I'm potentially starting a job cleaning solar panels on a single-story comp roof, and this will be my very first gig on my own. I've got the skills to do the cleaning, but I'm unsure about how much to charge my customer. Does anyone have insights into pricing for this service? Thanks!
3 Answers
You might want to check out some DIY resources to determine what's a reasonable charge. Generally, people who clean their own panels tend to research how effective cleaning is at boosting energy generation—which affects what you can charge. For instance, if cleaning only boosts energy production by a small amount, charging a lot might not make sense. Just make sure to prioritize your safety while on the roof!
Your pricing can heavily depend on where you're located and how many panels you’re cleaning. In California's Bay Area, for instance, costs can vary widely. Make sure to consider local wage expectations and whether you need insurance to cover yourself too. And if you're using your own cleaning equipment versus the customer's, that could also factor into your rate.
I suggest charging based on the job's duration and the roof's height. For context, the guys who clean my gutters charge around $200 for a 45-minute job. Your situation should be somewhat similar, especially since it's a single story. It gives you a good ballpark to consider!

Thanks for the insight! That helps me figure out a starting point.