FAQs Archive - Lilypad Exterior Cleaning

Q: How often should solar panels be cleaned?

For most domestic properties, we recommend once or twice a year . If your home is near trees, farmland, busy roads, or the coast, more frequent cleaning may be beneficial due to higher levels of dirt and debris.

Q: Can I clean my solar panels myself?

You can, but it’s not recommended. Solar panels are often awkward to reach, and using the wrong equipment, detergents, or too much pressure can cause damage. There’s also the safety risk of working at height. Professional cleaning ensures the job is done safely and correctly.

Q: How much difference does cleaning my solar panels make to performance?

Quite a lot. Dirty panels can lose anywhere from 10–25% efficiency , and sometimes more if they’re heavily soiled. Cleaning restores maximum light exposure, meaning better energy output and better return on your investment.

Q: Do solar panels really need cleaning?

Yes, they do. Over time, solar panels collect dirt, dust, bird droppings, pollen, and traffic pollution. This build-up blocks sunlight and can significantly reduce how much energy your panels generate. Regular cleaning helps keep them working at their best.

Q: What happens to the moss that you take off my roof?

At the end of a clean your property and surrounding areas will be thoroughly rinsed down and tided up as if we were never there. All the moss will be bagged up and taken away to be disposed appropriate, licensed facilities. We are licensed upper tier waste carriers with the Environment Agency.

Q: How long does the roof cleaning process take?

Typically most roofs can be cleaned in 1-2 days however it does depend on the size of the property along with ease of access around the property. A driving factor that will affect how long the roof clean will take is the weather. In windy conditions above 17mph we cannot use our mobile access towers to abide by PASMA regulations, if it is raining or below 5c then we cannot apply the biocide treatment so we will have to reschedule to another day and lastly if there is forecasted lightening we must cease cleaning and reschedule as our poles are made of carbon fibre, this being a very good conductor of electricity.

Q: Can I clean my own roof?

Technically yes you can clean your own roof however there are many factors to consider. First and foremost safety, working at heights is a serious concern for your health and safety and if you do not have experience in it then you will be likely to make mistakes which can lead to a fall. This can be from incorrect use of a ladder or incorrect use and build of a mobile access tower. Also do you have the correct equipment or knowledge on how to use the equipment. The equipment we use either for roof cleaning with water or moss removal is not cheap as they are specialist tools design for this exact job so it can be a false economy thinking it will be more cost-effective to buy the equipment and do it yourself. “All the gear but no idea” is a common saying and this can certainly apply to a DIY person trying to clean their roof. Even with all the right equipment do you know how to use it safely and effectively to not only hurt yourself but also your roof and home. Lastly one of the most important key factors to achieve a well cleaned roof is the post biocide treatment which is a controlled substances sold strictly to professionals only.

Q: Do you need scaffolding put up for roof cleaning?

No scaffolding will not need to be put up for a roof clean. We are PASMA certified to use mobile access towers which we own. Along with this we can use various types of MEWP’s to access more difficult places or too high to reach areas where mobile towers cannot reach. With this we can promise no feet will touch your roof.