At DL Clean, we specialise in more than just glass. Recently, our team was approached to tackle a significant maintenance challenge: three residential blocks of flats, each with 30 solar panels that hadn't been cleaned since their installation over a decade ago.
The Challenge: 10 Years of Lichen & Bird Mess
The estate's engineer reported a heavy build-up of lichen and debris, which was significantly impacting the panels' energy efficiency. After 10 years of exposure to the elements, the panels required more than just a rinse—they needed a specialist restorative clean.
The Logistics: Safety & Cost-Efficiency
Following a comprehensive site survey and risk assessment, we identified that standard ground-reach equipment wouldn't suffice for a 57ft+ height. We presented the client with two options:
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Fixed Scaffolding: Thorough, but high-cost and high-disruption.
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20m Cherry Picker (MEWP): Mobile, safe, and significantly more cost-effective.
To protect the client’s budget while ensuring a safe working environment, we opted for the 20m Cherry Picker.
The Process: Specialist Care
Using solar-approved lichen removal agents and our advanced water-fed pole systems, the team safely cleared years of stubborn growth. We prioritised the panels' delicate surfaces while ensuring maximum debris removal to boost the arrays' performance.
Director’s Reflection: Balancing Results with Reality
"I’ll be honest—I’m a bit of a perfectionist. There was one specific area directly beneath a TV aerial that was heavily soiled. Due to the 57ft+ height and the reach limitations of even a cherry picker, we couldn't get the 'perfect' finish on that one small section without the client incurring the massive cost of scaffolding.
However, the client agreed that cost-effectiveness was the priority. I am incredibly proud of the team; they were adaptable, overcame awkward access challenges, and successfully restored 90 panels to a functional, clean state. It was a tough site, but as a Trading Standards Approved team, we always prioritise the best possible outcome for the client’s bottom line." — Dan, Director.
