Global Solar Panel Cleaning Market 2024-2031

Global Solar Panel Cleaning Market 2024-2031

Global Solar Panel Cleaning Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Type (Wet Cleaning, and Dry Cleaning), by Process (Semi-Automated, Automated, Water Brushes, Electrostatic, and Automated Robotic), and by End-User (Residential, and Commercial, and Industrial & Utility) Forecast Period (2024-2031)

The global panel cleaning market is anticipated to grow at a considerable CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period (2024-2031). The growing number of solar power installations globally has led to a growing demand for solar panel cleaning services. Clean solar panels are more efficient at converting sunlight into electricity, and regular cleaning helps maintain their longevity. Environmental factors such as dust, dirt, and pollution can accumulate over time, reducing efficiency. Clean solar panels produce more electricity, leading to higher energy yields and cost savings. Technological advances, regulatory compliance, and emerging markets are driving innovation in the solar panel cleaning market. Also, the demand for cleaning services is expected to grow alongside solar installations.

Market Dynamics

Growing Influence of maximizing energy generation from PV installations

The large PV installations in nations that place a high priority on energy generation necessitate routine solar panel cleaning for optimal performance and increased output, which in turn fuels the demand for solar panel cleaning services. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) (.gov), in 2022, a majority of global PV installations were concentrated in the top 10 countries, accounting for 74.0% of the total. Moreover, over 20 countries successfully installed more than 1 GW of PV, while 15 countries have surpassed the milestone of 10 GW cumulative PV capacity.

Increasing demand for technological advancements

Innovations in cleaning technologies for PV panels have enhanced efficiency, effectiveness, and safety, leading to increased adoption of solar power systems globally. For instance, in March 2023, Kärcher, introduced offers a range of PV panel-cleaning solutions, including high-pressure cleaners, water-driven disc brushes, cleaning detergents, and safety gear for operation and maintenance professionals in the Indian solar sector. The iSolar 400 and iSolar 800 solar cleaning kits are compatible with Kärcher high-pressure cleaners, featuring water-driven brush heads and telescopic lances for easy deployment.

Market Segmentation

Our in-depth analysis of the global solar panel cleaning market includes the following segments:

Based on technology, the market is segmented into wet cleaning and dry cleaning.

Based on process, the market is segmented into semi-automated, automated, water brushes, electrostatic, and automated robotic.

Based on end-user, the market is segmented into residential, commercial, and industrial Utility.

Dry Cleaning is Projected to Emerge as the Largest Segment

Based on the technology, the global solar panel cleaning market is sub-segmented into wet cleaning and dry cleaning. Among these, the dry cleaning sub-segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market. The primary factor supporting the segment's growth includes the innovative cleaning solutions in the solar panel cleaning market to enhance competition, with companies offering advanced, automated solutions, stimulating market growth and gaining market share for efficient cleaning solutions. For instance, in June 2023, Sleepwalkers introduced the Zero Dirt-BOLT automated robotic device for waterless dust removal from solar panels, suitable for ground-mounted and rooftop installations, and dry-clean the solar panels with 99.0% efficiency, enabling it ideal for desert PV installations.

Automated Robotic Sub-segment to Hold a Considerable Market Share

The global solar panel cleaning market is characterized by increasing demand for efficient cleaning solutions, driven by market dynamics such as customer preferences, pricing, and competition, promoting the adoption of automated robotic solutions. For instance, in October 2023, Sol-Bright Technology introduced a sixth-generation automated robotic cleaning system for solar panels in utility-scale PV installations. The robot features gear transmission and has a cleaning efficiency of a minimum of 99.5%.

Regional Outlook

The global solar panel cleaning market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).

Increasing Demand For Solar Installation Drives Market Growth in North America

The US solar energy market is expanding, leading to a demand for solar panel cleaning services to maintain efficiency and performance in residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, in March 2024, the US solar industry installed 32.4 gigawatts-direct current (GWdc) of capacity in 2023, a 51% increase over 2022. It has been the industry’s largest year significantly, leading 30 GWdc of capacity for the initial generation.

Asia-Pacific Holds Major Market Share

Among all the regions, Asia-Pacific holds a significant share owing to the rising adoption of solar panels and their affordability are facilitated by government financial support. Increased expenditure demands higher levels of maintenance, and that drives demand for specialized solar panel cleaning services. According to the Economic Times, in January 2024, the government increased benchmark central financial assistance for the residential sector under the rooftop solar program. The support for up to 3 kW capacity has been raised to Rs 18,000 per kW ($216.5 per kW) for general states, which is a 23.4% increase from the previous amount of Rs 14,588 per kW ($175.4 per kW). This move aims to provide a boost to solar projects and cover the higher cost of solar panels.

The major companies serving the global solar panel cleaning market include Ecoppia, Heliotex™, LLC, Premier Solar Cleaning, LLC., and Solarwatt GmbH., among others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market. For instance, in March 2024, Affordable Solar Cleaning Pros launched professional solar panel cleaning and pigeon-proofing services. It offers professional solar panel cleaning services, critter proofing, warranty, and annual inspections for long-term efficiency and pest prevention, ensuring clean energy investment.