Best times of year to clean your solar panels in the UK

Keeping your solar panels clean helps them to work efficiently all year round. In the UK, the weather is very unpredictable, knowing when is the best time of the year to clean them can help keep them working their best for longer.

Spring is often considered the best time of year to have your solar panels cleaned professionally. This is because, during the winter months, solar panels can become built up of dirt, grime, bird droppings, and residue marks from the rain and snow. Spring time gives you a good opportunity to get them all cleaned up to work their best throughout the rest of the year. The weather is also better during spring as the temperatures are more mind and comfortable to work at a height.

Summer is good time if you’re looking to have a maintenance clean, especially if you live in an area with high levels of pollution and pollen. The best time to have these cleaned are usually early morning or evening in the summer as the temperature will be more comfortable and can dry naturally through the day.

Autumn is also a good time of year for a light clean up, especially due to falling leaves. During this month debris, leaves and sap can collect on and around the solar panels and even shade some areas from the sunshine. Ensure you clear them up before winter so that they work to their maximum performance during shorter daylight hours.

Winter cleaning is not recommended for cleaning due to the cold temperatures and slippery surfaces. However, if the solar panels are very dirty, then it is worth speaking to a professional cleaner for advice and whether they will be able to still carry out the job.