The Hidden Power Drain on Your Roof | Solar Panel Clean in Exeter
Your panels may look clean, but every single month you are losing money…
When was the last time you cleaned your solar panels or better still when was the last time you even looked at your solar panels?
Most homeowners in Exeter and across Devon install them, admire the drop in their electricity bills, and then forget they’re even up there.
But…
Unfortunately, your panels don’t stay this effective forever, especially if you do not clean them.
They have to survive the rain, sea spray, pollen, and bird mess, and over time, a film of grime blocks sunlight and drains efficiency.
And in this blog post I am going to give you a checklist, so you don’t have to be an expert in solar panels to know when they need to be cleaned.
You just need to know what signs to look out for, and thankfully none of them involve climbing a ladder or risking your neck on your roof.
We’ll show you how to spot when your panels need attention, what happens if you ignore them, and how a professional solar panel clean in Exeter can quickly restore your home’s energy performance (and keep your pockets full)
1️⃣ The Energy Bill Clue: When Numbers Don’t Add Up
This is the most obvious way to tell if your solar panel needs a clean. If your panels have just stopped working as well as they used to, then it’s probably time for a solar panel clean in Exeter.
A common misconception is that people think it may just be that the weather isn’t as good as it was last year.
“Maybe we aren’t getting as much sun.”
Although that could be a factor, if you haven’t cleaned them recently, then it’s rarely the weather’s fault.
A layer of grime, dust, or sea salt can cut efficiency by up to 25%, which means you’re literally losing a quarter of your free energy every day.
✅ Quick Check:
Compare last month’s energy readings to the same month last year.
If your system is producing less on equally sunny days, it’s time for a professional solar panel clean in Exeter.
2️⃣ The “From the Ground” Test: What You Can See
You don’t need a ladder to do this, just step outside and take a look from a distance.
If you look up at your solar panels, and you can see a dull or cloudy film across the panels
Bird droppings, streaks, or pollen patches across the surface of the panel, then it could be time for a solar panel clean in Exeter.
Green or brown shading on the lower edges as well, these are all visible signs that dirt has built up.
As I have said before, because we are from Devon, the rain mixes with sea spray and airborne dust, and this sticks to your solar panels.
Even if they look fine from one angle, they are more than likely covered in a thin, sticky layer that reduces sunlight absorption.
A tip for this check would be to do this early in the morning, or late in the evening when the sun is rising or when the sun is setting.
This is because when the sunlight hits the panels at an angle, dirt and streaks are easier to spot.
The golden rule?
If your car or windows look dirty, your panels are too.
3️⃣ The “Rain Myth”: Devon’s Biggest Solar Cleaning Mistake
One of the most common things we hear is,
“Doesn’t the rain clean them for me?”
Unfortunately, it doesn’t.
Rainwater in Devon contains minerals and salt.
Instead of washing panels clean, it actually leaves a residue that sticks on to your solar panels, rather than actually clean them.
As time goes on, this residue turns into a layer that covers your panels.
Think of it like a layer of suncream, and whereas we need suncream to protect ourselves from the UV rays, you want your solar panels to be getting a tan 24/7.
✅ What to Do Instead:
Schedule a professional solar panel clean in Exeter at least every 6–12 months, especially if you live near the coast or under trees.
A proper clean uses purified, deionised water that leaves panels streak-free, residue-free, and ready to perform at full capacity again.
4️⃣ The Wildlife Factor: Birds, Trees, and Devon’s Green Neighbours
One of the most beautiful things about Devon is the countryside, but unfortunately with this comes one big downside for your solar panels…
The animals!
Birds love sitting on warm solar panels, and they don’t bring a mop with them.
Also, falling leaves create a steady buildup that you might not notice until it’s too late.
Signs of wildlife interference include:
White splatters (yes, that kind)
Tiny branches or leaf clumps caught under the frame
Dark patches or streaks that appear after nesting season
All these factors stop the sun from hitting your solar panels, and if you don’t act soon, I can guarantee you’ll notice a difference in your energy bill at the end of the month.
✅ Tip:
If you live near farmland, woodland, or tall trees, quarterly solar panel cleaning in Devon may be your best investment for consistent performance year-round.
5️⃣ The “One Side Always Dirtier” Rule
One thing I didn’t know when I started to clean solar panels in Exeter is that…
One side of the solar panel always seems to get dirtier than the other.
I have learnt this from years of experience, and when I return to clean the same solar panels 6-12 months later, it’s always the same side that is dirtier.
This all depends on a few factors:
The direction your roof faces, and the angle of the sun, can determine where grime collects.
A good indicator to see if the build up had started is if you notice one side of your roof looks darker or duller than the other, it’s a sure sign that you are likely due a clean.
Our professional solar panel cleaners in Exeter have helped the homeowners of Devon for years.
We have helped save money by getting the panels firing at 100% efficiency again.
6️⃣ The Warranty Warning: Why Maintenance Isn’t Optional
Most solar panel manufacturers require regular cleaning as part of their warranty terms.
If you decide to neglect your solar panels, then you might void your coverage without even realising it.
Yes, we’ve seen it happen before, a homeowner notices performance issues, contacts the manufacturer, and is told their warranty claim is invalid because the panels weren’t maintained.
✅ Keep Proof of Cleaning:
At The Exeter Gutter Cleaner, we can provide a digital completion report upon request for every solar panel clean in Exeter and Devon.
That means you’ll always have proof of maintenance for your records, and peace of mind for your investment should anything go wrong.
7️⃣ How Often Should You Clean Solar Panels in Devon?
Devon’s weather is unlike anywhere else, damp air, coastal winds, and a lot of rain.
This is a simple rule of thumb based on our own experiences:
Urban areas (Exeter, Marsh Barton): Once every 12 months.
Rural or tree-covered homes (Exminster, Silverton, Poltimore): Every 6–9 months.
Coastal homes (Exmouth, Dawlish): Every 3–6 months due to salt spray.
When you stay on top of your cleanliness, then you never have to try and play catch up when it comes to saving money on your energy bills.
8️⃣ Why Professional Cleaning Beats DIY Every Time
I have said this before in a few blog posts about DIY cleaners, and although I get it, especially in today’s economy, you’ll always end up paying more from doing it yourself.
So before you might think about grabbing a hose and giving it a go yourself, here’s why that’s risky:
Tap water leaves streaks and mineral residue that dulls panels again in days.
Without the proper equipment you could damage the surface of the panels, meaning that they don’t work as efficiently even if they are fully cleaned.
At the Exeter Gutter Cleaner, we remove dirt, dust, and salt safely, leaving a spotless streak-free finish every time.
That’s why we have never had a bad review!
Plus, we clean without harsh chemicals, so it’s completely safe for your panels, your roof, and the environment.
9️⃣ Real Results: A Local Exeter Example
One of our recent clients in Broadclyst called after noticing her bills were creeping up.
When we arrived, we found heavy salt deposits and bird mess across half of her solar panels.
After a single clean using our purified water system, her generation output had increased and she saved money on her energy bills that month.
That’s the power of a quick professional solar panel clean in Exeter,
At The Exeter Gutter Cleaner we are fast, safe, and more importantly…
We are reliable.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Panels Clean, Keep Your Power High
Your solar panels are one of the best investments you’ve made, but like any investment, they need care and attention to keep performing.
The good news is you don’t need to climb, scrape, or risk a fall to keep them at their best.
You just need to know the signs and act early.
If your panels look dull, your energy bills are rising, or you can’t remember the last time they were cleaned, now’s the time to book.
At The Exeter Gutter Cleaner, we provide a professional solar panel clean across Exeter, Exminster, Marsh Barton, Broadclyst, and villages throughout Devon.
Don’t wait for the next rainy season to “wash” them clean, because as you now know, it won’t.
Call today or fill out our contact form to book your solar panel cleaning in Exeter and Devon, and start getting the power you’re already paying for.