Solar Panel Cleaning
Solar panel cleaning in Devon and Somerset is essential for protecting your investment and maximising energy output. Over time, dirt, algae, salt deposits and bird droppings prevent sunlight from penetrating the surface of your panels, reducing their ability to generate power efficiently.
We provide expert solar panel cleaning for homes in Exeter, Barnstaple, Tiverton, Cullompton, Exmouth and Taunton, that removes moss, bird mess, dirt and salts to increase energy output and restore peak performance. Devon Surface Care is your trusted, local solar panel cleaning company that has working at height expertise.
What is Solar Panel Cleaning?
Solar panel cleaning is a specialist process designed to remove contamination without damaging delicate photovoltaic cells. It is not simply a case of soap and water. Traditional pressure washing is too aggressive and can void manufacturer warranties, while detergents may leave mineral residues that reduce efficiency.
Environmental factors such as coastal salt, motorway dust, agricultural debris and bird fouling can dramatically decrease output. Rain alone does not remove mould, algae and atmospheric growth. In fact, long-term build-up can cause permanent staining and reduce panel lifespan.
Efficiency Cleaning
When solar panels are clean, they absorb maximum sunlight and operate at optimal performance. Even a small amount of shading can affect overall system output.
Google’s own monitoring of large-scale installations showed that regular solar panel cleaning improved performance by up to 12%.
Improve solar panel efficiency by up to 12%
Remove bird droppings from solar panels safely
Maximise solar array energy output and return on investment
Solar Panel Cleaning Process
We use a gentle, purified water cleaning system with no chemicals, abrasives or detergents. Purified water leaves no mineral deposits or streaking behind, ensuring a spotless finish that enhances light penetration.
Soft brushes specifically designed for solar panels are fitted to long water-fed poles, allowing us to clean safely from ground level wherever possible. This approach protects both the surface and internal components.
Pure water solar panel cleaning system
Non-abrasive soft brush solar panel wash
Safe roof-mounted solar panel cleaning service
Solar Panels BEFORE Cleaning
Solar Panels AFTER Cleaning
The Cost of Dirty Solar Panels
Failing to maintain your solar panels can be more expensive than most people realise. Reduced efficiency means higher reliance on grid electricity and lower returns from feed-in tariffs or export payments. In some cases, warranty claims may even be affected if poor maintenance contributes to damage.
Dirty Solar Panels Reduce Output
Dirt, mould and bird faeces not only shade the panels but can create hot spots that stress photovoltaic cells. Coastal salt deposits and pollution from nearby highways or railways can further reduce output.
Over several years, neglect can lead to permanent staining and surface degradation.
Dirty solar panels reducing electricity generation
Solar panel output loss from algae and grime
Bird droppings damaging solar array performance
Solar Panel Performance Cleaning
Routine cleaning helps maintain consistent performance and protects your long-term investment. Our maintenance plans ensure your system continues operating at peak capacity year after year.
By removing organic growth and environmental contamination, we help prevent irreversible damage and efficiency decline.
Annual solar panel maintenance cleaning service
Solar array performance restoration
Prevent permanent staining on solar panels
PV Solar BEFORE Cleaning
PV Solar AFTER Cleaning
Residential Solar Panel Cleaning
Residential Roof Mounted Solar Panels
Home solar systems are often exposed to moss spores, tree sap, bird activity and airborne pollutants. Attempting to clean panels yourself is dangerous and risks electric shock, roof damage or scratched surfaces.
Our team is fully trained to work safely at height and uses equipment specifically designed for rooftop arrays.
Residential roof solar panel cleaning service
Safe working at height solar panel cleaning
Local domestic solar panel cleaning specialists
We also work with facilities managers, landowners and commercial operators to for commercial solar panel cleaning. Find out more about our commercial solar panel cleaning service.
Solar Panels BEFORE Cleaning
Solar Panels AFTER Cleaning
Call us for a free solar panel cleaning quote: 01884 370 073
Your Trusted Local & Professional Solar Panel Cleaning Company
Verified, Trusted and Approved
We are proud of our strong local reputation and consistently high standards of workmanship in Exeter, Devon and the surrounding region. Our team is fully trained and experienced in handling both residential and commercial solar arrays.
Trusted local solar panel cleaning company
Experienced photovoltaic panel cleaning specialists
Reliable solar panel cleaning contractors near you
One-off Clean or Maintenance Contracts
We offer flexible services to suit your needs — from a one-off performance clean to scheduled annual or biannual maintenance contracts. Regular cleaning provides consistent output, protects warranties and reduces long-term costs.
One-off solar panel deep clean service
Scheduled solar panel maintenance
Affordable solar panel cleaning plans
Customer Reviews, Safety & Insurance
Choose Devon Surface Care for:
A company with hundreds of 9 & 10-star reviews on Check-A-Trade
Our consistent track record of high-quality work
An exhaustive, consistent and HSE-approved approach to site-safety
- Fully insured for working at height
Our uniquely ethical, conscience approach business and our local community. See more on our approach to business.
It's time to Transform
Whether it’s a single project, emergency situation or long-term service agreement, we’re here to ensure your home looks its best and is safe all year around for you to enjoy.
What sets us apart? Our experienced teams and commitment to excellence. We take pride in transforming spaces, building long-lasting, trusted partnerships with our clients.
Our latest content
Check out what's new in our company !
FAQs - Solar Panel Cleaning
It depends on the surrounding environment and the purpose of your solar panels, but all solar panels should be cleaned at least annually to ensure efficiency. Even clean-looking solar panels build up a film of salts and transparent algae that inhibits efficiency.
However, solar panels should have a 3-6 month cleaning schedule if the following applies:
- The panels located within 100 mtrs of a plantation or woodland area
- The panels are located in a coastal area (due to salts building up)
- For roof mounted panels, where the roof has extensive moss growth (in this situation we would recommend roof cleaning and moss removal)
- The solar panels are used for a commercial output
Yes - this is now undisputed.
To a greater or lesser degree, cleaning your solar panels will always make a difference to their efficiency.
Google’s own monitoring of large-scale installations showed that regular solar panel cleaning improved performance by up to 12%. For homeowners and commercial operators alike, that can represent significant financial savings over time.
The cost depends on factors such as the installation size, site access and the severity of staining that needs cleaning. However, in most cases, cleaning the average solar panel set up on a 3-4 bedroom house takes a matter of hours. It is an affordable, fast solution.
A multi-hectare solar farm is a larger project likely to span several days with one or two teams on site.
For both domestic and commercial solar cleaning we offer efficient cost-effective solutions.
Yes - we clean multi-hectare solar farms in Exeter, Devon and the surrounding region.
When working on a commercial project we will provide Risk Assessments and Method Statements in advance and use multiple teams with vans and on-board cleaning systems to move throughout the site quickly and efficiently.
If you are a Solar Farm manager please get in touch with our team for a free site survey and consultation.
Devon Surface Care provide second-to-none customer service and quality of work, as evidence by our hundreds of Check-A-Trade reviews. Our team are polite, professional and personal.
What really sets us apart is our ethos to work, team and our local community - which is really why we exist. Read more about how we approach business here: Business With Heart.
Experienced local solar panel cleaners
Transparent, competitive pricing
Case studies of commercial work available on request
We are a responsible and caring employer and we invest in our team and local communities
Call us to arrange a free site survey & quote: 01884 370 073
Solar Panel Cleaning in Exmouth
Solar Panel Cleaning in Taunton
Solar Panel Cleaning in Barnstaple
Solar Panel Cleaning in Exeter
Solar Panel Cleaning in Tiverton
Solar Panel Cleaning in Cullompton
Find Out More
Gutter Cleaning Commercial Exterior Cleaning Soft Washing Pressure Washing Meet our team
Time to Transform
DSC delivers the very best in external cleaning and
restoration services delivered with excellence and integrity.
