You Paid for Power and You Are Not Getting It | Solar Panel Cleaning in Exeter
It’s the way the world is going, trying to get more energy from renewable sources and it’s a smart investment!
You’re saving money, and at the same time you are doing your bit for the planet, and now I bet you are even more excited when you see the sun peak out from the clouds (although this only happens for 2 weeks in the UK 😂)
But the thing that comes as a surprise to most homeowners is that…
Your solar panels only perform to the best of their ability when they are clean.
Yes, a thin layer of dust, moss, or bird droppings can slash your energy efficiency by up to 25%.
That’s like paying for a full tank of fuel and saying to the guy,
“Do you know what? I’ll pay for the full tank but only fill it ¾ of the way and that’ll do me.”
At The Exeter Gutter Cleaner, we don’t just handle gutters, (even though that’s our name) we help homeowners across Devon get the most out of their solar panels with our solar panel cleaning in Exeter and villages like Exminster, Poltimore, & Newton St Cyres.
Why Dirty Solar Panels Waste Your Money
You can’t always see it from the ground, but every day your panels take a beating from the elements, they are outside 24/7, so pollen, salt spray from the coast, bird mess, and dust from the roads all travel through the air, and stick to the panels like glue.
Think of it like this, you are going on holiday to Tenerife, and you are excited about coming home with a tan.
So when you get to Tenerife, you have the sun lounger secured, and then instead of lying down and letting the sun do its thing…
You lather on 3 layers of factor 50 suncream, and you put on a long sleeve top.
How are the sun rays meant to tan your skin? And give you that golden glow that will make your co-workers jealous.
Well, this is exactly the same thing with your solar panels, if the sun can’t get to them properly, it can’t do its job right.
What this means for you:
- Reduced efficiency (less power, higher bills)
- Streaking and corrosion over time
- Shortened lifespan of your panels
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, even a light coating of grime can reduce solar output by 4% to 7%, while heavier buildup can slash efficiency by 20–25%.
With Devon’s super unpredictable weather, especially with all the drizzle and coastal winds, that grime builds up faster than most homeowners think.
Why Rain Doesn’t “Clean” Solar Panels
A common line that I hear from homeowners in Exeter is:
“Surely the rain will wash them clean?”
Unfortunately… not really.
While rain rinses, it doesn’t clean.
Just like your car after a downpour, you still see water spots, streaks, and stubborn patches of dirt stuck to the glass.
The same thing happens on your roof.
This is because rainwater leaves behind mineral deposits that add to the grime instead of washing it away.
And if your panels sit under trees, which is very common for many homes in Devon, then falling leaves and bird droppings only make things worse.
That’s why professional solar panel cleaning in Exeter makes all the difference, it removes what the rain can’t, safely and effectively, and it gives you that extra 25% back.
Our Safe & Effective Cleaning Process
You have heard about why it’s important to get a solar panel clean in Devon, but you are probably now thinking,
“Why should I choose The Exeter Gutter Cleaner to clean them?”
We clean your panels using deionised pure water and soft brushes, designed specifically for solar panel washing.
That means no harsh chemicals, no scratches, no damage.
Our process works like this:
- Inspection: We check for buildup, moss, or potential damage.
- Rinse: Panels are washed with purified water that leaves no residue or streaks.
- Gentle scrub: Soft brushes lift grime, algae, and bird mess without harming the glass.
- Final rinse: Ensures crystal-clear panels and maximum sunlight absorption.
Because we use telescopic poles, everything is done safely from the ground, no risky ladders or harsh pressure washers.
That’s what makes The Exeter Gutter Cleaner one of the most trusted names for solar panel cleaning in Exeter and across Devon.
The Benefits of Regular Solar Panel Cleaning
Keeping your solar panels clean isn’t just about keeping up appearances, a regular solar panel clean in Exeter actually saves you money!
Here’s what you get from regular maintenance:
- Higher energy output: Up to 25% more electricity from the same panels.
- Longer lifespan: Dirt and debris cause micro-scratches that shorten panel life.
- Lower bills: Cleaner panels = more free energy.
- Manufacturer warranty compliance: Some panel warranties require annual cleaning to stay valid.
Most of our clients in Exeter & across Devon schedule a professional solar panel clean every 6–12 months depending on location and weather.
So think of it like this, a small £50 clean every 6 months could get you an extra 25% of electricity.
We will do the math later in this blog post, just to show how much you would save.
It’s quick, affordable, and pays for itself in improved efficiency.
When’s the Best Time to Clean Your Panels?
The best time to book solar panel cleaning in Devon is spring and autumn.
- Spring: Clears away winter grime, moss, and salt buildup so you’re ready for the summer sun.
- Autumn: Removes pollen and dust from dry months before the heavy rains and darker days hit.
If your home is near trees, or the coast, we recommend a biannual clean (every 6 months) to keep your panels performing at their best.
A regular solar panel clean is like a service for your car, if you keep on top of it, then it’s far cheaper than fixing a long-term problem later down the road.
The Cost of Neglect vs. The Cost of Action
A professional solar panel clean in Exeter might cost around £50-£100 depending on your setup.
But ignoring it can cost you hundreds every year in lost energy savings.
Let’s do some math, so you don’t have to:
If your panels produce £800 worth of power annually and grime cuts output by 25%, that’s £200 gone every year, and let’s say you go 3 years without a clean, that’s £600 you literally let blow away with the wind.
You could have gotten this money back by just spending £50 a year on a simple solar panel clean.
So while some homeowners see cleaning as a chore, the smart ones in Exeter see it as an investment.
A short visit from our team now means:
✅ More power
✅ Lower bills
✅ A longer life for your panels
Why Homeowners in Devon Trust The Exeter Gutter Cleaner
We’ve helped dozens of homeowners across Exeter, Exminster, and Marsh Barton get the most out of their solar panels.
Here’s why people choose us for solar panel cleaning in Devon:
- Years of experience cleaning roofs, gutters, and panels safely from the ground.
- Fully insured, professional, and local.
- Use of pure water systems that leave no streaks or residue.
- Competitive, transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
We’re proud to have over 46 five-star reviews from happy homeowners across Devon, and we have never received a bad review.
This is because we go through the process we explained above with a fine tooth comb and treat every home just like we would our own.
Final Thoughts: Let Your Solar Panels Shine Again
You got your panels to help save money, a solar panel clean is just part of the process of lowering your energy costs.
A clean solar panel system performs better, lasts longer, and saves you more money.
If you’ve noticed your panels looking cloudy or dull, or you simply haven’t had them cleaned in the past year, now’s the perfect time to do so.
Book your solar panel cleaning in Exeter, Exminster, or anywhere across Devon today and see the difference clear panels can make.
Call The Exeter Gutter Cleaner or fill out the form on our website to get your free quote today because clean panels mean brighter savings 🌞
