Why your panels need cleaning

Solar panels have no moving parts, which leads many owners to forget about them. In Jaipur that is expensive. Dust from the desert winds settles quickly, and a thin brown film can cut generation by 10 to 15 percent within a month in the dry season.

Cleaning is simple but needs care. Use a soft brush or sponge and plenty of water, early in the morning or late in the evening when the glass is cool. Cold water on hot glass at noon can stress it. Never use detergent, a pressure washer or anything abrasive, which can damage the anti-reflective coating.

Hard water is a quieter problem. Borewell water leaves white mineral spots that block light as well as dust does. Our crews use treated water for this reason.

How often? Every three to four weeks from March to June, and after any dust storm. During the monsoon, rain does much of the work. The monitoring app helps: if output drops on a clear day, it is usually time to clean.