Solar Panel Cleaning Systems and their Pros and Cons

Solar Panel Cleaning System Framework

The following post is dedicated to solar panel cleaning systems for the commercial, industrial and utility-scale solar panel cleaning segment. While productivity rates are a very important KPI to define your solar panel cleaning system, we recommend considering other variables as well. Below you will find our framework for defining the best solar panel cleaning system for your portfolio of assets that need cleaning.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Trinabot.

Compatibility (Machine to solar installation)

Solar installations are very diverse and that is their nature. It is fundamental that you choose solar panel cleaning machinery/robotics that is compatible with the solar installations you have to clean. For example, you cannot use a tractor/brush system on an agrivoltaic installation that has crops on the ground. To make a good decision, it is important to understand the solar installation types and the machinery available. If you would like to learn more, you can enroll in our Solar panel & PV Surface cleaning school.

The Economic Value of Solar Panel Cleaning and the Opportunity

Solar panel cleaning is done primarily for economic reasons. Solar farms lose power output and hence revenue. What are the challenges we face in the Solar O&M Industry?

• Quantifying the revenue loss due to soiling
• Quantifying the ideal cleaning frequency and schedule
• Quantify the value add from solar panel cleaning
• Defining the solar panel cleaning equipment that allows for maximum efficiency for the existing PV design
• Altering the PV design to allow for
  • Efficiency
  • Operator Safety
• Identification of key difficulties in cleaning the solar installation
• Opportunity identification

Case Study = 50 MW at $45/MWh

Cleaning frequency if ofter determined by visual inspection but to accomplish an economic impact, it is necessary to work with solutions like our PV soiling monitor and software.

The Opportunity

If managed properly, solar panel cleaning does bring significant economic value. However solar panel cleaning goes hand in hand with the opportunity to apply PV anti-reflective coatings. For more information, please feel free to schedule a meeting here. https://calendly.com/soilar-tech/ In general, PV anti-reflective coatings increase performance 2-4% however knowing when this should be done is the key to accomplishing this economic opportunity. Below you can see that just 2 applications of PV anti-reflective coatings on a 50 MW site create $1,431,820 gains throughout the solar assets lifetime or an ROI of 294% in 7 years or approximately 42% per year. Since these coatings should be applied immediately after cleaning, it is a service offering that can and should be provided by a solar panel cleaning company. If you are interested in learning more about adding solar maintenance service, please contact us at Soilar Technologies. Below you can see the added value of both services on a 50 MW installation.

Solar Panel Cleaning Machinery

Solar Panel Cleaning Systems

There are many ways to clean solar panels but the general dos and don’ts include

• Don’t use a pressure washer
• Don’t use lots of water (it is expensive and the property owner will not forgive you)

• Do consider automation as it lowers the cost of cleaning significantly and increases your productivity and quality
• Understand that there are 2 main segments. 1) Commercial & Industrial Solar Panel Cleaning Systems 2) Utility-Scale Solar Panel Cleaning Systems.

Commercial & Industrial Solar panel cleaning systems

Commercial and Industrial Solar panel cleaning systems are challenging because they rarely have water and energy sources next to the solar panels. They can be dangerous to clean since they may be on rooftops, carports, or off the ground. Each installation is very unique since solar panel installers do not consider cleaning when they design the layout. Soilar Technologies offers this support to PV developers and designers.

The main systems include

Semi-Automation

Within semi-automation, you have solar panel cleaning systems

• Solar Panel Cleaning Robot – The robot is driven by an operator via remote control. The robot travels in xy-axis coordinates and is very similar to driving a remote control toy car. This system requires a high upfront cost but productivity levels improve by 4x. There are several xy semi-automated robots on the market but not all brands are the same and the quality of the manufacturer and post-sale service is important.
  • Pros – Productivity rates improve by 4x, Less exposure to employee lawsuits, it safer than cleaning manually, less water consumption, Facilitates scaling of your business. Payback happens within the first month.
  • Cons – Requires an investment of USD $20,000 – USD $50,000, Operators must be trained, the robots can be heavy and may require 2 to 3 operators. Inclination levels may be an issue.

• Lift and Shift Solar panel cleaning machine that is moved and allocated by an operator. This system also works nicely but usually requires “Custom-made solar panel cleaning robots”.
  • Pros – If inclination levels are high this robot will work, easy to use, and Payback happens within the 6 months
  • Cons – Time to delivery, since these robots are custom, you will have to wait 3 months to get them.

Manual Solar Panel Cleaning Systems

• Cleaning manually with a water-fed pole. While this system “works” for just about any installation, it is expensive in terms of labor rates and liabilities associated.
  • Pros – cheap labor can be used, easy to start a business with this method
  • Cons – Lots of people means lots of liability. Accident levels will be higher with this cleaning system. Water consumption rates are much higher with this system.

Utility Scale Solar Panel Cleaning Systems

• Tractor Brush System – This solution requires a higher upfront cost since you need a tractor, hydraulic arm, and smart rotating brush with proximity sensors however it is the most productive solution on the market.
  • Pros – The cheapest way to clean a utility-scale installation, Great payback, and ROI
  • Cons – Cannot be used on all installations, may not be ideal for very desertic areas such as the Sahara or Atacama desert

• Powered Lift and Shift – This solar panel cleaning system is great for utility-scale installations where a tractor cannot be used or the ground is pure sand like in the Sahara or Atacama desert. With this solution, the operators fix the robot to several arrays and simultaneously move them down the array. The robots can do dry and wet cleaning and are extremely productive.
  • Pros – This system works on just about every utility-scale installation, Payback compared to manually cleaning is extremely high, CAPEX values are reasonable any ROI usually happens with the first cleaning
  • Cons – More expensive than the Lift and Shift system, requires more operators than the Tractor Brush system

Fixed Slider with Docking Station – 100% Dry cleaning

Dry Solar Panel Cleaning Robotics

The company is the world’s best Solar Module Cleaning Robot supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

• – – This system is abuzz these days and conceptually it is very simple. We have one robot per row/array that is fixed and solar-powered. The robot moves back and forth daily and no human intervention is needed. While this system is being implemented the CAPEX values are extremely high and the performance loss due to soiling “the cost of being dirty” on the solar panels has yet to prove that the ROI is ideal.
  • Pros – Human intervention is only required for technical repair. Performance loss due to solar panel soiling is virtually zero. Great for areas that are VERY remote and with extremely high soiling levels.
  • Cons – CAPEX values are VERY high and performance loss due to soiling has to average over 3% for this system to be justified. The financials still do not prove that this system is economically beneficial. These solutions only work in extremely arid regions such as the Atacama and Sahara desert where humidity levels are virtually non-existent since they only do dry cleaning. These solutions do not work well where there is humidity.

Solar Panel Cleaning Automation is a very young industry. When choosing your system we recommend you work with consultants to find the best solution for your company or installation. Key takeaways

• Study the system cost not just the cost of the machinery.
• Calculate your CAPEX & OPEX for each system to determine the best solution from a financial perspective.
• Water is expensive, consider it in your analysis. Different robots have different consumption levels.
• Robots have different productivity levels, consider this in your analysis.
• Wear and Tear are extremely important – There are lots of cheap robots on the market that high very high wear and tear costs. Consider this factor in your analysis.
• Inclination levels are a factor you must know. Not all robots have great inclination levels.
• PV Soiling Levels are key. You have to compare the cost of being dirty to the cost of each solar panel cleaning system to see with the system is ideal. Invest in soiling monitoring such as the solutions.
• Work with solar panel cleaning engineers to find the best solution.

As the demand for clean energy continues to rise, more homeowners and businesses are turning to solar power. Solar panels offer a sustainable, cost-saving energy source—but to perform efficiently, they need regular maintenance. One of the most important yet overlooked aspects of solar panel care is cleaning. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why cleaning your solar panels matters, how often you should do it, the best solar panel cleaning solutions, and recommended tools and practices. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or considering professional help, this guide has everything you need.

Why Is It Important to Clean Solar Panels?

Solar panels work by capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity. However, dust, pollen, bird droppings, and pollution can accumulate on their surface, blocking sunlight and reducing energy output. Studies have shown that dirty panels can lose up to 20% of their efficiency. In areas with high pollution, nearby trees, or frequent dust storms, the performance drop can be even greater. Regular solar panel washing not only improves performance but also helps protect your investment by extending the lifespan of the system.

About Solar Panel Cleaning

How Often Should You Clean Solar Panels?

The frequency of cleaning depends on your environment. In general, cleaning every 6 to 12 months is recommended. However, if you live in a region prone to dry weather, heavy air pollution, or nearby construction, more frequent cleaning may be necessary. Panels located under trees or in coastal areas might require quarterly maintenance due to sap, bird droppings, or salt deposits.

Best Time to Clean Solar Panels

The best time to clean your solar panels is during the early morning or late afternoon when the surface is cooler. Avoid cleaning during midday, as panels can become extremely hot, increasing the risk of injury and damaging the surface due to rapid evaporation of cleaning agents. Cloudy days or early evenings are ideal for a safe and effective clean.

Top 5 Solar Panel Cleaning Solutions

There are several effective methods for cleaning solar panels. Below are the top five solutions that balance safety, effectiveness, and eco-friendliness.

Low Pressure Water Rinse

Using a hose with a low-pressure nozzle is a simple and effective way to remove dust and loose debris from the surface. It’s important to avoid high-pressure washers, as they can damage the panels or disturb wiring. Always rinse with clean water to prevent mineral deposits.

Soapy Water with a Soft Brush

For panels with dried-on grime or bird droppings, a mix of lukewarm water and mild soap works well. Use a soft, non-abrasive brush or sponge to gently scrub the surface. Rinse thoroughly and use a squeegee to remove excess water, which helps avoid streaks or residue.

Professional Solar Panel Cleaning Services

If your solar panels are installed in hard-to-reach areas, or you prefer to avoid the risks of rooftop work, hiring a professional service is a smart choice. Experts use specialized tools and techniques to clean panels without causing damage. This option also includes inspection for cracks or issues that may impact performance.

Solar Panel Cleaning Equipment

A variety of solar panel cleaning tools are available on the market. These include telescopic poles with soft brush heads, hose-fed systems, and even robotic cleaners for larger installations. Choosing the right equipment can make regular maintenance more convenient and effective.

Hydrophobic Coatings

Hydrophobic coatings are applied to solar panels to create a water-repellent surface that reduces the buildup of dirt, dust, and organic materials. This solution minimizes the need for frequent cleaning and can improve light absorption by keeping the surface clearer for longer periods.

Which Chemicals Can Be Used?

When cleaning solar panels, avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the anti-reflective coating and reduce efficiency. Instead, use biodegradable, eco-friendly soaps or specialized solar panel cleaning liquids. Always check with your panel manufacturer before applying any chemical agents to ensure compatibility with your system.

More Questions About Cleaning? Ask YRO

At YRO, we understand that clean solar panels are critical to maintaining optimal energy output. Whether you’re unsure about the best cleaning methods, how often to clean, or which equipment to use, our experienced team is here to help. We offer expert guidance tailored to your specific solar setup. If you have questions about cleaning techniques, protective coatings, or compatible accessories, don’t hesitate to reach out—YRO is ready to support your solar maintenance needs.

YRO Solar Panels

YRO offers high-quality solar panels available in various wattages including 80W, 120W, 180W, 200W, and 250W to suit different installation scales. Our panels feature up to 21.0% module efficiency and a +5W positive power tolerance, delivering consistent performance even under environmental stress. Built for durability and easy upkeep, they are compatible with hydrophobic treatments and commonly used cleaning solutions. With strong resistance to dust and water, YRO solar panels are an ideal choice for long-term reliability and low-maintenance operation.

Conclusion