Can waterless cleaning remove dust from solar panels?

MIT engineers have now developed a waterless cleaning method to remove dust on solar installations in water-limited regions, improving overall efficiency. The new system uses electrostatic repulsion to cause dust particles to detach and virtually leap off the panel’s surface, without the need for water or brushes.

How to clean solar panels?

The water used for cleaning these solar panels using pressurized water jets has to be trucked in from a distance, and it has to be very pure to avoid leaving behind deposits on the surfaces. Dry scrubbing is sometimes used but is less effective at cleaning the surfaces and can cause permanent scratching that also reduces light transmission.

How does a solar panel cleaner work?

The disc brushes have ball bearings and are driven by the water from the high-pressure cleaner. Low-pressure operation with cold water and a delivery rate of 700 to 1000 litres per hour is sufficient. A nylon bristle ensures scratch-free cleaning to protect the sensitive surfaces of the solar panels during cleaning.

How to clean a photovoltaic system?

Brushes with soft or hard bristles are available for different surfaces. We recommend soft brushes for cleaning photovoltaic systems. If you are using cleaning agents, they should be suitable for removing stubborn, greasy soiling and mineral residues. If the water film breaks down quickly, streak-free drying without limescale stains is possible.

Is polywater® solar panel cleaner biodegradable?

Approved by many of the largest global PV panel manufacturers in the world. Considered readily biodegradable based on OECD guidelines. Polywater® Solar Panel Cleaner is formulated for the unique challenges of solar panel cleaning. It rinses without DI water and does not corrode metal rails.

Can you use deionized water to clean solar panels?

Solar maintenance companies like US-based Bland Company and Premier Solar Cleaning have found that using deionized water with a rolling or vehicle-mounted brush allows them to clean panels without using soap, which leaves a residue that not only shades panels but attracts dirt.