Do Solar Panels Need Cleaning?

Whether you’re thinking about going solar or already have solar panels installed, a valid question to ask is… Do solar panels need cleaning? 

It’s true – keeping your solar system in top shape is key to getting the most out of your investment. The good news? Solar panels are built to last. However, you’ll want to make sure you’re carrying out solar panel cleaning regularly to ensure your system keeps running efficiently. 

The importance of solar panel cleaning… 

Solar panels use photovoltaic (PV) cells to absorb sunlight, which knocks loose electrons inside the cells and creates a flow of electricity. 

They can’t do this effectively if dirt, dust, pollen, bird droppings or other debris is blocking sunlight and reducing the system’s efficiency. That’s why solar panel cleaning isn’t just a nice to have, it’s essential – here’s why: which is why solar panel cleaning is important: 

• Increased energy efficiency – clean panels absorb more sunlight, meaning they produce energy more effectively. 

• Reduced energy bills – cleaner panels generate more energy, helping reduce your reliance on the grid and get the most from your investment. 

• Long-term protection – regular maintenance reduces the risk of uneven wear that can damage cells over time and shorten your system’s lifespan. 

• Mitigate risk – clean panels make it easier to spot issues early, so you can fix them before they become costly. 

• Rain doesn’t clean everything – just like your car isn’t squeaky clean after a rain shower, neither are your solar panels. 

• Warranty compliance – some manufacturers require regular cleaning as part of their warranty terms. Without it, your coverage may be affected. 

Every panel installed by Utilita Home comes with 25-year materials guarantee and performance warranty – so you’re covered for the long run. 

So… Do solar panels need cleaning? 

The short answer: yes. But not as often as you might think! 

In fact, many solar panels have self-cleaning technology, known as an Electrodynamic Screen (EDS) film. It works by charging dust particles that remain on the panel surface, which are then swept away by an electric field produced by the screen – in the height of winter, you may see snow slip to the bottom of the panels! 

Plus, due to the angle solar panels are installed at, a perk of the UK’s rainy weather is that rainfall can help rinse off surface-level dirt. 

However, some things, like bird droppings or sticky residue, can’t be removed by rain or EDS films alone. At Utilita home, we mitigate the risk of birds nesting under your solar panels by installing a bird barrier and recommend annual cleaning from a professional solar panel cleaning service to maintain maximum efficiency.  

External factors to consider. 

You may need to clean your solar panel system more frequently if: 

• You live near trees. 

• You live near a main road. 

• You live near the coast. 

• You’ve noticed a dip in performance. 

If you’re unsure, we recommend speaking to your solar installer for personalised advice. 

The do’s for solar panel cleaning. 

We want you to get the most out of your solar system so that you can continue to cut carbon and reduce energy consumption for years to come – which is why solar panel cleaning is super important to help maximise the panels energy efficiency. 

You might not be aware, but most solar warranties will contain terms on maintaining your panels, so we’ve got together our best practices when considering how to clean your system… 

Do: 

• Double-check your system’s warranty to make sure you’re complying with their solar panel cleaning terms. 

• Hire a professional solar panel cleaning service, over traditional window cleaning services. This is to ensure cleaning conforms to warranty, health and safety requirements due to accessibility, and experience in handling the electrical system under the panels. 

• Maintain your system annually with professional solar panel cleaning to get the most from your investment!  

Ready to talk solar? 

Benefit from solar panels to cut energy bills by up to £1,360* a year, embrace the power of renewable energy and reduce reliance on the grid. Fill out a few quick details about your home to find out how much you could save with our Solar Calculator or Request a Call-back and we’ll be in touch within 30 minutes (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) to help get you one step closer to solar savings! 

Already a Utilita Home customer and want tailored advice on solar panel cleaning? Get in touch with our expert Home Energy Consultants. 

*Your estimated combined savings are based on the recommended number of Longi Solar PV 485w panels included in your package and an electricity export rate of 15p per kWh. For a medium electricity usage home in the UK (using roughly 3500 kWh per year) you can save up to £916 per year by installing a 16-panel system with our 5.32kWh battery storage. You can also earn up to a further £444 per year by exporting excess energy back to the grid at an electricity export rate of 15p per kWh. The calculations follow MCS standard procedure and assume a self-consumption rate of 54% for systems with battery storage and 22% for those without. The current unit rate is based on the energy price set by Ofgem at 26.35p/kWh. Actual savings may vary depending on the specific equipment chosen and your precise annual energy consumption. Savings may also vary dependent on your property location and any obstacles which could cause your roof to be in shade, reducing the solar generation as a result.