Solar Panel Cleaning in Exeter
Solar panels are great, they save money, they are a renewable source of energy, making them much better for the environment, and they even make rainy Devon days feel slightly more useful, because at least you are still getting a little bit of energy.
However, for people with solar panels in Exeter, they can only be as good as you allow them to be.
What do I mean by that…
I have seen it before, when people invest a lot of money into a shiny new solar setup, and then, within a year or two, they can’t figure out why their panels are not performing like they used to when they first got them.
They immediately think there is something wrong with the panels but it’s probably a whole lot simpler than that.
Most homeowners with solar panels across Devon make these avoidable mistakes.
In this blog post, we’re going to expose the five biggest solar panel mistakes homeowners make (and how to fix them).
So make sure to read it the whole way through because at the end you will understand how you can save hundreds of pounds every year.
1️⃣ Mistake #1: Thinking “The Rain Will Clean Them”
This is the classic one I hear every single time, and if you actually search on Google “Can my solar panels be cleaned by the rain” it will tell you it can help, but it will not clean them effectively.
Rain water is not pure and it leaves a residue behind, especially in Devon where we are close to the coast, and due to sea spray, the rain absorbs more minerals and makes the rain leave a residue on your solar panel.
It’s a bit like expecting not needing to wash your car, because you expect it to get cleaned when it’s parked outside during a storm.
Eventually you’ll have to bite the bullet and grab a sponge and some soap.
Although, if I did get £1 for every time I heard, “Surely the rain keeps them clean?”
I’d probably have enough for my own solar setup by now. 😂
✅ The Fix:
Book a professional solar panel clean in Exeter or Devon every 6–12 months.
At The Exeter Gutter Cleaner, we use purified deionised water and soft-bristle brushes that leave your panels streak-free and spotless, all while working safely from the ground.
The result?
A clear surface that lets the sunlight do its job, boosting the efficiency of your solar panels up to 25%.
2️⃣ Mistake #2: Using a Pressure Washer
I am a real lover of the DIY guy, but for this one, it might just be best to take a back step because if you grab a pressure washer and go to town on the panels, then you could be left with needing some repairs 😬
So what is happening is…
You’re firing high-pressure water directly at delicate solar panels, stripping their protective coating, and cracking seals.
It’s almost like cleaning your laptop screen with a jet hose. It might be clean… for about two seconds, but the damage is irreversible.
Solar panels are designed for gentle treatment.
Even the smallest micro-scratch can reduce output by scattering sunlight instead of absorbing it.
✅ The Fix:
Leave the pressure washer in the shed.
Instead, get them cleaned with a pure-water-fed pole system, the safest, manufacturer-approved method.
At The Exeter Gutter Cleaner, our solar panel cleaning service in Exeter and Devon uses soft brushes that lift grime without abrasion, and pure water that leaves no streaks or mineral spots behind.
3️⃣ Mistake #3: Forgetting About Devon’s Weather
You don’t need me to tell you, Devon’s weather is all over the place, and it has almost become a common talking point across my blog posts.
The weather could jump between all the 4 seasons in just one day, this makes it very difficult to predict.
It also means that the constant mix of salt air, moisture, pollen, and dust creates a perfect storm for grime to get stuck in your solar panels.
And if you’re near the coast, salt spray from the sea can coat panels in a thin layer that acts like factor 50 suncream, it blocks sunlight and cuts efficiency.
Over time, this grime builds up so slowly that you barely notice… until your energy bills start to creep up.
✅ The Fix:
Embrace regular cleaning as part of your home’s routine.
In my experience solar panel cleaning in Exeter works best with a biannual clean (spring and autumn)
Spring cleaning removes the winter grime, while an autumn clean prepares panels for lower sunlight hours and prevents build-up over the colder months.
If you’re right on the coast, places like Dawlish or Exmouth, you may need quarterly cleaning to stay ahead of the salty residue.
4️⃣ Mistake #4: Ignoring the Warranty Fine Print
Here’s something most people never realise until it’s too late.
When you don’t get a solar panel clean at least once a year, the manufacturer can void your warranty.
Many solar panel warranties require proof of regular cleaning and inspection to stay valid.
So lets imagine your panel starts to experience some performance issue and you can’t prove they’ve been maintained, the manufacturer has every right to reject your claim.
✅ The Fix:
Schedule regular professional solar panel cleaning in Exeter and keep digital receipts or reports as proof of maintenance.
When we carry out solar panel cleaning in Devon, upon request we can provide a completion report confirming the service, which can support warranty compliance.
It’s one of those “tiny details” that could save you hundreds later.
5️⃣ Mistake #5: Waiting Until You Notice a Problem
By the time you see grime or notice lower output, your solar panels have already been underperforming for months.
Think of your panels like your teeth, you don’t wait for a toothache before booking a dentist appointment.
You book a check up every 6 months, just to make sure everything is working as it should, and more importantly if there are any problems, you can spot them early and prevent them.
On your solar panel the dirt and moss build up gradually, blocking sunlight cell by cell.
And because most panels are on the roof, homeowners rarely spot the issue until performance drops significantly.
✅ The Fix:
Be proactive, not reactive.
Set reminders for regular solar panel clean in Exeter, once or twice a year.
We recommend spring and autumn, but if you live under trees, near farmland, or close to the sea, every 4–6 months is ideal.
Even a quick professional inspection can catch early signs of buildup before it costs you energy and money.
Bonus Mistake: Thinking Solar Panel Cleaning Is “Just Cosmetic”
To clear this all up, cleaning isn’t just about making panels look better.
It’s about restoring performance and protecting your investment.
Here’s what clean panels actually do for your home:
✅ Increase energy output by 20–25%
✅ Reduce the risk of corrosion and staining
✅ Extend the lifespan of your panels
✅ Keep warranties valid
✅ Boost your home’s appearance and resale value
At The Exeter Gutter Cleaner, we’ve had clients in Marsh Barton, Broadclyst, Silverton, and villages across Devon, see their output jump overnight after a proper clean.
A clean is not “cosmetic.”
A solar panel clean in Exeter can put even more cash back in your pocket.
Why Homeowners Across Exeter Trust The Exeter Gutter Cleaner
We’ve been proudly serving Devon homeowners for years, helping them keep their gutters and solar panels in top shape.
What sets us apart is that we treat every job with the same care we would our own homes.
Here’s why more homeowners are switching to us for solar panel cleaning in Exeter and Devon:
✅ 46+ 5⭐ Google reviews from local clients
✅ Eco-friendly, pure-water cleaning, no chemicals or streaks
✅ Safe, ladder-free systems that protect your roof
✅ Affordable pricing starting at just £50
✅ Fully insured and experienced team
We have provided homeowners with solar panel cleaning in Exeter, Exminster, Upton Pyne, Poltimore, and Marsh Barton.
We’ve helped hundreds of Devon homeowners get their power back.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Dirt Drain Your Power (or Your Wallet)
Here’s the takeaway:
Solar panels don’t just need to be installed, they need to be maintained.
Every day your panels stay dirty, you’re throwing away part of the energy you paid for.
And while you can’t control the weather, you can control how well your panels perform under it.
So before another Devon downpour arrives (because you know it’s coming), take a look at your roof.
If your panels look cloudy, dull, or speckled with grime, they’re not working as hard as they could be.
Call The Exeter Gutter Cleaner today or fill out our form online to book your solar panel cleaning in Exeter, Exminster, or anywhere across Devon.