Solar Panel Cleaning in South Africa: Free Quotes from Local Cleaners
Free quotes from solar panel cleaning companies across South Africa. One request, no obligation.
Dust, bird droppings, pollen and salt spray build up on panels, and a dirty array makes less power than it should. SolarPanel.co.za is a free quote service for solar work in South Africa. You complete one form and we send your request to independent solar panel cleaning companies and installers in your area, who quote you directly. We do not clean, install or service anything ourselves. There is no fee and no obligation, so you can compare a few quotes before booking anyone.
Why solar panels need cleaning
Rain washes some dirt off, but not all of it. In dry regions such as the Karoo, the Northern Cape and much of the Highveld winter, dust sits on the glass for months. Near farms and unpaved roads it is worse. Bird droppings, leaves, ash from veld fires and industrial fallout bake on and leave patches that shade individual cells.
Along the coast, salt film attracts dust and can speed up corrosion on frames and clamps. Uneven dirt can also cause hot spots on a few cells, which is hard on the module. If the output on your inverter app has dropped without a change in weather, dirt is one of the first things worth ruling out. A technician can also tell you when the cause is a fault instead, and our solar maintenance and repairs page covers that.
How professionals clean solar panels safely
Good cleaning is gentle. Glass scratches, and anti-reflective coatings wear off if the wrong tools are used.
- Soft brushes and microfibre: on telescopic poles or by hand, never abrasive pads or scrapers.
- Clean, low-mineral water: hard borehole water leaves white spots, so many companies use filtered or deionised water and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner only when needed.
- Low pressure: high-pressure jets can force water past seals and damage edges.
- Cool panels: early morning or late afternoon, because cold water on hot glass can stress it.
Cleaners working on roofs should use proper fall protection, work with the wind in mind and never walk on the modules. Ask whether they are insured for roof work and for damage to your roof and panels.
DIY cleaning or a cleaning company
On a low, easily reached ground-mount, a soft brush and clean water may be all you need. Switch the system off first if the installer's instructions say so, and check your warranty terms before using any cleaning product.
Roofs are a different matter. Wet tiles, IBR sheeting and steep pitches are slippery, and falls from roofs are a real risk. Large flat-roof arrays on businesses, schools and farms are quicker and safer to clean with proper equipment and a trained team. Many installers also offer cleaning as part of a maintenance plan, which can include a visual check of cabling, clamps and the inverter. Our solar installation page explains how to find installers who offer that.
What affects the cost of solar panel cleaning
We do not publish prices, because each job differs. Cleaners usually consider:
- The number of panels and the total roof area.
- Roof type, pitch and height, and how safe the access is.
- Whether it is a once-off clean or a regular schedule.
- How dirty the panels are and what kind of dirt it is.
- Whether you supply water, or they bring filtered water.
- Travel distance to your property, especially on farms.
Send the panel count, roof type and location with your request, and a photo if you can, so quotes are comparable.
What to include in your request
- Number of panels and roof area
- Roof type, pitch and height
- Once-off clean or regular plan
- Nearby dust, farmland, coast or trees
- Whether water is available on site
Solar Panel Cleaning at different properties
- Family homes: a few roof panels washed once or twice a year, mostly of dust and leaf litter
- Estate homes: neat double-storey roof arrays cleaned from safe access points, often on a scheduled plan
- Townhouses and flats: shared or small roof arrays cleaned with body-corporate approval and arranged access to the roof
- Farms, smallholdings and lodges: ground and roof arrays covered in dust from gravel roads, lands and livestock yards
- Shops, offices and schools: flat-roof arrays on shops, offices and schools cleaned outside trading hours with minimal disruption
- Factories and warehouses: large warehouse and carport arrays cleaned by teams with poles, water supply and fall protection
Frequently asked questions
Does SolarPanel.co.za clean solar panels?
How often should solar panels be cleaned?
Can I clean my own panels with a hosepipe?
Will cleaning improve my electricity generation?
Solar Panel Cleaning by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Lephalale
- Kimberley
- Kathu
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
More solar products and services
Solar panels & mounting
Solar power systems
Inverters & batteries
Solar geysers & pool heating
Solar pumps & lights
Get free solar quotes
Tell us what you need and where. An installer or supplier who works in your area quotes you directly. Free, no obligation.
Size it roughly (optional)
Tick what must keep running when the power is off. The estimate goes into your request so installers can quote closer to what you need.
5.0 kWh per kWp a day
Tick a few loads or enter your monthly units to see a size.
A rough guide only. An installer confirms the size after looking at your bill, roof and distribution board.