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Common questions

How often should I clean my solar panels?

Most UK homeowners should clean their panels once or twice a year — once in late spring before the high-output summer months is the minimum. Panels near trees, busy roads, or agricultural land benefit from a second clean in autumn.

How much does professional solar panel cleaning cost?

Typically £4–£8 per panel, so £60–£120 for a standard 4 kW home installation. Annual cleaning usually pays for itself within the year through recovered output alone.

Does cleaning solar panels really increase output?

Yes. Soiling can reduce output by 10–25% over a year. For a typical 4 kW installation, that translates to around £150–£170 in lost electricity per year — far more than the cost of a professional clean.

Can I clean my solar panels myself?

Hosing from the ground removes loose dust but does not tackle bonded deposits or mineral scale. Effective cleaning requires purified (deionised) water and a soft-bristle brush. Working at height also carries significant risk, and some warranties require a qualified operative. Most homeowners find professional cleaning the safer and more cost-effective option.

How do I find a reliable solar panel cleaner near me?

Enter your postcode above and we will match you with active, reviewed cleaners in your area. Look for cleaners with verified reviews, public liability insurance, and who use purified water — ask before you book.

What happens if I never clean my solar panels?

Output drops by 10–25% per year as pollution film, bird droppings, and biological growth accumulate. Prolonged soiling also causes physical damage — moss and lichen etch the glass surface and retain moisture that accelerates corrosion. A professional clean is the cheapest maintenance you can do.

How long do solar panels last?

Modern panels are warrantied for 25 years and routinely operate for 35–40 years. The gradual output decline is around 0.5–0.7% per year. Your inverter will likely need replacing once or twice during the panel lifetime. Regular cleaning and a maintenance inspection every five years are the best ways to protect the investment.

Are there grants available for solar panels in the UK?

There is no universal solar grant, but several routes exist. ECO4 funds installations for households on qualifying means-tested benefits. Scotland's Home Energy Scotland offers interest-free loans up to £15,000. All residential installations attract 0% VAT. And the Smart Export Guarantee pays you for surplus electricity exported to the grid.

What is the Smart Export Guarantee and how much can I earn?

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays you for surplus solar electricity exported to the national grid. Rates vary by supplier — competitive tariffs in 2025–26 range from 4p to 15p+ per kWh. A typical 4 kWp system exports 1,700–2,000 kWh per year, generating £200–£300 at mid-range rates. Your installation must be MCS-certified to qualify.

Are solar panels covered by home insurance?

Usually yes — fixed solar panels are considered part of the building structure and covered under a standard buildings policy. Inform your insurer when panels are installed and update the rebuild cost. Note that most policies exclude mechanical breakdown, animal damage (birds nesting), and loss of output from soiling — these are maintenance matters, not insured losses.

Want more detail? Read our solar panel cleaning guides →