Solar panel cleaning and maintenance
Starting costs about $3,910 in the United States and 678,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $1,900 net per month in the United States and 452,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 7 months, with 25 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 250 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $3,910 | $1,900 |
| Nigeria | 678,000 NGN | 452,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £2,670 | £1,330 |
| Kenya | 174,000 KES | 65,400 KES |
| India | 84,800 INR | 47,700 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Panels covered in dust, pollen or bird droppings produce less, and many owners are afraid to climb on the roof or don't know how to check their system.
The solution
Cleaning with purified water, a telescopic pole and soft brush, plus a visual inspection and production check, sold as one-off visits or annual contracts.
Your customers
Homeowners with panels, small businesses, farms and residential buildings with rooftop or ground-mounted systems.
How you make money
€80-150 per residential visit, annual two-visit contract from €200, per-m² quotes for large roofs.
Competition
Installers offering maintenance as an add-on, window cleaners, informal cleaners and owners who clean their panels themselves.
Who has an edge
A careful person comfortable working at height and trained in safety, who explains output simply and partners with local installers.
The risks
Falls and accidents at height, cleaning needs that vary greatly with climate, seasonality, and the risk of damaging panels with the wrong product.
The first 3 steps
- Get working-at-height training and liability insurance.
- Buy a telescopic pole, soft brush and water purification filter.
- Offer three discounted cleanings in exchange for before/after photos and reviews.
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €2,200 − costs €900 = €1,300 net per month. Revenue: 20 visits × €110. Costs: vehicle and fuel, poles and purified water, insurance, advertising, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Solar panel cleaning?
About $3,910 (United States), 678,000 NGN (Nigeria), £2,670 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 250 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $1,900 (United States), 452,000 NGN (Nigeria), £1,330 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 7 months, with 25 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Falls and accidents at height, cleaning needs that vary greatly with climate, seasonality, and the risk of damaging panels with the wrong product.
Where do I start?
1. Get working-at-height training and liability insurance. 2. Buy a telescopic pole, soft brush and water purification filter. 3. Offer three discounted cleanings in exchange for before/after photos and reviews.
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