Dust, smog, bird droppings and the muddy film left after light rain all block sunlight from the cells, and a dirty panel produces less power. In much of Pakistan, panels get dirty fast. Cleaning them is simple, but doing it wrong can scratch the glass or stress a hot panel. These are our solar cleaning products:
| Product | Price (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Solar Panel Water Drain Clips PV Module Stainless Steel Water Drain Cleaning Clip | Rs.99 |
| Solar Cleaning & Washing Nozzle | Rs.350 |
How often to clean
There's no fixed rule; it depends on the dust, the rain and how close you are to a road or building work. A practical way to decide:
- Watch your inverter's daily production on clear days. When it drops noticeably compared with similar weather just after a clean, it's time.
- Look at the panels after a dust storm, light rain (which leaves a film) or a spell of heavy smog.
- In dusty months that can mean every week or two; after good rain, much less often.
Clean only cool glass
Clean early in the morning or in the evening, when the panels are cool. Cold water on glass that has been baking in the sun can stress it, and water dries too fast on hot glass, leaving spots.
What to use
- Clean water. Hard water leaves white marks as it dries, so finish with softer water if you have it.
- A soft brush or sponge on a pole, so you can reach without standing on the panels.
- A washing nozzle on a pipe or hose gives a steady spray to loosen the dust. Our solar cleaning nozzle screws onto a water line.
Check your panel maker's cleaning advice as well, especially for coated glass.
What to avoid
- Detergents, washing powder and harsh chemicals, which leave residue and can harm coatings and seals.
- Abrasive pads, scrapers and wire brushes, which scratch the glass.
- High-pressure jets aimed at the frame edges and junction boxes.
- Walking or kneeling on the panels.
Shop · solar panel, solar cleaning
What water drain clips do
Panels are mounted at an angle, so water runs down and collects against the frame along the bottom edge. As it dries it leaves a line of dirt across the bottom row of cells. Because cells are wired together, a shaded strip like that can cut the panel's output by more than its size suggests.
Water drain clips fit onto the bottom edge of the frame and give the water a path over it, so it runs off instead of pooling. Measure your panel frame's thickness before ordering, so the clips fit.
Safety on the roof
- Work from the roof or a stable ladder, never from the panels.
- Don't clean in strong wind, rain or lightning.
- Don't touch damaged panels, broken glass or loose cables; call your solar installer.
- Panels make power whenever light hits them. Keep water away from the junction boxes, cables and the inverter.
Running fans on solar during loadshedding? See our AC/DC fan guide.
