Our Mission
Total Solar Cleaning is a professional solar panel and gutter cleaning company based in Concord, California. Founded in 2022 by Mitch McKay, the company serves residential homeowners and commercial property managers throughout the East Bay: all cities in Contra Costa and Alameda counties plus Benicia, Vallejo, and American Canyon.
The company was built around one core principle: solar panel maintenance deserves a dedicated specialist, not a window cleaning company doing solar as a side job. Total Solar Cleaning uses deionized water systems and soft-bristle brushes, the method recommended by major solar panel manufacturers. No chemicals. No pressure washing. No shortcuts that void warranties.
How Total Solar Cleaning Started
Mitch McKay founded Total Solar Cleaning in Concord, California in 2022. He identified a gap that was hiding in plain sight: the East Bay had plenty of solar installers, but almost no specialists dedicated to ongoing maintenance. As rooftop solar adoption accelerated throughout Contra Costa and Alameda counties, homeowners were left without a reliable local option: someone who understood the specific environmental conditions of the region and would show up reliably.
The conditions matter here. Morning marine fog deposits mineral film on panels as it evaporates. Summer wildfire seasons leave ash residue that chemically bonds to the glass. Spring oak pollen coats East Bay panels each year in a fine adhesive film. These are Bay Area-specific problems that require a specialist who knows the local environment, not a generic exterior cleaning company that added solar as an upsell.
"I started Total Solar Cleaning after seeing how much energy Bay Area homeowners were losing from dirty panels, and how few local specialists existed. I trained, got certified, got the right equipment, and built the business around doing the job right the first time."
Mitch brings more than 30 years of service industry management experience to the role and holds ISCA (International Solar Cleaning Academy) certification. He is personally involved in day-to-day operations. Every job meets his standards. Customers frequently mention him by name in Yelp reviews because they work with the business owner directly, not a call center or franchise coordinator.
Our blog content is drafted using AI writing tools, with all facts, recommendations, and service claims reviewed and approved by Mitch before publication. Where a post says "we recommend X" or cites a specific frequency or measurement, that reflects Mitch's direct experience, not generated text taken at face value.
What We Do
Clean
Professional solar panel cleaning using deionized water and soft bristle brushes - no chemicals.
Protect
Licensed and insured service that protects your panels and property with zero damage claims.
Support
Complete service including gutter cleaning and debris removal - everything your solar system needs.
Company Information
Total Solar Cleaning LLC is located at 960 Detroit Ave, Suite D-2, Concord, CA 94518. Founded in 2022 by Mitch McKay, the company carries $2 million in general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and is business licensed and insured. Mitch holds ISCA (International Solar Cleaning Academy) certification, the professional standard for solar panel cleaning technicians.
Why Choose Us
- ISCA Certified (International Solar Cleaning Academy)
- $2 Million General Liability Insurance + Workers' Comp
- Business Licensed & Insured
- 5.0 Stars on Yelp (36+ verified reviews)
- 5.0 Stars on Google
Our Services
- Solar panel cleaning (residential & commercial)
- Gutter cleaning and repair
- Debris removal from under panels
- Window cleaning services
- Annual maintenance contracts
"Mitch and his team are great. Always on time or early and super responsive. We've been working with them for two years now. Highly recommend!"Jeanne R., Concord
When Professional Cleaning May Not Be Necessary
We believe in honest recommendations. Professional solar panel cleaning isn't always the right choice:
- Ground-mounted panels with steep tilt (30°+): Rain may adequately clean these systems. Monitor your production data before scheduling service.
- New installations (<6 months): Unless you've had a wildfire or heavy bird activity, new panels rarely need cleaning.
- Areas with frequent heavy rain: If you're getting regular rainfall and your production data looks normal, you may only need annual cleaning.
- Small efficiency losses (<5%): For minor soiling, the cost of professional cleaning may exceed the energy savings. Check your inverter data first.
Not sure if you need cleaning? Call us anyway; we provide honest assessments and won't recommend service you don't need.
Ready to Restore Your Solar Efficiency?
Get a free estimate and see how much you can save with clean panels. Over 30 years of experience serving the Bay Area.
Last updated: March 2026