Keeping solar panels clear of dirt that reduces output
Solar Panel Cleaning
Solar panel cleaning removes dust, pollen, bird droppings and general grime from the surface of solar PV or thermal panels using purified water and soft brushes, which restores light transmission that dirt can otherwise reduce, priced per panel with a minimum charge per visit.
Definition
What Solar Panel Cleaning covers
A layer of dirt, dust or bird droppings on a solar panel reduces the amount of light reaching the cells, which can measurably reduce electricity generation over time, particularly on panels that are rarely rinsed naturally by rain due to their angle or position. Cleaning is carried out with purified water and soft, non-abrasive brushes — the same principle as water-fed pole window cleaning — to avoid scratching the panel surface, usually from ground level or a water-fed pole reaching the roof.
Suitable for
- Roof-mounted solar PV or solar thermal panels showing visible dirt, dust or bird droppings
- Panels in a low-pitch position that rain doesn't naturally rinse clean
- Periodic maintenance cleaning as part of getting the most from a solar installation
Not suitable for
- Panels needing electrical fault diagnosis or repair — that's a matter for your solar installer or an electrician, not a cleaning visit
- Panels only reachable with scaffold or rope access beyond standard water-fed pole reach — referred to a specialist high-access contractor
Process
How the work is carried out
- 01
Assessment
Confirming panel count, roof access and reachability by water-fed pole.
- 02
Booking
Agreeing a price based on the number of panels and any minimum call-out charge.
- 03
Cleaning
Cleaning panel surfaces with purified water and soft brushes to avoid scratching.
- 04
Final check
A visual check for streaking or missed areas before finishing.
Typical timescale
A standard domestic solar array typically takes under an hour to clean, depending on panel count and access.
Cost guidance
Solar panel cleaning typically costs £5–£12 per panel in our area, usually subject to a minimum charge per visit given the time involved in setting up access. We confirm the total price when booking based on your panel count.
Limitations and exclusions
- A minimum call-out charge typically applies regardless of panel count, since access setup takes broadly the same time for a small or large array
- Panels beyond safe water-fed pole reach are referred to a specialist high-access contractor rather than accessed by ladder
Areas we cover
Solar Panel Cleaning across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and South London
Local property styles, planning authorities and neighbourhood coverage for solar panel cleaning in each town we work in.
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FAQs
Solar Panel Cleaning FAQs
Does dirt on solar panels really reduce how much electricity they generate?
Yes — a build-up of dust, pollen or bird droppings blocks some light from reaching the cells, which can measurably reduce output, particularly on panels at a low pitch that rain doesn't naturally rinse clean.
How often should solar panels be cleaned?
This depends on location and panel pitch — panels near trees or in a low-pitch position that doesn't get rinsed by rain benefit from more frequent cleaning than a steep, exposed roof. We can advise a sensible frequency when we assess your installation.
Is there a minimum charge for solar panel cleaning?
Yes, a minimum call-out charge typically applies, since setting up access takes broadly the same time whether cleaning a handful of panels or a full array — confirmed when you book.
Discuss your solar panel cleaning project
Tell us about the property and what you have in mind, and we'll arrange a site visit.
Last reviewed 2026-07-28.