Did you check your solar app recently and notice your daily unit generation has dropped? You aren't alone. In Surat, dust and industrial pollution are the absolute biggest enemies of solar efficiency.
1. How Often Should You Clean?
Your cleaning schedule depends entirely on your location in Surat:
- Residential Areas (Adajan, Vesu): Cleaning every 10 to 15 days is usually enough.
- Industrial Areas (Sachin, Pandesara): Due to heavy airborne pollutants, you may need to wipe down your panels once a week.
2. The Best Time to Clean
This is where most homeowners make a critical, expensive mistake. Solar panels sit in the direct sun and their glass gets extremely hot during the day.
Danger: Thermal Shock
Never spray cold water on hot solar panels in the middle of the afternoon. The sudden change in temperature causes "thermal shock," which can instantly crack the tempered glass. Always clean your panels early in the morning (before 8 AM) or late in the evening.
3. The Right Way to Clean
Using the wrong equipment can scratch the anti-reflective coating on your panels, causing permanent damage to their efficiency.
What to DO
- Use soft, RO or Municipal water if possible.
- Use a soft microfiber cloth or a sponge wiper.
- Clean gently. Dust usually washes away easily.
What to AVOID
- Don't use hard borewell water (leaves calcium deposits).
- Never use detergents or soap (leaves a sticky film).
- Never use abrasive brushes or scrubbers.
Don't have time or a safe way to reach your roof?
Chidanand Solar offers professional, automated cleaning maintenance packages.