What solar panel cleaning covers
Solar panel cleaning washes the glass surface of your panels so more light reaches the cells. Dust, pollen, bird droppings and algae build up over time. The crew uses a water-fed pole with purified water and a soft brush, working from the ground where possible.
A clean panel can generate more than a dirty one, although rain washes much of the loose dirt away. However, droppings and film often stay put on low-angle panels. For that reason it is worth checking your panels once a year.
Signs you need solar panel cleaning
Patches of bird mess, a visible film or green edges on the glass are clear signs. A drop in output on your monitoring app, compared with the same month last year, can also point to dirt. Shaded panels under trees tend to need more attention.
- Bird droppings or leaf stains on the glass
- Green algae at the lower edge of panels
- A visible film after dry spells
- Lower generation than the same month last year
- Panels below overhanging trees
What a visit involves
The method is simple and gentle because panel glass scratches. The crew uses soft tools and avoids detergents that leave a film.
- Check the panels for cracks or loose fixings from the ground
- Rinse off loose dust and droppings
- Brush gently with the water-fed pole
- Rinse with purified water so no marks dry on the glass
- Report any damage you notice
Materials and types covered
The service covers roof-mounted and ground-mounted panels, plus solar thermal panels. It also covers panels on flat roofs and outbuildings where safe access allows. Panel makers sometimes give cleaning advice in their guides, so check yours before you book.
- Roof-mounted solar panels
- Ground-mounted arrays
- Solar thermal panels
- Flat-roof and outbuilding systems
How long it takes
Most home systems take 1–2 hours. A small array is quick, while a large one, or panels on several roofs, takes longer. Dirt that has dried on needs soaking first, so it adds time.
What affects your quote
Panel count and access set the price. Therefore, say in the form how many panels you have and where they sit.
- Number of panels and arrays
- Roof height and access
- Level of staining or droppings
- Panels on several roofs or buildings
- Gutter or roof cleaning at the same time
Get a fixed-price quote
Send the short quote form and a fixed-price quote comes back within 2 hours. The price covers the job described in your form, and a 30-day guarantee backs the work.
Get a fixed-price quote →Safety notes
Do not climb onto a roof to clean panels, since panel glass is slippery when wet. Never use a pressure washer, harsh chemicals or a scouring pad, because they can scratch the glass or damage seals. Leave any electrical work to your installer.
When you do not need it
You do not need to clean panels that shine and generate as normal. Regular rain handles light dust on steep panels. Cleaning will not fix a faulty inverter or shading from a new tree, so check those first if output drops.
What is included
- Water-fed pole cleaning from the ground
- No abrasive tools on the panel glass
- No climbing on the roof for most systems
- Bird mess and pollen lifted from the surface
- 30-day guarantee on the work
Guides, areas and related services
Our guides explain the thinking behind this work, for example Commercial Gutter Cleaning and Repair for UK Businesses and Overflowing Gutters: Seven Common Causes and How to Fix Them. You can also read Fascias and Soffits Explained: What They Do and When to Act before you request a quote, since it answers common questions.
We quote solar panel cleaning across the UK, with local pages for gutter services in Edinburgh, Brighton gutter care, quotes in Newcastle upon Tyne, Leicester gutter help and work in Southampton, among others. Each city page covers the local weather and housing that shape the work, while the locations page lists all 20 cities.
Many customers pair this work with Roof Moss Removal or Conservatory Roof Cleaning, because one visit can then cover more than one job. You can compare every option on the services overview, then send the quote form when you are ready.
Frequently asked questions
How much does dirt reduce output?
It varies a lot with location, angle and the kind of dirt. Bird droppings and heavy film do the most harm, while light dust matters little. Your monitoring app helps you spot a trend.
Does cleaning void my panel warranty?
Check your warranty or installer's guide, since terms differ. The crew uses soft tools and purified water and avoids abrasives and harsh chemicals. Tell us if your paperwork says anything different.
Why use purified water?
Purified water dries without leaving mineral marks on the glass. That keeps the panels clear for longer after the wash. It also means most jobs need no detergent.
How often should I clean solar panels?
Once a year suits most homes, with extra checks after a dry spell or if trees overhang. Steep panels clear themselves better than flat ones. Your output figures will show if dirt is building up.
Can you clean panels on a flat roof?
Yes, if the crew can reach them safely, for example from a tower or from the ground with a pole. Roof edge protection may be needed. Describe the access in the quote form.