Is Your Solar System Losing Money? The Perth Solar Panel Efficiency Calculator

Financial Impact:



·     Self-consumption loss: 200 kWh × $0.30/kWh = $60

·     Export loss: 300 kWh × $0.10/kWh = $30

·     Total annual loss: $90

Scenario 2: The 10kW System (Larger Homes)

Common for homes with pools and air conditioning:

·     5% loss: $135/year wasted

·     10% loss: $270/year wasted

Scenario 3: The 5kW System (Older Installations)

Typical pre-2018 systems:

·     5% loss: $68/year wasted

·     10% loss: $135/year wasted

The ROI: Does Professional Cleaning Pay for Itself?

Here's where it gets interesting. Our professional solar panel cleaning costs:

·     Street Rate: $140 for 5-6.6kW systems (when neighbours book together)

·     Standard Rate: $200 for individual bookings

Payback Periods for 6.6kW Systems

Key Finding: If your panels have 10% efficiency loss, professional cleaning at our street rate pays for itself in under 10 months!

The 5-Year Comparison: Clean vs. Dirty

Let's look at what happens over 5 years with a 6.6kW system:

Scenario A: Never Cleaned

·     Year 1: -$90 (5% loss)

·     Year 2: -$135 (7.5% loss, worsening)

·     Year 3: -$180 (10% loss)

·     Year 4: -$225 (12.5% loss)

·     Year 5: -$270 (15% loss)

·     Total 5-year loss: $900

Scenario B: Cleaned Annually (Street Rate)

·     Annual cleaning cost: $140

·     5-year cleaning cost: $700

·     5-year generation loss: $0 (maintained at peak)

·     Net position: +$200 gain

Scenario C: Cleaned Annually (Standard Rate)

·     Annual cleaning cost: $200

·     5-year cleaning cost: $1,000

·     5-year generation loss: $0

·     Net position: -$100 (nearly breaks even)

Bottom Line: Annual cleaning at our street rate delivers a net positive return of $200 over 5 years, while maintaining peak performance and extending panel lifespan.

What's Your Soiling Risk Level?

High Risk (10%+ efficiency loss likely):

·     Near busy roads (vehicle emissions)

·     Under large trees (leaf litter, bird droppings)

·     Coastal locations (salt spray)

·     Industrial areas (dust, particulates)

·     Low panel angle (less than 20°)

·     Not cleaned for 2+ years

Moderate Risk (5-7% loss):

·     Suburban locations

·     Some tree coverage

·     Standard panel angle (25-35°)

·     Last cleaned 12-18 months ago

Low Risk (3-5% loss):

·     Open locations, minimal trees

·     Steep panel angle (35°+)

·     Recent rain or cleaning (under 6 months)

·     Coastal with regular rainfall

The Street Rate Advantage: Save 30% by Coordinating with Neighbours

Our street rate program offers up to 30% savings when multiple properties book together. Here's why it works:

·     Reduced mobilisation costs: One trip serves multiple homes

·     Efficient scheduling: Back-to-back appointments on the same street

·     Community benefit: Everyone saves money and boosts solar performance

Street-Level Impact Example

On a typical Perth street with 50 homes (35 with solar):

·     Total annual loss from dirty panels: $4,725

·     Lost clean energy generation: 26,250 kWh

·     CO₂ impact: 4.2 tonnes of lost clean energy

If just 40% participate (14 homes):

·     Restored generation: 10,500 kWh/year

·     Collective household savings: $1,890/year

·     Individual savings vs standard rate: $60/home

·     Environmental benefit: 1.7 tonnes CO₂ equivalent

Why Self-Consumed Solar Matters More

Here's something many homeowners don't realise: self-consumed solar is worth 3× more than exported solar.

·     Grid electricity you avoid buying: $0.30/kWh

·     Solar you export to the grid: $0.10/kWh

This means efficiency restoration is especially valuable for high-consumption households who use most of their solar during the day.

Our Professional Cleaning Process

With 17 years of experience and 4,000+ satisfied Perth clients, we've perfected our approach:

What We Do:

·     Professional-grade equipment: Specifically designed for solar panels

·     Water-efficient methods: Compliant with WA water restrictions

·     No harsh chemicals: Biodegradable, panel-safe cleaning solutions

·     Comprehensive inspection: Check for damage, loose connections, and issues

·     Before and after photos: Minimum 4 photos showing all elevations

·     Detailed roof report: Included with every service

Safety and Certification:

All our technicians hold:

·     White Card (Construction Induction)

·     Working at Heights certification

·     First Aid certification

·     $10 million public liability insurance

·     Minimum 2 years' experience

Customer Communication: What to Expect

Conservative Scenario (5% loss):

"Your 6.6kW solar system generates around 10,000 kWh annually when clean. Perth's dry, dusty climate typically reduces efficiency by 5-10% per year without maintenance.

At just 5% loss, you're missing out on 500 kWh of clean energy annually—that's $90 in electricity savings and equivalent to 80kg of CO₂ emissions.

Our street-rate cleaning at just $140 restores your system to peak performance, paying for itself in under 2 years. Book with your neighbours and save 30%!"

High-Impact Scenario (10% loss):

"When did you last clean your solar panels? If it's been over a year, you could be losing 10% or more of your system's output—that's $180 annually for a typical 6.6kW system.

Our professional cleaning service costs just $140 when you book with neighbours (street rate) and pays for itself in under 10 months. Plus, you'll extend your panel lifespan and maximise your renewable energy contribution."

Environmental Benefits Beyond Savings

Clean solar panels aren't just about money—they're about maximising your environmental impact:

·     More clean energy generation: Every kWh from your panels means less fossil fuel generation

·     Reduced grid reliance: Lower demand on the electricity network

·     Extended panel lifespan: Regular maintenance prevents long-term damage

·     Carbon reduction: Restored efficiency = measurable CO₂ savings

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my solar panels in Perth?

Based on our 17 years of experience:

·     Standard properties: Every 6-12 months

·     High-risk properties: Every 3-6 months

·     Optimal for ROI: Annual cleaning at street rate

Can't I just wait for rain?

Perth's 8+ months of low rainfall mean rain rarely provides adequate cleaning. In fact, light rain can make things worse by creating muddy residue that dries and hardens on panels.

Will cleaning void my warranty?

No. Professional cleaning by qualified technicians maintains your warranty. Many manufacturers actually recommend regular cleaning as part of routine maintenance. We provide documentation for your records.

Can I clean them myself?

We strongly advise against DIY cleaning due to:

·     Safety risks: Working at heights without proper training is dangerous

·     Damage risk: Incorrect methods can scratch or damage panels

·     Insurance concerns: DIY accidents may not be covered

·     Warranty issues: Some manufacturers require professional maintenance

How do I know if my panels need cleaning?

Check your solar monitoring app or inverter:

·     Compare current generation to the same month last year

·     Look for a gradual decline in output (not weather-related)

·     Visually inspect for visible dirt, bird droppings, or debris

·     If it's been 12+ months, cleaning is likely due

Ready to Restore Your Solar Performance?



Book Your Service in 3 Easy Steps:

1.       Get a Quote: Call 0422 560 727 or email enquiries@rooftopgw.com.au

2.       Coordinate with Neighbours: Ask if they'd like to join for street rate savings

3.       Schedule Your Clean: We work Monday-Friday, 7:30am-5:00pm

Our Service Pricing:

Service Area

We proudly service Perth's southern suburbs. Visit www.rooftopgw.com.au to check if we service your area and view our detailed service map.

Summary: Key Takeaways

·     Conservative estimates are credible: 5-10% efficiency loss is backed by Australian research (UNSW, CSIRO)

·     ROI is compelling: Street rate delivers payback in 9-21 months depending on soiling level

·     Street rate advantage: 30% savings makes annual cleaning financially positive over 5 years

·     Perth climate accelerates soiling: Dry conditions and minimal rain make regular cleaning essential

·     Cumulative impact is significant: Never cleaning costs $900+ over 5 years for typical systems

·     Environmental benefit is measurable: Restored efficiency = more clean energy, less grid reliance

Our Commitment to You

As a family-owned business established in 2008, Ryan and Skye Rogers are committed to:

·     Elite service quality: Every job meets our high standards

·     Exceptional workmanship: Trained, certified technicians only

·     Transparent communication: Clear updates throughout the process

·     Client satisfaction: We aim for 4.8+ star ratings on every job

·     Environmental responsibility: Water-efficient, eco-friendly methods

·     Safety first: Zero tolerance for safety incidents

Take Action Today

Don't let dirty panels rob you of your solar investment's full potential. With our street rate program, you can restore peak performance, save money, and maximise your environmental impact—all while paying less than individual bookings.

Contact Rooftop Gutters & Solar Cleaning today:

Phone: 0422 560 727
Email: enquiries@rooftopgw.com.au
Website: www.rooftopgw.com.au
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-5:00pm

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