Straight answers about roof maintenance.

Most systems benefit from an inspection every six months and cleaning when visible dust, salt, pollen or bird fouling accumulates. Coastal, industrial and bird-heavy sites may need more frequent care.

Rain can move loose dust, but it rarely removes bonded dirt, salt film, pollen or bird droppings. It can also leave mineral marks as the glass dries.

Yes. Soiling shades parts of the glass and can reduce the light reaching the cells. The impact varies by site, season, system layout and type of contamination.

No. Sunflow does not pressure-wash solar panels. We use professional Kärcher solar-panel cleaning equipment with a controlled, non-abrasive process.

Sunflow uses professional Kärcher solar-panel cleaning equipment designed for careful, non-abrasive cleaning. The exact setup is selected for the array, access conditions and level of build-up.

Sunflow operates as an insured specialist service. Site-specific access and risk requirements are confirmed when your quote is prepared.

No. We specialise only in solar panel cleaning and gutter cleaning, which keeps our equipment, training and process focused.

Yes, subject to a safe access assessment. Sunflow currently services single- and double-storey properties only. Buildings above two storeys fall outside our present insurance scope.

No. For insurance reasons, Sunflow currently works on single- and double-storey properties only. We do not accept work on buildings above two storeys.

Not always. If safe exterior access is available and the scope is agreed, many visits can be completed without interrupting your day.

Most residential services are completed within a few hours. Large systems, difficult access and heavy build-up may take longer.

No. Panels are not designed to be walked on. Our process plans access around the array and treats the installation as a valuable asset.

Cape Town panels collect dust, pollen, salt air, traffic film, ash, leaves and bird droppings. Tilt, wind direction and nearby trees influence the rate.

Persistent fouling can create severe local shading and may be difficult to remove after it bakes onto hot glass. Early, gentle removal is preferable.

We use professional Kärcher solar-panel cleaning equipment and a non-abrasive, panel-conscious process. Owners should also retain their manufacturer and installer documentation for any system-specific requirements.

Our default approach avoids harsh household detergents and abrasive products that can leave residue or affect surfaces.

Cooler conditions are generally preferable so that glass is not exposed to abrupt temperature changes and water does not dry too quickly.

Yes, on single- and double-storey properties. We quote commercial arrays based on panel count, access, operating environment, safety controls and scheduling requirements. Buildings above two storeys are outside our current insurance scope.

Yes. Scheduled plans are available for body corporates, property managers and commercial sites that want consistent upkeep and fewer reactive call-outs.

No responsible cleaner can promise a fixed gain without system monitoring and baseline data. Results depend on soiling, hardware condition, shading and weather.

Look for an even dusty film, bird fouling, leaf build-up at the frame, visible streaking or a production decline that is not explained by weather or system faults.

Working at height and around electrical equipment carries risk. A ground-level rinse may not remove bonded dirt, and household tools can scratch or leave residue.

Many Cape Town homes should inspect gutters before winter and again after heavy leaf fall. Tree cover, roof design and bird activity can increase the frequency.

Overflow during rain, plants growing in the channel, staining on walls, sagging sections and water marks near fascia boards are common warning signs.

Yes. Backed-up water can move behind fascias, under vulnerable roof edges and into ceilings, especially where roof drainage already has defects.

Overflow and poorly directed downpipes can repeatedly saturate soil beside a building. Over time this may contribute to damp and movement risks.

We clear accessible gutter channels and check flow through accessible downpipe entries within the quoted scope. Fully blocked underground drainage may need a plumbing specialist.

Minor observations can be reported, but the core service is cleaning. Repairs are quoted or referred separately where appropriate.

Removed leaves and debris are collected and taken down rather than washed over walls or left around the property.

Yes, when weather and roof conditions allow safe work. Booking before sustained winter rain is usually more convenient.

Leaves, roof grit, nesting material and compacted organic matter can block outlets. Incorrect fall, damaged sections or undersized drainage may also contribute.

No. Guards reduce some debris but fine material can still collect, and leaves may bridge across the top. They still need inspection and maintenance.

Repeated overflow can wet walls, eaves and interior areas. Persistent moisture creates conditions in which mould and decay can develop.

Yes, subject to access planning, on single- and double-storey buildings only. Properties above two storeys are outside our current insurance scope.

Yes. Combining the services can reduce disruption and gives the team one coordinated view of roof access.

Panel count or building storeys provide a starting point. For gutter cleaning, published residential prices cover homes with up to three bedrooms; homes with four or more bedrooms receive a tailored quote. Access, roof pitch, condition, contamination and overall property size can affect the final quote.

The published prices are a guide. Your confirmed quote accounts for roof access and condition before work is booked.

Any applicable travel or special-access cost is included in the quote, so you can approve the full expected amount upfront.

Available payment methods are confirmed with your booking. Commercial account terms can be discussed for approved maintenance clients.

Yes. We can recommend a practical interval based on your roof, trees, coastal exposure and system use.

Yes. We provide scoped proposals, coordinated scheduling and maintenance options for shared properties.

Yes. Property managers can arrange access and resident communication in advance to minimise disruption.

Photo documentation can be included where safe and practical, particularly for managed and commercial properties.

We serve Cape Town and surrounding suburbs, including the West Coast, Northern Suburbs, Southern Suburbs and Somerset West.

Cape Town is our current core area. Larger commercial scopes outside the area can be discussed, with broader South African coverage planned.

Send the address, panel count or storey count, and a few roof photos if available. Clear information helps us respond faster.

Include your suburb, service needed, panel count, building height and any access concerns. Photos of the roofline are helpful.

A wide photo of the array, installation paperwork or satellite view may help. We can guide you through the information needed.

We do not proceed with unsafe access. We will explain the concern and, where possible, suggest an alternative access plan or specialist equipment.

High wind, rain and wet roof surfaces can make access unsafe. Visits may be rescheduled to protect clients and technicians.

Sunflow’s service model centres on trained, friendly technicians, task-specific equipment and a consistent operating process.

We may flag visible concerns noticed during cleaning, but cleaning is not an electrical inspection or performance test. An accredited solar technician should diagnose faults.

Simple loose debris may be cleared when safe, but active nests, protected wildlife or infestation can require an appropriate pest or wildlife professional.

Yes, provided there is safe access and the roof surface can support the planned work. Drainage and edge protection are considered.

Yes, subject to tile condition, pitch and safe routes. Fragile or damaged tiles may change the access method or require repair first.

Coastal aerosol can leave a fine film on glass and combine with dust. Homes near the Atlantic may therefore need more regular inspection.

Long dry periods allow debris to accumulate, then winter fronts deliver sustained rain. Clearing outlets before that change helps water move where it should.

Policies differ, but insurers generally expect reasonable maintenance. Keep invoices and photos, and ask your insurer how gradual damage or maintenance exclusions apply.

Use the quote form with your address and service details. We will confirm scope, price and an available date before the visit.