Florida Drone Solutions

Solar Panel ROI Calculator

Find out how much energy—and money—dirty solar panels are costing you. Based on NREL research showing 15–30% efficiency losses in coastal South Florida environments.

The Hidden Cost of Solar Panel Soiling

Most South Florida solar owners don't realize they're losing money every day. Research by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) documents that soiled panels in coastal, high-humidity regions lose between 15% and 30% of their energy output. A 2023 peer-reviewed study published in Solar Energy (Vol. 263) measured an average 22.4% efficiency drop in subtropical coastal installations within just 6 months of the last professional cleaning.

The culprit is a microscopic "bio-film"—a combination of salt mist residue, airborne pollen, and organic growth that bonds to panel glass and cannot be removed by rainfall alone. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) identifies this bio-film as the primary cause of preventable energy loss in residential and commercial solar installations.

Calculate Your Annual "Dirt Tax"

Adjust the slider to your average monthly electric bill and see what soiling costs you.

$100$1,000
$350/mo
Monthly Efficiency Loss (25%)$87.50
Annual "Dirt Tax"$0
5-Year Cumulative Loss $5,250

Professional drone cleaning typically pays for itself in 2–4 months.

Based on 25% efficiency loss (NREL midpoint for coastal subtropical environments). Actual savings vary by system size, panel age, and local soiling conditions.

Why South Florida Solar Panels Lose More Energy

15–20%

Coastal Salt Mist

Atlantic and Gulf salt aerosols deposit mineral residue on panel glass that bonds more aggressively than inland dust. NREL data shows coastal installations soil 40% faster than inland arrays.

75% avg

Subtropical Humidity

South Florida's average 75% relative humidity promotes algae, mold, and biological growth on panel surfaces year-round—conditions not present in dry-climate solar markets.

365 days

Year-Round Pollen

Unlike northern states with seasonal pollen, South Florida's tropical vegetation produces pollen continuously, creating a persistent organic film that compounds with salt deposits.

Garden Hose vs. Professional Drone Cleaning

Garden Hose / DIY

  • Tap water minerals leave residue that accelerates re-soiling
  • Physical contact risks scratching anti-reflective coatings (Fraunhofer ISE)
  • Requires walking on roof—fall risk and potential tile damage
  • No documentation for warranty or insurance purposes

Professional Drone Cleaning

  • Lab-grade deionized water leaves zero mineral residue (SEIA recommended)
  • No physical contact—preserves anti-reflective coatings
  • Zero roof access required—no fall risk, no tile damage
  • Digital Compliance Certificate with before/after documentation

Solar ROI Questions

How accurate is this solar ROI calculator?
The calculator uses a 25% efficiency loss baseline, which is the midpoint of the 15–30% range documented by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for coastal and high-humidity environments. Actual losses vary based on panel tilt angle, proximity to saltwater, tree canopy coverage, and time since last cleaning. For a precise assessment, we offer free on-site evaluations with thermal imaging.
How much does professional drone solar panel cleaning cost?
Residential solar panel cleaning typically costs $150–$300 depending on system size (number of panels and roof accessibility). For a homeowner losing $75/month to soiling on a 10kW system, the service pays for itself within 2–4 months. Commercial installations are quoted per-panel, with volume discounts for systems over 100 panels.
Why is South Florida especially bad for solar panel soiling?
South Florida has a unique combination of soiling factors that exceed most U.S. regions. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory identifies three primary contributors: (1) coastal salt mist from the Atlantic and Gulf, which deposits mineral residue on panel glass; (2) subtropical humidity averaging 75%, which promotes biological growth including algae and mold; and (3) high pollen counts from year-round growing seasons. A 2023 peer-reviewed study in Solar Energy Journal measured 22.4% average efficiency loss in subtropical coastal installations within 6 months of cleaning.

Related Services

Solar Panel Cleaning Drone Roof Cleaning

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