Solar Panel Cleaning Market Size (2024 – 2030)

The Global Solar Panel Cleaning Market size was exhibited at USD 664.28 million in 2023 and is projected to hit around USD 1505.62 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.40% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2030.

Solar panel cleaning involves the removal of accumulated particles, such as atmospheric dust, bird droppings, ashes from wildfires, and other debris, from the surface of solar panels. This cleaning process is instrumental in enhancing the power conversion capability of solar panel modules. Various methods, ranging from manual washing to fully automated technologies, are available in the market for maintaining the cleanliness of solar panels.

Solar panels stand as a forefront technology in the electrical generation industry's era of renewable energy. As the deployment of solar panel technology continues to expand, the demand for maintenance and cleaning has correspondingly risen. Several factors, including snow, high temperatures, dust, dirt, bird droppings, and pollen, can adversely impact the power generation and installation of solar panels. Dust accumulation on PV panels can significantly reduce electricity production, leading to a decrease in efficiency by up to 50% in dusty environments. This underscores the importance of adopting effective solar panel cleaning techniques.

Key Market Insights:

The solar panel cleaning market is witnessing substantial growth due to the global increase in solar energy adoption. Notably, market insights highlight a rising demand for professional cleaning services to optimize the efficiency and longevity of solar panels. As the solar industry expands, the build-up of dirt, dust, and pollutants on panels becomes a hindrance to their performance, necessitating regular cleaning.

Factors such as environmental concerns, government incentives, and a surge in solar installations are driving the market's momentum. The focus on maintaining peak energy output and ensuring a swift return on investment has elevated the significance of regular cleaning practices. Moreover, advancements in cleaning technologies, such as automated cleaning systems and waterless cleaning solutions, are gaining popularity.

Regionally, areas with high solar energy adoption, such as Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, are experiencing an increased demand for solar panel cleaning services. Overall, the solar panel cleaning market offers lucrative opportunities, driven by the essential need for efficient solar energy production and sustainable practices.

Global Solar Panel Cleaning Market Drivers:

Increasing Demand for Solar Panels Fuels Market Growth.

The market is experiencing a surge driven by the escalating demand for solar panels. Emerging economies undergoing rapid commercialization contribute to the heightened demand for power generation. Additionally, the installation of solar panels in the agriculture and utility sectors is anticipated to propel the solar panel cleaning equipment market in the forecast period.

Infrastructural developments, spurred by economic growth, further accelerate market expansion. The ongoing processes of industrialization and urbanization are also foreseen to bolster market demand. Moreover, the market is set to benefit from the increasing need for highly efficient hot water generation among end-users and the continuous refurbishment of existing systems.

Numerous Advantages of Solar Panel Cleaning Boost Market Growth.

The global solar panel cleaning market is poised for expansion, driven by the myriad benefits associated with the cleaning process. These advantages, including enhanced effectiveness, durability, faster return on investment, and more, are expected to fuel market growth throughout the forecast period. Inadequate maintenance renders solar panel systems susceptible to efficiency degradation over time. Continuous exposure to dust, debris, soft sand grains, and other particles can lead to wear and strain on PV cells, resulting in a gradual decline in efficiency and lifespan.

Research indicates that cleaning solar panels can significantly improve efficiency, with commercial arrays potentially experiencing a boost of up to 60%, and residential arrays up to 21%. This underscores the long-term impact of effective solar panel cleaning, driving substantial revenue growth in the market.

Solar Panel Cleaning Market Restraints and Challenges:

Challenges in Market Growth Due to High Costs and Workforce Requirements.

The solar panel cleaning market faces obstacles stemming from the elevated costs associated with cleaning systems and installations, as well as the substantial need for a larger workforce and water consumption. These factors act as limiting elements for the growth of the solar panel cleaning market, posing significant challenges in its development.

This solar panel cleaning market report offers comprehensive insights into recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production evaluation, value chain optimization, market share, the impact of domestic and localized market players, analysis of opportunities in emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, and technological innovations in the market. For further information on the solar panel cleaning market, interested parties can contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, where the team is poised to assist in making informed market decisions to achieve growth.

High Cost of Solar Cleaning Impedes Market Expansion.

The process of cleaning solar panels can be financially burdensome, particularly for industrial or commercial installations and large-scale solar farms. Costs associated with hiring personnel, acquiring specialized cleaning equipment, and obtaining licenses collectively impact the overall cost-effectiveness of cleaning services. The prospect of high operating costs may deter potential clients, especially those focused on long-term cost savings. For instance, secondary sources indicate that businesses in the US solar panel cleaning sector incur an average yearly cost of equipment and tool maintenance ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 10,000. Consequently, the high cost of solar panel cleaning stands as a prominent restraining factor for the industry's growth within the anticipated timeframe.

Water Scarcity as a Challenge to Market Growth.

The utilization of water for solar panel cleaning becomes a significant challenge in regions facing water constraints or drought conditions. Traditional water-intensive cleaning methods may not be suitable in areas with limited water availability. In response to this challenge, water-saving cleaning techniques, such as dry cleaning and the use of purified water, have been developed. Consequently, the conventional methods of solar panel cleaning pose a substantial hurdle to the market's growth.

Global Solar Panel Cleaning Market Opportunities:

Opportunity Arises from Growing Product Launches.

The expansion in product launches presents a lucrative opportunity for the growth of the solar panel cleaning market in the forecast period. An illustrative example is the introduction, in May 2022, of a waterless automated robot for cleaning small-scale solar power plants on residential rooftops by the clean-tech company Skilancer Solar. This innovation serves to augment their existing product line, featuring a waterless robot equipped with AI for cleaning extensive industrial solar arrays.

Skilancer aims to target the residential market with its novel robot. The significance of an efficient cleaning method extends beyond water conservation; it also promotes the utilization of alternative energy, particularly in the face of global water scarcity challenges. Furthermore, in June 2023, Sleepwalkers introduced the Zero Dirt-BOLT, an automated robotic system designed for waterless dust removal from solar panels. This versatile tool is suitable for various installations, including ground-mounted, rooftop/RCC installations with fixed, seasonal tilt, and single-axis trackers, and operates without the need for rails.

SOLAR PANEL CLEANING MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Global Solar Panel Cleaning Market Segmentation: By Technology

• Wet Cleaning

• Dry Cleaning

The global market is categorized into wet cleaning and dry cleaning based on technology. Over the forecast period, the wet cleaning segment is anticipated to secure the largest market share. This growth is propelled by factors such as higher efficiency, ease of accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. The segment's expansion is further attributed to its efficacy in cleaning panel surfaces and its broad application feasibility in heavy soiling circumstances. The availability of organic compounds as an alternative to water-based cleaning methods is expected to contribute to the segment's growth.

Global Solar Panel Cleaning Market Segmentation: By Process

• Semi-Automated

• Automated

• Water Brushes

• Electrostatic

• Automated Robotic

• Others

The market is segmented into semi-automated, automated, water brushes, electrostatic, automated robotic, and others based on the process. The semi-automated segment is expected to dominate the market due to its low cost and convenience in both commercial and household settings. Increasing demand for semi-automated cleaning systems is driven by their efficiency, either through direct manual cleaning or the use of robots. These systems cater to the diverse needs of both commercial and residential applications.

Global Solar Panel Cleaning Market Segmentation: By Mode of Operation

• Manual 

• Autonomous 

The solar panel cleaning industry is divided into manual and autonomous based on the mode of operation. The manual segment is projected to capture a significant market share over the forecast period. This is attributed to the thorough and specialized hand-cleaning techniques employed to enhance the efficiency of solar panels. Manual cleaning procedures offer additional benefits, including the detection of fire problems and prevention of potential damage or functional harm. Manual cleaning remains the only procedure capable of thoroughly addressing dirt accumulation in solar panel corners and preventing future metal deterioration.

Global Solar Panel Cleaning Market Segmentation: By Application

• Residential  

• Commercial  

• Industrial & Utility  

The global market is segmented into residential, commercial, and industrial & utility based on application. The industrial & utility segment is expected to dominate the market, driven by the growing energy demand in the industry. Businesses are increasingly adopting solar power modules to reduce their carbon footprint, ensure stable power output, and achieve financial savings. The industrial and utility sectors witness a rising popularity of solar panel cleaning solutions due to the need to convert solar energy into usable forms, particularly in areas where industrial activities may lead to the accumulation of debris or combustible materials on solar panels, necessitating regular maintenance.

Global Solar Panel Cleaning Market Segmentation: By Region

• North America 

• Asia-Pacific 

• Europe 

• South America 

• Middle East and Africa

During the projected period, Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold a dominant position in the worldwide solar panel cleaning market. Solar panel cleaning chemicals are becoming more and more necessary as a result of government incentives and plans that are increasing the number of solar modules installed in residential and commercial properties. Furthermore, in order to supply electricity and lower carbon emissions from conventional energy production methods, developing countries such as China, India, and others are investing heavily in renewable energy technology. India's fast rising pollution levels, which are caused by growing enterprises and a rise in the number of cars on the road, are the main factors driving the industry in the region.

However, during the course of the projection period, Europe is anticipated to keep a sizable market share. This business in the region is driven by a number of factors, including favourable tax policies by various governments towards the usage of solar power panels across residential and commercial enterprises. Regular cleaning is required due to weather conditions that are continuously changing, such as rain and heavy snowfall, which promotes regional market expansion.

COVID-19 Impact on the Global Solar Panel Cleaning Market:

The global solar panel cleaning market faced adverse effects due to the recent coronavirus outbreak, primarily impacting the supply chain of the solar panel industry. Given the substantial reliance of the solar panel cleaning market on the solar panel industry, the overall sector experienced a negative influence. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced numerous challenges and economic uncertainties globally, affecting the solar panel market significantly. Widespread lockdowns and import-export restrictions implemented globally to contain the virus led to significant disruptions in production and supply-chain processes, resulting in substantial financial setbacks for the market. These disruptions hindered the growth of the worldwide market. Owing to supply chain issues, lockdown measures, and tightened project financing, solar panel installations are anticipated to witness a significant decline in 2020. Consequently, the market is expected to exhibit a slower growth rate than usual in the foreseeable future.

Recent Trends and Innovations in the Global Solar Panel Cleaning Market:

In July 2023, Airtouch Solar secured a contract worth $3.2 million with Amplus for the supply and installation of water-free panel cleaning robots for a Rajasthan PV project. The agreement also encompasses 25 years of comprehensive maintenance services for the deployed robots.

In August 2023, Enel Green Power, in collaboration with REIWA, introduced an independent and environmentally friendly robotic system designed for cleaning photovoltaic panels without the need for water.

Key Players:

1. Dow

2. Premier Solar Cleaning

3. LLC

4. Onyx Solar Group LLC

5. Wuxi Suntech Power Co. Ltd.

6. Belectric

7. Carmanah Technologies Corp

8. Dyesol Ltd.

9. Solarwatt

10. AEET Energy Group GmbH

11. Ertex Solartechnik GmbH

12. The Solaria Corporation

13. Tesla

14. NanoPV Solar Inc.

15. Greatcell Solar Materials

16. Canadian Solar

17. Taiyo Kogyo Corporation and Hanergy Holding Group Limited