forecast at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on technology, process, application, and mode of operation.

Analysis by Technology:

• Wet Cleaning
• Dry Cleaning

Wet cleaning holds 68.5% of the market share. It is the most effective method for removing stubborn, dust, dirt, and bird droppings. Water and cleaning solutions help to break down tough residues that dry cleaning methods may miss. Many solar farms and residential users prefer wet cleaning since it provides a thorough wash, restoring maximum efficiency. In areas with high pollution or coastal regions where salt accumulates, wet cleaning ensures better performance. It is also widely employed because traditional methods, such as manual scrubbing and pressure washing are easy to implement. While water scarcity encourages the development of water-efficient and automated wet cleaning systems, wet methods still dominate due to their reliability. Advanced water-recycling technologies and eco-friendly cleaning agents make wet cleaning more sustainable. With high demand, wet cleaning remains the preferred choice for large-scale solar farms and heavily soiled panels.

Analysis by Process:

• Water Based
• Electrostatic System
• Robotic
• Others

Water based cleaning is the most common method for solar panel maintenance, using water and mild detergents to remove dirt, dust, and bird droppings. It is effective in areas with heavy pollution and coastal regions where salt buildup occurs. Many solar farms utilize water-efficient cleaning techniques, such as pressure washing and water recycling systems, to reduce wastage.

Water-based cleaning remains popular because it provides a thorough wash and ensures maximum solar panel reliability. 

Electrostatic systems utilize electric charges to remove dust and dirt from solar panels without using water or making direct contact. This method is ideal for dry and arid regions where water conservation is a priority. The system creates an electrostatic field that repels dust, keeping panels clean without physical intervention. Electrostatic cleaning offers a promising solution for reducing maintenance costs and environmental impact.

Robotic cleaning is gaining popularity, as solar farms expand and automation becomes more cost-effective. These systems employ brushes, air jets, or microfiber pads to remove dirt without damaging panels. Some robots operate autonomously, reducing the need for manual labor and water usage. Robotic cleaning is especially useful for large solar farms where manual cleaning is time-taking and expensive.

Analysis by Application:

• Industrial and Utility
• Commercial
• Residential

Industrial and utility operate on a much larger scale and require consistent maintenance to maximize energy output. These large installations are often located in remote, dusty, or arid regions where dirt and debris accumulate quickly, reducing efficiency. Since even a small drop in reliability can result in significant financial losses, regular cleaning becomes essential. Utility-scale projects also depend on automated and robotic cleaning systems to lower labor costs and improve performance. Moreover, government agencies and private investors focus on maintaining these large solar farms to meet energy demands and sustainability goals. Compared to residential panels, industrial and utility installations require more frequent and specialized cleaning due to their size and exposure to environmental elements. With the rapid expansion of solar farms and the increasing reliance on renewable energy, the requirement for effective cleaning solutions in industrial and utility applications rises.

Analysis by Mode of Operation:

• Manual
• Automatic

Manual is the most widely used and accessible method, especially for residential and small-scale commercial installations. Many homeowners and businesses prefer manual cleaning since it requires minimal equipment and can be done with basic tools, such as soft brushes, sponges, and water. In areas where labor is affordable, manual cleaning remains cost-effective compared to expensive robotic or automated solutions. It is also a preferred choice for delicate or irregularly shaped installations where machines may not reach effectively. Moreover, manual cleaning is a popular method for smaller setups. Additionally, it ensures a thorough inspection of panels, helping to detect damages or issues early. Despite advancements in technology, manual cleaning remains essential due to its affordability, flexibility, and effectiveness.

Regional Analysis:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Others
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa

Asia-Pacific, accounting for 42.6%, enjoys the leading position in the market. It has the largest and fastest-growing solar energy sector. Countries, such as China, India, and Japan wager heavily on solar power to meet rising energy demands and sustainability goals. Massive solar farms in arid and dusty regions, such as northwest China and Rajasthan in India, require frequent cleaning to maintain efficiency. According to the Central Electricity Authority, India's overall installed renewable energy capacity soared by an impressive 24.2 GW (13.5%) within a single year, reaching 203.18 GW in October 2024, rising from 178.98 GW in October 2023. Apart from this, industrial pollution also leads to higher dirt accumulation on panels, creating the need for regular maintenance. Many government agencies in the region offer incentives for solar energy, encouraging businesses and homeowners to install panels. The availability of low-cost labor makes manual cleaning a preferred choice while increasing automation in large-scale solar farms fuels the market growth. Additionally, water scarcity in some areas promotes innovations in dry and water-efficient cleaning processes.

Key Regional Takeaways:

United States Solar Panel Cleaning Market Analysis

United States hold 83.60% of the market share in North America. The high rate of clean energy adoption in the United States is a major driving factor for the increasing demand for solar panel cleaning. According to reports, in 2023, a historic 31 gigawatts (GW) of solar power capacity was added in the US, representing an approximate 55% rise compared to the installations of 2022. With a surge in solar energy installations, particularly in states like California, Texas, and Florida, the need for regular maintenance and cleaning of solar panels is growing to ensure optimal efficiency. Big solar farms and residential and commercial solar projects require frequent maintenance due to dust, debris, and environmental factors affecting energy output. Additionally, the integration of robotic and water-efficient cleaning technologies has become popular, supporting sustainable solar panel cleaning solutions. Utility-scale solar projects, particularly in arid and dusty regions, emphasize the necessity of advanced cleaning techniques to maintain power generation efficiency. The rising clean energy adoption trend is further supported by corporate spending on renewable energy, leading to an increased focus on solar panel maintenance. Companies involved in solar operations and maintenance (O&M) services are expanding their offerings, incorporating AI-oriented and automated cleaning solutions. Moreover, environmental concerns and sustainability goals enable businesses and homeowners to ensure their solar panels operate at peak performance.

Europe Solar Panel Cleaning Market Analysis

The growing solar power usage for industrial and utility applications in Europe is driving the demand for efficient solar panel cleaning methods. According to reports, in 2023, nearly 17 Million additional European households utilized solar energy, attributed to a 40% increase in solar installations compared to 2022. Expanding solar energy integration across manufacturing facilities, data centers, and large-scale utility projects is creating the need for systematic maintenance to prevent efficiency losses from dirt accumulation, bird droppings, and environmental contaminants. Automated cleaning robots and water-efficient systems have also become popular since firms prioritize cost-effective maintenance solutions. Additionally, performance monitoring tools are incorporating predictive cleaning schedules to minimize downtime and maximize return on investments. The encouragement for sustainability in industrial and utility-scale projects is reinforcing proactive maintenance approaches, ensuring consistent energy yields from photovoltaic installations.

Asia-Pacific Solar Panel Cleaning Market Analysis

The rising solar panel cleaning adoption owing to the growing focus on green energy adoption in Asia-Pacific is accelerating, as large-scale solar farms, rooftop installations, and floating photovoltaic projects expand. For instance, Adani Green Energy became the first in India to exceed 10,000 MW of renewable energy, with an operational portfolio of 10,934 MW. The increasing solar power deployment is creating the need for efficient cleaning solutions to mitigate dust accumulation, smog deposition, and airborne particulates that hinder energy generation. Automated cleaning technologies are being integrated into solar plants to maintain peak efficiency without excessive water consumption. Additionally, rapid industrial expansion is leading to higher atmospheric pollutants, necessitating frequent maintenance to sustain power output. Government policies emphasizing sustainability and carbon reduction also promote solar panel cleaning adoption, ensuring that green energy adoption translates into consistent renewable power generation.

Latin America Solar Panel Cleaning Market Analysis

Due to growing investments in the residential sector, the utilization of solar panel cleaning services is increasing in Latin America. There are high rooftop solar installation rates in urban and suburban areas. For instance, in 2022, Brazil had 90.7 Million housing units, which marked a 34% rise compared to the 2010 Census, where the count was 67.5 Million. Of the housing units counted in 2022, 90.5 Million were permanent private residences and 72.4 Million were occupied during the census, reflecting a 26% rise during that timeframe. With more homeowners opting for photovoltaic systems to reduce energy costs and enhance sustainability, maintaining panel efficiency has become essential. Airborne dust, organic debris, and localized pollution are leading to the high demand for cost-effective and water-saving cleaning solutions.

Middle East and Africa Solar Panel Cleaning Market Analysis

The increasing solar panel cleaning adoption owing to high spending on renewable energy projects in the Middle East and Africa is strengthening the market growth, as large-scale solar power projects expand. According to the International Energy Association, energy investments in the Middle East are set to attain approximately USD 175 Billion in 2024, with clean energy holding 15% of the total investment. Harsh climatic conditions, including frequent sandstorms and high dust levels, necessitate advanced cleaning solutions to ensure optimal energy production. Water-efficient and robotic cleaning technologies are becoming popular, reducing reliance on manual labor while improving efficiency.

Competitive Landscape:

Key players work on developing better technologies and services to meet the high solar panel cleaning market demand. Equipment manufacturers create robotic and automated solutions to reduce labor costs and water usage. Cleaning service providers offer specialized maintenance for residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar farms, ensuring maximum efficiency. Besides this, solar panel manufacturers integrate self-cleaning coatings to lower manual cleaning needs and also require periodic maintenance. Government policies and incentives also encourage companies to spend resources on reliable cleaning solutions. Research firms work on new materials and eco-friendly methods to improve performance. Additionally, large solar farm operators promote cost-effective and scalable cleaning solutions to protect their investments. As solar energy adoption increases, competition among big companies leads to better and more affordable cleaning options, ensuring panels remain productive. For instance, in March 2024, Affordable Solar Cleaning Pros introduced professional solar panel cleaning and pigeon deterrent services in California, US. The company sought to improve solar efficiency through the removal of dirt and debris. Their certified and insured team guarantees the best upkeep for renewable energy assets. This effort aimed to promote sustainability and optimize solar efficiency.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the solar panel cleaning market with detailed profiles of all major companies, including:

• Clean Solar Solutions Ltd
• Ecoppia
• Indisolar Products Private Limited
• INTEGRA GLOBAL Co., Ltd.
• Pacific Panel Cleaners, LLC
• Premier Solar Cleaning, LLC.
• Saint-Gobain Advanced Materials Taiwan Co., Ltd.
• Solarwatt
• SunBrush mobil GmbH
• The Solaria Corporation

Latest News and Developments:

• September 2024: IFBOT teamed up with LEWEI TRADING (H.K.) LIMITED for the sole distribution of its solar panel cleaning robots in Australia. This action enhanced IFBOT’s presence and market accessibility in the region. The partnership sought to bring innovative cleaning technology to Australia’s solar sector.
• July 2024: IFBOT completed the installation of ‘80 X3 Solar Panel Cleaning Robots’ at a 20MW solar farm located in the mountainous region of Inner Mongolia Hulunbuir. The robots provided effective, self-sufficient, and eco-responsible cleaning, optimizing energy efficiency. Their technology requires no water saves resources while ensuring panel efficiency in tough landscapes. This initiative emphasized the dependability of IFBOT X3 in tough conditions.
• June 2024: IFBOT Technology Co., LTD formed an exclusive alliance with Milan Utama Sdn. Bhd., appointing them as the exclusive distributor of its cutting-edge PV cleaning robots in Malaysia. Milan Utama, a partner of Amtel Cellular Sdn. Bhd., a division of Amtel Holding Berhad, promised to assist in raising the standards of PV system operations and maintenance throughout the nation. This partnership signified an important advancement in Malaysia's renewable energy industry.
• April 2024: Airtouch Solar finalized a USD 6 Million agreement with Adani Green Energy for its AT 4.1 robots designed for water-free cleaning. This highlighted the third order from AGEL within nine months. The robots will be utilized at specific PV locations in Rajasthan, enhancing energy production. The project is set to save 50 Million liters of water each year.

Solar Panel Cleaning Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the solar panel cleaning market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global solar panel cleaning market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the solar panel cleaning industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.