Doolittle Solar

Our Story

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my solar panels?

We recommend cleaning your solar panels at least once or twice a year. However, if you live in a dusty area or near trees, more frequent cleaning may be beneficial.

Will cleaning my panels void the warranty?

No! We use manufacturer-approved methods including purified water and soft-bristle brushes. Our cleaning process is safe for all panel types and won't void any warranties.

How much efficiency do dirty panels lose?

Studies show that dirty solar panels can lose up to 25% of their energy production. Regular cleaning ensures you're getting the maximum return on your solar investment.

Do you offer free estimates?

Yes! We provide free, no-obligation estimates for all of our services. Just give us a call or fill out our contact form.

Residential Solar Cleaning

How often should I have my residential solar panels cleaned?

Most homes in Southern California should have their panels cleaned every 6-12 months. If you're near construction, trees, or have bird activity, more frequent cleanings may be needed.

Will cleaning my solar panels void the warranty?

No. We use purified deionized (DI) water and solar-safe brushes that follow manufacturer guidelines, so your warranty stays protected.

How much energy can I gain from cleaning my panels?

Many homeowners see a 15-35% improvement in energy production, depending on how dirty the panels are.

Do you clean solar panels on two-story homes?

Yes. We safely clean panels on single-story, two-story, and multilevel homes using proper equipment and safety practices.

How long does a residential solar panel cleaning take?

Most residential cleanings take 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on system size, condition, and accessibility.

Do you use chemicals to clean the panels?

No. We only use deionized water and soft brushes-no harsh chemicals-so your panels, roof, and landscaping stay protected.

Do I need to be home during the cleaning?

No. As long as we have access to the panels, we can complete the service and send before-and-after photos.

Commercial Solar Cleaning

How often should commercial solar panels be cleaned?

Most commercial systems benefit from cleaning 2–4 times per year, depending on location, buildup, and system size. We can recommend a custom schedule based on your property.

Can you clean solar panels during business hours?

Yes — we offer flexible scheduling, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends to minimize disruption to your operations.

Do you offer maintenance plans for commercial properties?

Yes. We offer recurring maintenance plans to keep your system performing at peak efficiency year-round, often at discounted rates.

Are you insured for commercial work?

Yes — we carry full general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage for all commercial projects.

What types of commercial systems do you clean?

We service rooftop systems, ground-mounted arrays, solar carports, and large-scale installations for warehouses, offices, retail centers, and more.

How do you handle large commercial projects?

Our team is equipped to handle large-scale systems efficiently, with proper planning, safety protocols, and the manpower needed to complete projects on schedule.

Roof Cleaning

Is roof cleaning safe for my roof?

Yes. We use controlled pressure and safe cleaning methods to remove algae and buildup without damaging your tiles or roofing materials.

How often should I have my roof cleaned?

Most homes in Southern California should be cleaned every 5-10 years. If you’re dealing with heavy algae buildup, shade, or moisture, you may benefit from more frequent cleaning.

Do you use pressure washing on roofs?

Yes — when appropriate. We use low to moderate pressure along with proper techniques to safely remove algae and buildup without causing damage.

How long does a roof cleaning take?

Most residential roof cleanings take 1.5–8 hours depending on the size of the roof, buildup, and accessibility.

Gutter Cleaning

How often should gutters be cleaned?

We recommend cleaning your gutters at least twice a year — typically in the fall and spring. If your home has a lot of nearby trees, you may need more frequent cleanings to prevent buildup and clogs.

What happens if I don't clean my gutters?

Clogged gutters can lead to water overflowing around your home, which can cause damage to your foundation, roof, fascia, and landscaping. It can also attract pests and lead to bigger, more expensive problems over time.

Do you clean downspouts too?

Yes — every gutter cleaning includes flushing and clearing all downspouts to make sure water flows properly through the entire system.

Can you spot gutter damage during cleaning?

Yes — while cleaning, we check for issues like sagging sections, loose brackets, clogs, and improper drainage. If we see anything, we'll let you know.

Is gutter cleaning dangerous?

It can be without the right equipment. We use proper ladders, safety gear, and experience to safely clean your gutters so you don't have to risk climbing up yourself.

Window Cleaning

Do you clean interior windows?

We currently specialize in exterior window cleaning. Interior cleaning may be available upon request.

Can you remove hard water stains from windows?

We remove dirt, buildup, and light mineral spotting. Heavier hard water stains may require additional treatment and may not come out completely.

Do you clean window screens and tracks?

Screen cleaning and track detailing can be added upon request for an additional cost.

How often should windows be professionally cleaned?

Most homes benefit from window cleaning every 3-6 months, depending on dust, sprinklers, and environmental buildup.

Are your cleaning methods safe for windows?

Yes — we use purified water and safe cleaning methods that won't damage your glass or surrounding areas.

How much does window cleaning cost?

Pricing depends on the size of your home and number of windows. Contact us for a quick, free estimate.

Bird Proofing

Do birds under solar panels cause damage?

Yes. Birds nesting under solar panels can damage wiring, block airflow, and create buildup that reduces system performance. Over time, this can lead to costly repairs if not addressed.

What does bird proofing include?

Our service includes removing all nests, debris, and buildup from underneath your panels, then installing a durable mesh barrier around the system to prevent birds from getting back in.

Will the mesh damage my roof or solar panels?

No. We use a non-invasive installation method that does not require drilling • We use a non. into your roof or panels, keeping your system safe and intact.

How long does bird proofing last?

We install high-quality, PVC-coated galvanized steel mesh designed to last for the life of the solar panels and withstand weather without breaking down or rusting.

Will birds come back after installation?

No. Once properly installed, the mesh barrier prevents birds from accessing the space under your panels, stopping the problem long-term.

Does bird proofing include solar panel cleaning?

Yes. After removing nests and installing the bird barrier, we clean your solar panels so your system is fully protected, restored, and performing at its best.

Holiday Lights

When should I book Christmas light installation?

We recommend booking by early October to secure your preferred installation date. Our schedule fills quickly as the season approaches, and installations typically begin in early November.

Do you provide the lights or can I use my own?

We offer both options. We can install your existing lights, or you can upgrade to our premium, commercial-grade lighting through our lease program for a cleaner, more professional look.

What's included with the leasing option?

Our leasing option is completely hands-off. It includes custom-fit lights, installation, in-season maintenance, takedown, and storage - everything is handled for you.

What happens after the holiday season?

If you choose our lease option, we return after the season to remove and store everything for next year. If we install your own lights, you are responsible for takedown and storage unless arranged separately.

What if a light goes out during the season?

Maintenance is included with our leasing option. If anything goes out, we'll come fix it. For customer-provided lights, maintenance is not included.

Can you install lights on trees, bushes, or landscaping?

Yes - we can install lighting on rooflines, trees, bushes, and other exterior features to create a custom look for your home.

Permanent Lighting

What is permanent outdoor lighting?

Permanent outdoor lighting is a low-profile LED system installed along your roofline that stays up year-round. You can control colors, brightness, and patterns from your phone for holidays, events, or everyday lighting.

How much does permanent outdoor lighting cost to operate?

These LED systems are extremely energy-efficient. Most homeowners only see about $5-$15 per month in electricity costs, even with regular use.

Can I change the colors and patterns?

Yes - with systems like Govee Pro, you can choose from millions of colors, set schedules, create custom scenes, and switch your lighting instantly for any occasion.

Will the lights damage my roof or home?

No. We install lights using a custom track system that mounts cleanly under your eaves. This avoids messy installs and helps protect your home while giving a seamless, built-in look.

How long do the lights last?

Most permanent LED systems are rated for 50,000+ hours of use — that's 10-15+ years depending on usage. They're built to withstand weather year-round.

Do you install Govee or other brands?

We primarily install Govee Pro systems due to their reliability and performance, but we can also install other professional-grade lighting depending on your preferences and project.