Solar panels: why cleaning pays off even more in the self-consumption era
- The digital meter rewards self-consumption
- Dirty panels can lose up to 10% of output
- More production = more self-used electricity = faster payback
The meter has changed — and so has the math
With the digital meter, the old "meter running backwards" logic is fading: increasingly, what counts is the electricity you consume yourself at the moment your panels produce it. The more your panels produce, the more you can self-consume instead of buying from the grid.
Where cleaning comes in
Dust, pollen, moss and bird droppings can cut output by up to 10%. Every percent lost is electricity you must buy back at full price. A clean simply gives back the production you already paid for when you installed the panels.
A small cost, a quick return
Because cleaning restores production during the sunny months, it often pays for itself within a single season — and protects the long-term yield of your installation. See our price guide for indicative figures.
When and how
Once a year, ideally in spring, with pure water and soft brushes — no chemicals, no scratches. Read how and when to clean solar panels.
Keep reading
Frequently asked questions
How much output can dirt really cost me?
Up to 10% — and with self-consumption that's electricity you'd otherwise buy back from the grid at full price.
Is a yearly cleaning contract worth it for panels?
Yes — a recurring yearly clean protects your yield and spreads it into a small, predictable cost.
Get a free quote — or simply call us
Call +32 483 81 70 93 or request a free, no-obligation quote — we reply within 24–48 h, in FR, NL or EN.