Solar panel cleaning cost: What you'll pay for peak performance

Green energy is having a massive moment in the UK, and solar panels are leading the charge. Thanks to government incentives and falling installation costs, British homeowners are jumping on the solar bandwagon like never before. With over 1.4 million installations already brightening up rooftops across the country, it’s clear that solar power has shifted from niche eco investment to smart financial move.

Once you’ve got those solar panels installed on your roof, the next step is keeping them working at peak performance, which definitely involves regular cleaning. The average cost of cleaning solar panels is £4 per panel or around £150 for 40 panels. In this guide, we’ll break down what affects these prices and walk you through all the factors that can drive up (or bring down) your final cost.

Solar panel cleaning prices

To help you with budget planning, we’ve prepared a list showing how much each solar panel cleaning job costs and how long it will take.

A man checking and cleaning solar panels (Source: iStock)

Factors affecting solar panel cleaning costs

Solar panel location

Solar panels on the ground floor are much cheaper to clean than those on the roof, costing around £2 per panel or £80 for 40 panels. If your roof is much steeper than average, expect to pay £4 per panel.

Property location

Solar panel cleaning service prices also depend on property location and accessibility. If you live in bigger cities or remote areas, the cost of living, admin, and gas will affect your budget.

Solar panel condition

Solar panels are exposed to dust, leaves, soot, and animal waste. If your panels haven't been cleaned for a long time, they might perform poorly. It’s ideal to clean solar panels and your entire roof every six months to maintain efficiency and prevent costlier repairs.

Benefits of hiring a solar cleaner

If you plan to save on solar panel cleaning by doing the job yourself, you need to think twice before starting. Here’s why asking a professional to clean your solar panels is a good investment:

Quality assurance

Although home cleaning seems straightforward, solar panel cleaning is a different matter. Professional cleaners use deionised water systems and soft-bristled brushes specifically designed for solar panels. Using regular tap water can leave mineral deposits that actually reduce efficiency, while household cleaning products can damage anti-reflective coatings that cost hundreds to replace. 

Professionals also know which panels need special handling. Some premium brands can void your warranty if panels are cleaned the wrong way, and some require special tools and gentle cleaners for safe maintenance.

Safety

Cleaning solar panels means working at heights, often on steep or slippery surfaces. Pros come equipped with safety harnesses, non-slip boots, and ladder systems, and they’re covered by public liability insurance. More importantly, they know how to handle live electrical systems safely, since solar panels generate power even in low light. They can also spot loose tiles, cracked gutters, or structural issues before they become costly surprises.

Better solar panel performance

Hiring a professional to clean your solar panels will make them last longer. Since professionals have experience handling different types of solar panels, they can diagnose potential issues and repair your solar panels immediately.

Need a few damaged panels replaced? Want to add more panels to your existing system? Most professional cleaners work with qualified electricians and can arrange repairs, replacements, or even system expansions during the same visit. This bundled approach often works out cheaper than hiring separate specialists and means less disruption to your home. 

A man wiping solar panels to remove dust, dirt, and debris (Source: iStock)

Keep your panels performing at their peak

Now you have the complete picture of solar panel cleaning costs and why professional service often beats the DIY route. Whether you’re dealing with a small residential setup or a larger system, regular cleaning is essential for maximum energy output and long-term performance. 

So what are you waiting for? Don’t let dirty panels cost you money on your energy bills. Post your solar panel cleaning task on Airtasker today and connect with experienced cleaners who’ll have your system running at peak efficiency in no time!