Dirty Solar Panels Are Costing More $$$ Than You Might Think

Maui’s sunshine powers solar panels, but dirt buildup reduces their efficiency, costing you money. Red volcanic dust, mold and algae in wetter areas, and bird droppings block sunlight, cutting energy output. For homeowners in Kihei, Kahului, or Wailuku, keeping panels clean maximizes savings. At Phantom Glass Maui, we know how much dirty panels can cost you. Here's the breakdown.

What Dirties Solar Panels in Maui?

Maui’s environment coats solar panels with grime that lowers performance. Fine, iron-rich red volcanic dust from Maui’s soil, carried by trade winds, settles on panels, especially in dry areas like Kihei or Upcountry, blocking sunlight. In wetter areas like Wailuku or Haiku, high humidity fosters mold and algae growth on panels, forming a film that reduces light absorption. Bird droppings from pigeons and mynahs in Kahului or Wailea leave sticky residues that cling to panels, obstructing sunlight. These contaminants stick tightly, even after rain, requiring professional cleaning to restore efficiency.

How Much Energy Is Lost?

A 25% efficiency loss is a reasonable estimate for Maui solar panels left uncleaned for months. Research shows dirt, mold, and droppings in dusty or coastal regions can cut output by 15–25% or more. Red dust accumulates quickly in Kihei or Upcountry during dry, windy months, heavily coating panels. Mold and algae thrive in Wailuku’s or Haiku’s wet climate, creating a stubborn layer that blocks light. Bird droppings in Kahului or Wailea add dense, sticky spots, worsening losses on neglected panels. After 3–6 months without cleaning, a 25% loss is typical in Maui’s conditions, making it a fair estimate for homeowners.

Dirty Panels: The Numbers

For a typical 5-kilowatt (kW) solar system in Maui, producing about 7,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually (20 kWh per day), a 25% efficiency loss from dirt has a big impact. With electricity at $0.45 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2025, here’s the cost:

• Clean Panels: Generate 7,500 kWh per year.

• Dirty Panels (25% Loss): Produce only 5,625 kWh per year.

Real-World Example: A Kihei homeowner with a 5-kW system loses 1,875 kWh from red dust buildup. The price of that? A whopping $843.75 per year in missed electricity generation. And if you add that up for 10 years? The homeowner misses out on $8,437.50!

Why Cleaning Matters in Maui

Dirty solar panels lose 25% of their energy output, costing 1,875 kWh and $843.75 a year for a 5-kW system, adding up to $8,437.50 over 10 years. Red dust, mold, algae, and bird droppings in Maui’s climate are the culprits. Regular cleaning stops these losses, saving hundreds yearly for homeowners.

To sum it up, cleaning your solar panels is a no-brainer for most homeowners. If you are going to invest the money to go solar, the cost of keeping your panels clean is small compared to additional energy generated. Plus, by keeping your panels clean, you are protecting your investment and extending the lifespan of your solar energy system.