Many people ask how often you should clean your solar panels in the UK to keep them work efficiently, the answer depends on your location, weather and surroundings.
Solar panels are a long-term investment designed to deliver reliable, renewable energy, but only if they’re kept clean and performing efficiently. Dust, pollen, lichen, and bird droppings build up over time, reducing the amount of sunlight reaching the cells. Even a thin layer of grime can cut output by 10–20 percent.
So, how often should you clean your solar panels in the UK? Here’s what our experienced team at HBS Access Services Ltd recommends.
How often should you clean your Solar Panels in the UK: Typical Cleaning Frequency
If you are unsure how often to clean solar panels in the UK, regular professional cleaning every 6 to 12 months keeps panels performing at their best.
However, frequency can vary depending on several factors:
- Location: Rural and coastal sites often need more frequent cleans due to dust, salt, and bird activity.
- Roof angle: Flat or low-pitched arrays trap more debris than steep roofs.
- Nearby activity: Farms, factories, or roads can increase soiling.
- Weather patterns: Long dry spells followed by light rain often bake dirt onto the surface.
Regular inspections help identify when output has dropped due to buildup – a clear sign it’s time for a clean.
Why Pure Water & Chemitek Solar Wash Protect Matter
At HBS Access, we use purified water and Chemitek Solar Wash Protect to remove dirt safely without scratching or leaving residue.
This specialist solution not only restores clarity but also creates a protective coating that slows future soiling, keeping panels cleaner for longer.
Every job includes:
- Robotic or rotary-brush cleaning (including SolarCleano F1)
- Pure-water rinse
- Before-and-after inspection photos
- Optional Chemitek Solar Wash Protect treatment
Professional Cleaning vs Rainwater
Rain might make panels look cleaner, but it doesn’t remove pollen, lichen, or oily residues.
Without proper cleaning, dirt spreads unevenly and can cause “hot spots” that damage cells over time.
That’s why using an IPAF-qualified operator and tracked MEWP (where required) ensures every panel is cleaned safely and effectively, no scaffolding needed.
Protect Your Investment
Regular solar maintenance is a small cost compared with the energy savings gained from maximum efficiency.
According to the Energy Saving Trust keeping solar panels clean can improve efficiency by up to 20%.
Whether your system is on a home, warehouse, or commercial roof, our family-run team covers Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.
Learn more about our solar panel cleaning services.
Call 01945 780 850 or email info@hbsaccess.co.uk to book your professional solar panel cleaning today.
How often should you clean solar panels in the UK: Final Thoughts
In summary, knowing how often you should clean solar panels in the UK helps keep your system running as it should all year round.