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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.
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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’s a good idea to keep on top of a regular cleaning schedule to avoid any issues. This is especially true if you live next to a busy road or farm, where there tends to be more dust 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 Does Solar Panel Cleaning Involve?
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 estimate 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 only need cleaning once or twice a year. However, how often largely depends on environmental factors – such as where you’re located and the local 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 a solar panel can often be the most difficult issue to fix, as all the photovoltaic cells within a panel are interconnected. In a typical string system, just one faulty panel can affect the performance of the whole array. 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’s best to make sure you have the right training before carrying out any roof work. 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:
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.
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 water is hard, it’s better to use collected rainwater where you can, as it leaves less residue on the panels and is less likely to interfere with their 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 inverter and then contact the supplier, they will be able to give you the best option."
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.
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 leads 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
Before you book anyone in, here’s what you can check first:
- How much experience do they have with solar panels? It’s not the same as cleaning windows or gutters. You’ll want someone who knows how to work with the panels safely without damaging the surface or wiring.
- Do they use the correct equipment? Ask what they clean with. A decent solar panel cleaning kit uses soft brushes, purified water, and no harsh detergents that could leave residue or marks.
- Are they insured? Always ask if they have public liability insurance. Because if anything gets broken, scratched, or they slip on your roof, you’re covered.
- Can they work safely when up high? Roof access can be complicated, especially if your home is tall. So, they’ll need the right safety gear and experience, plus ladders or access platforms.
- How frequently do they advise cleaning? A couple of times a year is okay in the UK. That said, the frequency will depend quite a lot on where you live. Near trees or main roads? You might need more regular cleans.
- Do they inspect as well as clean? Quite a number of specialists will also check for loose fittings, debris under panels, or even early signs of damage. So it’s always a good idea to ask — small issues caught early can save you money later.
- What’s included in the quote? Ask for a clear price breakdown from the get-go. Does the quote cover travel, water use, and full roof access?
FAQs
Could Cleaning My Solar Panels Affect the Warranty?
It can do, for sure. Most manufacturers list what you can and can’t use on the panels. Some will void the warranty if you use things like pressure washers, severe chemicals, or anything abrasive. So, check the paperwork first, then you’ll know you’re cleaning them in a way the manufacturer is happy with.
Is There Such a Thing as a Self-Cleaning Solar Panel?
You can get your hands on a raft of modern panels that use special glass or hydrophobic coatings to help rain wash off dust and light grime. They’re often marketed as “self-cleaning”. However, rain on its own usually isn’t enough to keep solar panels completely clean. Heavy rain may remove light dust and debris, but it’s not powerful enough to shift stubborn build-up like bird droppings. As rain moves through the atmosphere, it can also pick up dust and pollen, which may leave a light residue on the glass. That’s why occasional, careful cleaning is still the best way to keep your solar panels working at their best.
Do I Need To Remove Snow From My Solar Panels?
Not really, especially if you’re based in the UK. Because most panels are fitted at an angle, light snow just slides off or melts on its own as soon as the sun comes out. If you ever get heavy, settled snow that’s blocking the panels for days, save yourself the danger of climbing up there yourself. Get a specialist in who has the correct safety gear.
How Do I Know if My Solar Panels Need Cleaning?
Obvious muck is the first clue. So, things like bird droppings, dust, or a dull film over the glass show yours needs a clean-up. Also, you might notice your readings drop compared with what you usually see at that time of year. Or, your bills sneak up even though your usage hasn’t changed. To give you an idea, if it’s been 12 months or more (or you live close by trees, farms, or main roads), book in for a clean.
Would It Make Sense To Try Cleaning Solar Panels Myself?
If you can safely reach them from the ground with a long pole and soft brush, you can have a go yourself. But beware – the moment ladders, steep roofs, or complex access are involved, it stops being a simple DIY job. A local specialist has the right equipment and knows how to work safely at height. What’s more, they won’t risk damaging the panels, which is why it’s best to book in a local professional.
