Do your solar panels look like they’re in need of a clean?
Have you noticed the performance of your solar panels has been diminishing?
It’s a common misconception that solar panels, even those labelled as self-cleaning, don’t require any upkeep.
However, various factors can impact the efficiency of your solar power system, potentially diminishing its performance and costing you money.
While self-cleaning panels are designed to require less maintenance, they aren’t immune to dirt, particularly in dry regions or coastal areas where salt accumulation is prevalent.
Additionally, the tilt of your panels plays a crucial role in their cleanliness; panels angled at under five degrees tend to accumulate more dust and grime over time.
Before you grab a bucket, some cleaning fluid and a ladder, read on to find out why you should call our solar professionals and how much it’ll cost:
How Often Do Solar Panels Need to Be Cleaned?
Solar panels are designed to be relatively low maintenance, but like any outdoor equipment, they are exposed to various elements, from dust and pollen to bird droppings and airborne pollutants.
Over time, these elements can accumulate on the surface of the solar panels, potentially reducing their efficiency.
While the frequency of cleaning largely depends on the environment and location of the installation, it’s generally recommended to clean your solar panels at least once a year.
Obviously, it’s hard to answer this question accurately for you without seeing your panels, so why not click here to speak with a member of our team?
Solar Panel Cleaning Cost
Solar panel cleaning starts from £125 + VAT. Please call us or use our contact form to find out more.
Can I Clean Solar Panels Myself?
We never recommend someone clean their own solar panels. This job should be left to professionals using the correct cleaning materials.
Before you attempt to clean your own panels, you should be aware of the following:
Safety Concerns – You may not be afraid of heights, but it’s very easy to slip, injure yourself, or worse while trying to clean solar panels on your roof.
General Maintenance – Our professional team members understand the intricacies of solar panel performance and can assess their condition while cleaning them.
While cleaning your panels, we can identify issues like shading or potential damage that may not be immediately evident to the untrained eye.
Potential Damage – Solar panels are delicate, and using the wrong cleaning materials or techniques can damage them – we’ve seen it many times.
For instance, something as simple as a scratch can hinder the panels’ efficiency. Our professional cleaners are trained to handle panels gently and correctly, reducing the risk of unintentional damage.
Panel Warranty – Some solar panel warranties have specific maintenance requirements or clauses that could void the warranty if not adhered to.
Our best advice is to talk with a professional solar panel cleaner to ensure you comply with your warranty terms.
Can Solar Panels Be Cleaned from the Ground?
Cleaning your solar panels from the ground might seem like a good idea, especially if you have a window cleaning pole or a similar piece of kit.
However, we can’t recommend you attempt to clean your solar panels from the ground – or that you clean them at all!
Cleaning from a distance is much more likely to leave streaks, residue, or overlooked spots, all of which can reduce your panel efficiency.
If your solar panels require cleaning, we recommend calling a member of our team. We’re trained to inspect and clean your solar panels properly, ensuring they operate efficiently.