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mySolar Panel Cleaning Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost of cleaning solar panels is around £150.
- Solar panel cleaning takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to complete.
- A complete breakdown of solar panel cleaning costs, which includes important things to consider if you're planning to clean them yourself.
- How long the job should approximately take, along with the steps involved in cleaning solar panels on a house.
- How to find a local solar panel cleaning specialist.
Do your solar panels need a clean?
In this guide, we cover everything that you need to know about solar panel cleaning costs in 2025. On average, solar panel cleaning prices you're quoted by professionals in the UK will be around £150.
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£150
Table of Contents
How Much to Clean Solar Panels?
Many completely underestimate the importance of cleaning their solar panels, however, failing to do so can lead to a build-up of dust, bird droppings, leaves and soot, which can then cause issues with the performance of your solar panels. This is because the amount of light making its way into the photovoltaic cells will be limited, resulting in poor energy levels.
It would be highly advised to keep on top of a strict cleaning regime to avoid any issues. This will especially be the case if you live next to a busy road or farm, as there will be a far greater amount of pollution and dirt in the air than in most other areas. You can either clean the solar panels yourself or seek the assistance of professional solar panel cleaning services - the latter of which would be advised.
What's the best way to keep birds from nesting and roosting around my solar panels?
"You can put a proofing mesh around the frame, and spikes if needed."
Solar Panel Cleaning Prices
On average, you can expect to pay just under £150 to have your solar panels cleaned. However, most companies will offer a per-panel cost, which is often a much more cost-effective option if you only have a few to clean.
The final cost will usually account for the time spent travelling to your property, labour time, the equipment and materials used and of course, the scale of the job. The per panel fee can be anywhere between £4 and £15.
Cleaning your solar panels is far cheaper than the cost of replacing solar panels, with new solar panels costing anywhere from £2,500 to £8,500 depending on the make, model, and output.
Similarly, if you have solar roof tiles, these are even more expensive to replace - costing between £7,000 to £14,000 in material costs only - so it's far better to keep on top of your solar panel maintenance than it is to have to foot the cost of new solar tiles.
| Job Description | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Clean less than 20 panels on ground floor | 10 – 30 Minutes | £50 – £80 |
| Clean less than 40 panels on ground floor | 10 – 30 Minutes | £60 – £100 |
| Clean less than 20 panels above 1 storey | 20 – 40 Minutes | £100 – £150 |
| Clean less than 40 panels above 1 storey | 60 – 90 Minutes | £150 |
| Clean over 40 panels | 1 – 2 Hours | £150 – £300 |
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Can you install solar panels in a gated front garden?
"Installing solar panels domestically should not usually require an application for planning permission, so long as the conditions and limits are met. You should also consider your location and the positioning of panels to maximise the amount of energy generated.
If you live in a listed building or designated area (Conservation Area, National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), you should check with your Local Planning Authority before carrying out any work."
If you live in a listed building or designated area (Conservation Area, National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), you should check with your Local Planning Authority before carrying out any work."
What’s Involved With Solar Panel Cleaning?
Before hiring a solar panel cleaning specialist, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you should inspect your panels to determine whether they actually need cleaning. There are two ways to do this:
- Examine how much electricity is being generated by writing down the figures every week to see whether the level of power is declining.
- Compare your figures with the manufacturer’s estimation of how much electricity your system should produce when the solar panels are working at full capacity.
It’s best to clean solar panels in the spring or summer months, when there is less chance of frost or frequent rainfall.
On average, solar panels should be cleaned up to twice a year at minimum. However, how often largely depends on environmental factors – such as where you’re located and also the weather conditions.
For example, if you experience a particularly dry month, you may find more build-up than usual.
Will I Need To Hire Any Other Tradesmen for Solar Panel Cleaning?
Providing that your solar panels are in good condition and don’t need to be replaced, you won’t need to hire any other tradesmen to assist with the cleaning itself.
However, if after a thorough clean your solar panels still aren’t as efficient as they should be, you may need to contact an electrician to inspect the issue.
There are several reasons why your solar system may not be generating enough energy:
- Broken inverter
- Defective charge controller
- Faults in the solar panel itself
Faults in the solar panel can often be the most difficult task to fix, as all the photovoltaic modules within the panel are interlocked. Therefore, just one faulty panel could have a major impact on the efficiency of the whole system. If you have any doubts about the performance of your solar panels, it would be wise to hire a professional electrician to carry out tests and find a solution.
Do I need a battery storage system when I get solar panels? If so, where does this get fitted, and how much space does it need?
"It depends if you're home a lot during the day. If you are, then a battery isn't necessarily required. If you're out during the day, then a battery would be required to store the energy so you can use it during the evening. You'd ideally have it in a garage, if not the loft. You can also fit some systems externally."
DIY Solar Panel Cleaning
As mentioned, it's completely doable to clean the solar panels yourself. However, the main issue is making your way onto the roof, which can, of course, present itself as a major hazard.
It would be advised you have the correct training to carry out any roof jobs. If you cannot access your panels safely, please don’t attempt it. Instead, opt to hire a professional who has an adequate amount of knowledge and equipment.
If you have considered all of the above factors before carrying out a DIY job, check out the tips below on how to clean solar panels yourself:
1. Shut down the system: Before cleaning can begin, it would be recommended to shut down the entire system by following the instructions in your solar panel manual. Do be aware that the cabling on the roof will still be live and can carry high voltages. If you happen to spot any damaged cabling, stop immediately and report it.
2. Invest in a solar panel cleaning kit: If you’re in any doubt about the best method to clean solar panels, it would be worthwhile investing in specialised solar panel cleaning equipment for the job, which often includes the likes of biodegradable soap, a wiper and long-handled brush. Dip the brush into the soapy water and gently rub up and down, before hosing down to rinse.
If your mains is hard water, it would be a better idea to use an accumulation of rainwater, as it will leave less residue on the panels, meaning less interference with the panel’s performance. If you do use hard water, be sure to dry off the panels well to ensure mineral residue isn’t left on the glass surface.
How difficult and how costly is it to add battery storage to an existing solar panel system?
"It depends on the system you have installed. If you check the make of the invertor, and then contact the supplier, they will be able to give you the best option."
3. Clean from the ground if possible: Don’t climb onto the roof if you can clean the panels from the ground. As mentioned, it is also highly advised that you have the necessary training and safety equipment before attempting to venture onto the roof. If you’re using a ladder, make sure you have someone to hold it from the bottom.
4. Choose the best time to clean: The best time to clean your panels would be in the early morning or late evening during the spring and summer when the panels are cool before the heat of the midday sun. Cleaning hot panels lead to quicker evaporation, meaning smudge marks are more likely to be left.
For more information on cleaning your solar panels, how often it should be done and how to get quotes see here.
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Checklist: Hiring a Solar Panel Cleaner
Prior to hiring someone to clean your solar panels, there are some things you should consider.
- Is the job safe for you to do yourself? If not, don't attempt it.
- Professional solar panel cleaners can clean your solar panels much better and quicker than DIY cleaning.
- Schedule regular cleaning throughout the year to avoid any further issues or damage.
- Enquire about a cost per panel before committing to a fee.
FAQs
Could Cleaning My Solar Panels Affect My Manufacturer’s Warranty?
Yes. Be sure to read your warranty before cleaning your solar panels. It should give recommended instructions on the best method of maintenance and give indications on methods to avoid, such as using pressure washers or chemical cleaners.
Following these guidelines will protect your rights if you happen to have issues with your panels so that they can be fixed or replaced without question.
Following these guidelines will protect your rights if you happen to have issues with your panels so that they can be fixed or replaced without question.
Do Self-Cleaning Solar Panels Exist?
Yes, most solar panels on the market are self-cleaning. Their hydrophobic coating allows droplets of water to leak off the surface alongside dirt and debris.
However, while most panels are self-cleaning, rain isn’t enough to keep solar panels clean. While heavy rain may remove light dust and debris, it’s not powerful enough to get rid of the most stubborn dirt and debris build-up.
In fact, as rain moves through the atmosphere, it becomes contaminated with impurities and particles – like dust and pollen – that often leave a dirty residue on your solar panels. Therefore, regular solar panel cleaning is the only effective way to ensure your solar panels run at maximum performance.
However, while most panels are self-cleaning, rain isn’t enough to keep solar panels clean. While heavy rain may remove light dust and debris, it’s not powerful enough to get rid of the most stubborn dirt and debris build-up.
In fact, as rain moves through the atmosphere, it becomes contaminated with impurities and particles – like dust and pollen – that often leave a dirty residue on your solar panels. Therefore, regular solar panel cleaning is the only effective way to ensure your solar panels run at maximum performance.
Does Snow Need To Be Removed From My Solar Panels?
Generally speaking, snow doesn’t need to be removed from your panels, as it usually slides off on its own. In most cases, solar panels are installed at a tilted angle to allow snow to fall off naturally.
However, if heavy snowdrifts regularly block sunlight from your panels, hiring a professional to remove the snow safely would be advised.
However, if heavy snowdrifts regularly block sunlight from your panels, hiring a professional to remove the snow safely would be advised.
How Do I Know if My Solar Panels Need Cleaning?
Depending on where your solar panels are located on your home, you may be able to see visible build-up. You may also notice a drop in energy production, which means the dirt is blocking sunlight from reaching the panels.
Higher energy bills are another indication that energy production has dropped, so be sure to keep an eye on any unexpected rising costs. Finally, if it’s been more than 12 months since your last solar panel cleaning, it’s time to hire a solar panel specialist and book your cleaning.
Higher energy bills are another indication that energy production has dropped, so be sure to keep an eye on any unexpected rising costs. Finally, if it’s been more than 12 months since your last solar panel cleaning, it’s time to hire a solar panel specialist and book your cleaning.
What Time of the Day Should I Clean My Solar Panels?
It’s best to clean your solar panels when they’re cool, so either early in the morning or in the evening. This prevents thermal stress and stops the tempered glass from cracking. Damage can actually void the warranty, and cleaning solar panels when they’re hot can also leave unsightly streaks due to evaporation.
