Solar Panel Cleaners Across the UK

Not always. UK rain keeps lightly dusty panels fairly clean, especially on steeper roofs. Cleaning is worthwhile when you can see bird droppings, lichen, moss or a film of grime, when panels are low-pitched, or when the property is near trees, farmland, the coast or a busy road. The Energy Saving Trust suggests checking panels every 12 to 18 months and cleaning them if they are visibly dirty.

It depends on how dirty they are. A light film of dust usually makes only a small difference, often a few percent, whereas heavy bird fouling or lichen that shades part of a panel can cut its output much more and can pull down other panels on the same string. If output has dropped sharply and the panels look clean, the cause may be a fault such as an inverter problem, which needs a solar installer or electrician.

We use water-fed poles with soft-bristle brushes and purified water that has had its minerals removed by reverse osmosis and deionisation. The panels are brushed, then rinsed, and the pure water dries without leaving spots, so no detergent is needed. It also means most domestic panels can be cleaned from the ground.

It is not recommended. High-pressure water can damage the anti-reflective coating, force water past seals and junction boxes, and may affect the manufacturer's warranty. Abrasive pads, scrapers and strong chemicals carry similar risks. A soft brush and purified water is the safe way to clean them.

For most UK homes once a year, or once every two years, is plenty. Properties near trees, fields, coastlines, main roads or with pigeons nearby may need cleaning twice a year. Low-pitch and flat-roof arrays also soil faster than panels on a steep roof.

Pigeons like to nest in the sheltered gap under rooftop panels, which leads to droppings on the panels and roof, noise and debris blocking gutters. Bird proofing fits a mesh skirt around the edge of the array, held with clips that do not drill the panels or roof, after any existing nests and mess are cleared out.

Usually not, as long as we can get safe access to the side or back of the property and there is somewhere to park the van. We will let you know when the job is done. For bird proofing we may need roof access, which we arrange with you in advance.

In most cases, yes. Water-fed poles can reach panels on two and three-storey roofs from the ground. Flat-roof and some commercial arrays need safe roof access, so we confirm how we will reach them when we quote.