Solar Panel Cleaning in Kent

Domestic roof arrays

Most home systems sit on a pitched roof facing south, east or west. The usual problems are droppings along the top row, a grey film across the middle and growth creeping in from the bottom edge where water and debris collect. Shaded corners can hold moss or lichen that slowly spreads onto the frame.

On many houses the panels can be reached from ground level using water-fed poles. Where the layout or height makes that impractical, access is discussed openly before a quotation is given, rather than decided on the day.

Commercial and larger arrays

Commercial roofs on industrial units, schools and offices can carry long rows of panels on shallow or flat roofs. These often build up more soiling because they lie closer to horizontal, so rain runs off slowly and debris settles. Gulls and pigeons can also make some sites much worse than others.

Commercial cleaning is planned around how the building is used, with roof access, safe working areas and timing agreed with the site contact first. Larger arrays can be cleaned in sections if that suits the operation.

• Commercial softwashing for the rest of the building

The cleaning method

Panels are cleaned with soft brushes and clean water so nothing scratches the glass or attacks the seals. Stubborn spots are softened and worked gently rather than scraped. The frame edges are given attention because that is where lichen and grime gather first, and where staining tends to creep back.

Detergents, abrasive tools and pressure washers are avoided on the glass. If a manufacturer's care note for your system exists, it is worth having to hand, because it may set out what the installer recommends.

Pairing panels with roof and gutter work

Solar panels sit on the roof, so it often makes sense to deal with the surrounding surfaces at the same time. Moss on the tiles next to the array sheds onto the glass and into the gutters, and blocked gutters can hold debris against the roof edge. Combining the jobs means one visit and one set of access arrangements.

Roof cleaning, moss removal and gutter clearance each keep their own method within a combined quotation, so you can see what each part involves.

• Roof cleaning and moss removal
• Gutter, fascia and soffit cleaning

Getting a quotation

Send the postcode, the number of panels if you know it, and a photograph of the roof showing where the array sits. Jordan will look at the access and the type of soiling, then reply with the recommended approach and a written quotation. You can also call 07860 962107.

• Do solar panels need cleaning? How often and why