How to start a solar panel cleaning business

With renewable energy becoming more and more important for homes and businesses, solar panels are big business.

With more and more being installed, keeping those solar panels clean will become ever more essential. It is why a solar panel cleaning business could be a very lucrative field to go into.

Solar panel cleaning can also bolt on to other existing services.

• You might be looking into how to start a solar panel business and considering other sources of revenue
• Maybe you have a window cleaning business and want to add another service

Whatever your goals, read on to discover how to start a solar panel cleaning business, covering everything from your marketing to financial tips.

What do I need to start a solar panel cleaning business?

The glass of solar panels can be covered by dirt, dust, and grime – which hinders how effectively the panel can absorb the sun’s rays.

Dirty solar panels reduce the electricity yield, and while many solar panels are ‘self-cleaning’ they still need some attention from a professional cleaner.

Professional solar panel cleaning equipment

In this guide we’ll take you through everything you need to set your new business up for success. But you’ll also need to consider professional solar panel cleaning equipment.

This might include:

• Water-fed poles or hoses
• Soft brushes
• Rotating brushes
• Purifying water filter
• Soft sponges
• Ladders

Being a Checkatrade member could help you to save on the cost of your equipment. Our members get exclusive rates with a range of suppliers, such as Wickes and Selco.

Create a solar panel cleaning business plan

Having a concrete business plan should be the first step in your path to starting your new business. A business plan is the foundation of any successful company, mapping out your business needs, focuses, and next steps.

Your business plan is where you set your goals and define the steps you’ll take to achieve them.

As your company grows, your business plan will keep you on the right track and keep you focused on your goals.

Find out more in our guide to creating a business development strategy. 

How to set up a solar panel cleaning business – step by step

When it comes to setting up a solar panel cleaning business, there are a few basic steps you’ll want to follow.

Research the market

You’ll want to research the solar panel industry as a whole as you’re setting up your business. This will help you to see what works and what doesn’t.

It’s most important to see what the market is like near you – are there competing businesses already offering cleaning in the area? And if so, how can you be competitive?

Look for ways you can stand out, and develop your unique selling points as a business. That might be a unique service or a different method of cleaning.

Other things to consider

For example, many solar panel cleaning businesses use only purified water or have bespoke soft brushes that won’t damage solar panels.

Another service you could offer to make your business more valuable to customers is producing detailed reports for your customers. When you’re cleaning, check for things like:

• Inverter problems
• Delamination where moisture has found its way into the panel
• Micro-cracks in the panel
• Cable and wiring issues
• Loose panels
• Overhanging trees or shade
• Any other issues with the solar panels

As solar panels need cleaning once or twice a year, you might be the first person to spot these issues.

Knowing that you can offer this service can make your business offering more valuable to clients, and increase their trust in you.

Training and qualifications

You don’t need any formal qualifications to start a solar panel cleaning business.

But you’ll need to be familiar with the Health and Safety Executive guidelines for working at height. Some commercial premises may ask you to show a general health and safety accreditation before they’ll tender work to you.

Make sure you check out our working at height guide to help keep you and your employees safe.

Create a business name

Once you know a bit more about what your business will be offering, you’ll need to create a company name, and then register your business name.

Take a look at our cleaning business names for some initial inspiration.

Register your company

You’ll need to decide whether you’ll register as a sole trader or a limited company. There are pros and cons to either kind of business, which you’ll need to consider.

• Sole trading is a simpler business structure, but you’ll be personally liable for debts and losses
• A limited company has more admin and paperwork, but you won’t be personally responsible for your business debts

If you’re opting to be a limited company, you’ll need to register with Companies House.

Apply for licenses and accreditation

If you want to demonstrate your trustworthiness to customers and clients, then joining the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) shows your commitment to excellence.

Solar Energy UK is also a good option, with resources for members and access to peer-to-peer engagement.

There’s also the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). MCS accreditation is technically only required for solar panel installation, but again, it assures a certain standard of quality for your customers.

Get insurance

You’re likely to be working on other people’s property, at height, and with electrical equipment. Accidents can happen, for which you could be financially liable without proper insurance.

• Whether you are injured or a member of the public trips over a cable or hosepipe, insurance can protect you in the case of an accident
• You should look into getting the appropriate business insurance to protect your company in case of legal or financial issues
• A good place to start would be public liability insurance, business equipment insurance and van insurance

If you plan on employing other people, then employer’s liability insurance is another legal requirement you should consider.

Finances

When you start your business, make sure you’re keeping track of your finances.

Keep a record of all incomings and outgoings, and keep hold of any receipts.

Having good bookkeeping will make it easier when it’s time to work out what tax you owe. If you’re not sure where to start, find out more about what business taxes you need to pay as a tradesperson.

And if you’re only just getting familiar with financial admin, then have a look at our guide to financial planning for small businesses.

Marketing your solar panel cleaning business

Marketing your new business is essential. You’ll want to spread the word about your cleaning business, and there are a few ways to go about it.

Print advertising

Print advertising can be especially helpful for solar panel cleaning businesses. Because you’ll need to be very targeted to find new customers.

Flyering houses with solar panels or in areas with a higher concentration of solar panels is likely to help you find new customers.

Word of mouth marketing and referral programs

You’re only as good as your reputation, so word-of-mouth marketing will also be very important for your business.

People with solar panels could be part of online communities or know others in the area with solar panels.

Offering a great service is obviously the most important part of generating good word of mouth, but referral programs could be a lucrative option that also helps to build trust with customers.

Join a trade directory

You could also join a trade directory like Checkatrade – our print directory is delivered to homeowners around the country.

These are all great ways to market your business, but don’t overlook the power of digital marketing online and on social media.

Digital marketing for your solar panel cleaning business

There are a few great ways to market your solar panel cleaning business online – here are a few tips to get you started.

• Create an online presence for your business with a company website
• Set up social media channels for your company, and learn more about how to grow your business on Instagram
• Learn more about PPC for small businesses to help you target relevant customers online

Checklist for starting a solar panel cleaning business

• Look for opportunities in your target market area. Look for scope to offer new services or ways you can demonstrate a unique selling point.
• Create a detailed business plan to map out what your business offers and your plans for growth
• Choose a memorable and unique business name, and register it
• Make sure you have the right insurance in place to protect you and your business
• Keep track of your finances

Grow your solar panel cleaning business with Checkatrade

Checkatrade is the UK’s leading trade directory, which is helpful when you’re growing a business. Here are just a few reasons to join the best trades with a Checkatrade membership:

Get more leads

With over 37 million job searches on our website last year*, what better place to get your trade business out there. Tapping into our network will help you get more leads and grow your business.

Save money

Checkatrade members get exclusive access to deals and discounts. You can save on business essentials and boost your profit margins – especially useful when you’re just starting a business. Checkatrade members can also save ££££s per year on a range of business essentials. Everything from tools, equipment, van leasing, insurance, workwear, and more!

Grow trust with your customers

Joining Checkatrade can help you to win more business by establishing trust with your customers. Did you know? 8 out of 10 people would choose a trade endorsed by Checkatrade compared to one that isn’t**.

* Internal data from Checkatrade sourced from job searches on the checkatrade.com website in 2023

** Claims are sourced from a survey conducted by Deep Blue Thinking on a nationally representative UK sample in November 2021.