Solar Panel Cleaning Methods by Type of Contamination

Solar panel cleaning solutions since 2012

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Solar Panel Cleaning Methods by Type of Contamination

Because solar panels are installed outdoors, various contaminants accumulate on their surfaces over time, including dust, pollen, Asian dust, bird droppings, traffic pollution, tree sap, snow, paper and wood dust, and salt deposits.

Not all contaminants require the same cleaning method. For greater efficiency, dry cleaning and wet cleaning should be selected according to the type of contamination and how firmly it adheres to the panel surface.

Contaminants such as ordinary dust, pollen, Asian dust, and accumulated soil particles can generally be removed through dry cleaning. In contrast, contaminants that have clumped together due to rain or dew, sticky residues, and bird droppings may be better removed through wet cleaning using water and brushes.

Dry Cleaning vs. Wet Cleaning : Choose the Right Method for the Site and Cleaning Objectives

The appropriate solar panel cleaning method depends not only on the type and condition of contamination but also on the purpose of the cleaning, the equipment available, and the level of cleanliness expected by the customer.

Dry cleaning can effectively remove dry, loose contaminants accumulated on the surface, including ordinary dust, wood dust, paper dust, pollen, and Asian dust. However, when contaminants adhere to the surface or dry cleaning alone cannot achieve the desired results, wet cleaning is recommended.

Cleaning Service Providers : Meeting Customer Expectations

For professional cleaning service providers, the expected cleaning quality and final results are important considerations.

When a higher level of cleanliness is required beyond simply removing surface dust, or when a clear difference between pre-cleaning and post-cleaning conditions must be demonstrated, wet cleaning, also known as deep cleaning, is an appropriate option.

However, the cleaning method should always be selected based on the actual contamination level, customer requirements, and the agreed scope of work.

Power Plant Operators : Flexible Cleaning Based on Site Conditions

Power plant operators who own and operate their own cleaning equipment can flexibly choose between dry and wet cleaning according to site conditions and maintenance objectives.

Under normal conditions, dry cleaning can be used to remove accumulated dust and particulate matter. When contamination builds up or more thorough cleaning is required, wet cleaning (deep cleaning) can be incorporated into the maintenance routine.

• Dry cleaning: Efficiently removing dust and particulate matter accumulated on the panel surface.

• Wet cleaning (deep cleaning): Removing adhered contaminants or achieving a more thorough cleaning result.

• Combined dry and wet cleaning: Combining routine dust removal with intensive cleaning according to site conditions.

Neither dry cleaning nor wet cleaning is universally superior. A practical approach is to prioritize dry cleaning for routine dust removal and apply wet cleaning (deep cleaning) as needed, depending on contamination levels, customer expectations, and maintenance objectives.

• The cleaning methods described above assume the use of telescopic cleaning equipment equipped with rotating brushes or solar panel cleaning robots.

Contamination type	Dry cleaning	Wet cleaning	Detergent use
General dust	Possible	Possible	Generally unnecessary
Pollen, Asian dust, fine dust	Possible	Possible	Generally unnecessary
Accumulated dry dust	Possible	Possible	Generally unnecessary
Leaves / small branches	Possible	Possible	Unnecessary
Dust clumped by rain or dew	Possible	Possible	Generally unnecessary
Tree sap / sticky organic residues	Limited	Clean with water and a brush	Use a suitable detergent if necessary
Exhaust deposits / oily contamination	Limited	Clean with water and a brush	Consider detergent depending on the contamination
General construction dust	Possible	Possible	Generally unnecessary
Hardened cement residue	Not suitable	Not suitable	Unnecessary요
Salt deposits / coastal contamination	Suitable for light, dry contamination	Water cleaning recommended	Generally unnecessary
Moss	Limited	Clean with water and a brush	Use a suitable detergent if necessary
Snow	Possible	Not recommended음	Generally unnecessary

Soil Dust, Wood and Paper Dust, Pollen, and Asian Dust Can Be Removed by Dry Cleaning

Solar panels installed near agricultural land, forests, and industrial facilities are exposed to various contaminants depending on their surroundings, including soil dust, wood and paper dust, pollen, Asian dust, and road dust. When these contaminants accumulate in a dry condition on the panel surface, they are typical examples of contamination that can be removed through dry cleaning.

In particular, soil dust and airborne particles from agricultural areas, pollen and plant debris from forests, dust generated by wood processing and paper manufacturing facilities, and general dust around factories and roads can be removed using appropriate dry-cleaning equipment after assessing the type of contamination and its adhesion to the panel surface.

However, if contaminants become clumped after exposure to rain or dew, or adhere to the panel surface after combining with oil or other substances, wet cleaning may also be necessary. Dry cleaning should be the first option for dry, loose contaminants, while wet cleaning can be selected according to the degree of adhesion and site conditions.

• Dry cleaning : Removing surface contaminants such as soil dust, wood dust, paper dust, pollen, and Asian dust.

• Combined wet cleaning : Treating contaminants that have clumped together due to moisture or adhered to the surface.

• Cleaning method selection : Determining the appropriate method based on contamination levels, site conditions, and cleaning efficiency.

In other words, soil dust, wood and paper dust, pollen, and Asian dust do not necessarily require water for removal. Using dry cleaning as the primary option and incorporating wet cleaning when necessary, depending on the condition of the contamination, is an efficient approach.

Contamination Caused by Traffic Pollution Can Also Be Removed by Dry Cleaning

Solar panels installed near roads or in areas with heavy traffic may be exposed to traffic-related contaminants, including vehicle exhaust deposits, tire and brake dust, and fine soil particles generated by road traffic.

Among these contaminants, light accumulations of dry dust and particulate matter on the panel surface can be removed through dry cleaning.

However, fine particles originating from vehicle exhaust or road dust may combine with moisture, oil, or other substances and adhere to the surface, forming a layer of contamination. In such cases, dry cleaning alone may not be sufficient. Depending on the condition of the contamination, combining dry cleaning with wet cleaning can improve the results.

• Dry cleaning: Removing dry road dust and particulate matter accumulated on the surface.

• Combined wet cleaning: Removing contaminants that have adhered to the surface after combining with moisture or oil, as well as persistent contamination films.

Therefore, traffic-related contamination does not automatically require wet cleaning. Cleaning efficiency can be improved by removing loose surface dust through dry cleaning and applying wet cleaning as needed for adhered contaminants.

Bird Droppings and Tree Sap Require Special Treatment

Unlike ordinary dust, bird droppings can adhere firmly to the panel surface. Rather than attempting to remove dried droppings by force, consider softening them thoroughly with water before removing them with an appropriate brush.

Sticky contaminants such as tree sap and resin also require a different approach from routine dust removal. If they cannot be removed effectively with water and a brush, consider additional treatment after checking the panel manufacturer's maintenance guidelines and the suitability of the cleaning agent.

When using detergents, ensure that the product is suitable for the panel surface, frame, seals, and other relevant components. Detergents are not necessarily required for removing ordinary dust and pollen.

Snow Requires a Separate Snow-Removal Approach

During winter, snow can accumulate on solar panels and affect power generation depending on the amount of snow and weather conditions.

Unlike ordinary dust and particulate matter, snow is generally better managed through dry snow removal rather than wet cleaning with water. Whether to allow the snow to melt naturally or remove it manually should be determined based on snow depth, snow conditions, panel tilt, and site-specific circumstances.

When snow removal is necessary, use appropriate equipment and methods that will not damage the panel surface. Worker safety must be the top priority, particularly when working on rooftops or at elevated locations.

Snow is not a contaminant that should be cleaned in the same way as ordinary dust. It requires separate management through dry removal methods, depending on snow accumulation and site conditions.

Hardened Cement Residue Must Be Treated Differently from Ordinary Contamination

Solar panels installed near construction sites or buildings may be exposed to cement dust and mortar residue. Light accumulations of powdered construction dust can be treated similarly to ordinary dust, with dry or wet cleaning considered as appropriate.

However, the situation is different when cement-based materials have hardened after reacting with water or have become firmly attached to the panel surface. Such residues are difficult to remove using standard dry or wet cleaning methods alone.

Hardened cement residue should therefore be treated separately from routine solar panel cleaning. Specialized assessment and appropriate removal methods may be required to avoid damaging the panel surface.

Recommended Cleaning Methods by Contamination Type

Dry Cleaning

• General dust

• Pollen

• Asian dust and fine soil particles

• Accumulated dry contaminants

• Snow, subject to an assessment of feasibility and safety

Wet Cleaning

• Dust clumped together by rain or dew

• General surface contamination

• Contaminants that can be removed more effectively using water and brushes

• Bird droppings and other contaminants that require soaking before removal

Detergent Use

• Tree sap and resin

• Grease and sticky contaminants

• Contamination that cannot be removed effectively with water alone

• Hardened cement residue: generally very difficult to remove with detergents alone and may require specialized treatment

Solar panel cleaning is not a one-size-fits-all process. Ordinary soil dust, pollen, Asian dust, and snow can be managed using dry cleaning methods, while wet cleaning may be appropriate when contaminants have clumped together or adhered to the panel surface. Tree sap and grease may require specialized treatment suited to the contaminant, while hardened cement residue must be handled separately from routine cleaning.

The key is to select the cleaning method by considering the type of contamination, its adhesion to the surface, and overall cleaning efficiency.

By selecting appropriate dry and wet cleaning methods for each site, unnecessary work can be reduced and solar panels can be maintained more efficiently.

Solar panel clelaning solutions since 2012

Solmaks

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