FAQs

Do solar photovoltaic panels need to be cleaned?

The surface of photovoltaic solar panels must be clean in order to ensure full operation and maximum efficiency. Any kind of dirt that may be on the surface of the solar module, be it dust, pollen, tree sap, bird droppings, sand, salt crystals, etc., will reduce the footprint of the sun's rays, i.e. reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the solar module cells, and thus the panel will produce less power.

Do solar photovoltaic panels need to be cleaned?

To the naked eye the panels may appear clean, however there will be dirt accumulated, even if it is just the air pollution itself. A simple test to see if your panel is in need of cleaning is to wipe the surface of the panel with a white cloth or cotton pad before the actual cleaning.

If the solar panel is dirty is it less efficient at producing energy?

According to recent studies, when a solar panel is very dirty it can lose up to 50% of its efficiency compared to a clean solar panel. However, an energy loss of 10 to 15% can be observed in panels with some dirt.

Can climate alone keep solar panels clean?

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A simple way to illustrate why the weather alone does not wash out the solar panels is to look at the windshield of your car. If you leave your windshield dirty for a long time, you will lose visibility due to accumulated dirt, but thanks to the cleaner that you apply and the windshield wiper, you can wash the glass and regain visibility in no time!

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In this way, the solar panels are like the windshields of your car, except that they do not have readily available liquid for washing the solar panels associated with the windshield wiper.

What products can I use to safely clean my solar panels?

For the warranty on your solar panel to remain valid, you should use solar panel cleaners that meet the manufacturers' requirements, such ChemiTek’s products.

However, as a rule of thumb, use products with a neutral pH, that are tested by international laboratories and approved by the solar panel manufacturers themselves. This will rule out any negative effect of their use on washing solar panels.

What is the dilution ratio of the removal agent CRA?

Adjust the dilution of the product according to the harshness of the problem. Do a test in a small area to check which dilution is best for your case. It is preferable to leave the product on the module longer than to use a lower dilution. Start with a dilution of 1 to 2 (1kg of CRA in 2 litres of water) and check the behaviour. If it is not strong enough to start removing the cement with ease, then reduce the dilution to 1 kg of CRA in 1 litre of water or even 1kg of CRA in 0,5 litres of water. In very extreme cases, the product can be used without dilution as a last resort measure. ChemiTek advises against it.

What kind of dirt can be cleaned with the CRA cleaning solution?

CRA is a removal agent for cement dust, stone dust, hard water stains,rust, and other alkali contaminants that are cured on the surface of the glass of solar modules.

The use of CRA on my panels will damage the ARC or other parts of my panels?

Cement Removal Agent is a biodegradable product designed to be as delicate as possible with the components of the solar module (ARC, silicone and aluminium frame). The product reacts chemically only with the contaminants and emulsions the particles so that they can be rinsed off easily.

In case of doubt, contact us.

Is there any way to keep the panels from getting dirty so easily?

CRA is a remediation product, and it should be used as such. To avoid the reappearance of the problem, you should act preventively and protect the modules with an antistatic coating such as the Antistatic Solar Armor from ChemiTek.

Do solar photovoltaic panels need to be cleaned?

How do I know that my solar panels are clean?

If the solar panel is dirty is it less efficient at producing energy?

Can climate alone keep solar panels clean?

In fact, rain, snow, or wind alone does not wash the solar panels, because wind carries particles, snow because it blocks sunlight, and rainwater because it is slightly acidic and, when it dries, leaves spots that quickly attract dirt again, thus making the solar system less efficient.

A simple way to illustrate why the weather alone does not wash out the solar panels is to look at the windshield of your car. If you leave your windshield dirty for a long time, you will lose visibility due to accumulated dirt, but thanks to the cleaner that you apply and the windshield wiper, you can wash the glass and regain visibility in no time!

In this way, the solar panels are like the windshields of your car, except that they do not have readily available liquid for washing the solar panels associated with the windshield wiper.

What products can I use to safely clean my solar panels?

In order for the warranty on your solar panel to remain valid, you should use solar panel cleaners that meet the manufacturers' requirements, such as Solar Wash Protect.

However, as a rule, products with neutral pH that are tested by international laboratories and that are approved by the solar panel manufacturers themselves as they rule out any negative effect of their use on washing solar panels.

What is the dilution ratio of the SWP cleaning and protection solution?

Solar Wash Protect 50 - dilution ratio 1:50
Solar Wash Protect 300 - dilution ratio 1:300
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For more information, see the Technical Sheet or contact us.

What kind of dirt can be cleaned with the SWP solution?

The SWP antistatic cleaning and protection solution effectively removes bird droppings, dust, ash, pollen, salt, cement dust, lichen, and any other kind of dirt.

What is the recommended amount of SWP solution to use?

ChemiTek recommends using between 105mL and 206mL per m² of photovoltaic solar glass. For example, if you have a solar photovoltaic panel with a surface area of 1 m², the usage per solar panel is between 105mL and 206mL, but if you have solar photovoltaic panels with a surface area of 2 m², the usage per solar panel is between 210mL and 412mL.

In case of doubt, contact us.

How do I know that my solar panels are clean?

Solar Wash Protect as a cleaning product, in addition to efficiently removing different types of dirt, does not allow dirt to adhere as easily to the surface of the solar panel, due to its antistatic property. Therefore, by preventing the panels from getting dirty more quickly, it prevents a rapid decrease in the solar panel's power generation. Since dirt does not stick to the surface of the panel, in subsequent cleanings you will notice an easier and faster removal of dirt.

What products can I use to safely clean my solar panels?

For the warranty on your solar panel to remain valid, you should use solar panel cleaners that meet the manufacturers' requirements, such ChemiTek’s products.

However, as a rule of thumb, use products with a neutral pH, that are tested by international laboratories and approved by the solar panel manufacturers themselves. This will rule out any negative effect of their use on washing solar panels.

What is the dilution ratio of the removal agent LRA?

1kg of product for 10 litres of water.

‍For more information, see the Technical Data Sheet or contact us.

What kind of dirt can be cleaned with the LRA cleaning solution?

LRA is a removal agent for lichen, moss and fungi designed specifically to be used on solar panels

The use of LRA on my panels will damage the ARC or other parts?

LRA is a biodegradable product designed to be as delicate as possible with the components of the solar module (ARC, silicone and aluminium frame). The product will help break the bond between the lichen and the solar glass, making them easier to remove.
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In case of doubt, contact us.

Is there any way to keep the panels from getting dirty so easily?

LRA is a remediation product, and it should be used as such. To avoid the reappearance of the problem, you should act preventively and protect the modules with an hydrophobic coating such as the D-Solar Defendor from ChemiTek.

What products can I use to safely clean my solar panels?

What is the dilution ratio of the removal agent CRA?

What kind of dirt can be cleaned with the CRA cleaning solution?

CRA is a removal agent for cement dust, stone dust, hard water stains,rust, and other alkali contaminants that are cured on the surface of the glass of solar modules.

The use of CRA on my panels will damage the ARC or other parts of my panels?

Is there any way to keep the panels from getting dirty so easily?

What kind of equipment can I use to apply the ASA?

ASA is designed to be applied with a robot or a tractor brush.

What is the difference between ASA and D-Solar Defendor?

ASA can be applied in all kinds of climates and provides an antistatic coating; D-Solar Defendor is for extreme climates (with a lot of rain or very dry) and provides a hydrophobic coating, so it will take longer to remove and requires a specific water for dilution.

Should I use any specific water to dilute the ASA solution?

Yes, you should use de-ionized water, that is distilled water, with pure solvents, and free of ions, to dilute your ASA solution and apply it to your panels.

What products can I use to safely clean my solar panels?

In order for the warranty on your solar panel to remain valid, you should use solar panel cleaners that meet the manufacturers' requirements, such as ChemiTek's Cement Removal Agent, Lichen Removal Agent, Water Softening Agent and Sola Wash Protect.

However, as a rule, products with neutral pH that are tested by international laboratories and that are approved by the solar panel manufacturers themselves as they rule out any negative effect of their use on washing solar panels.

Is there any way to keep the panels from getting dirty so easily?

Yes, the antistatic and hydrophobic coatings from ChemiTek were developed having in mind the need to reduce cleaning time, maintenance costs and water usage.

What kind of protection does D-Solar Defendor give to my solar panels?

D-Solar Defendor gives your solar panels a hydrophobic coating which repels water and dirt from your panel, reducing dirt adhesion to your panel, water consumption, and cleaning time in subsequent washings, and thereby increasing energy production by up to 5%.

What types of equipment can I use the D-Solar Defendor on?

The D-Solar Defendor was designed to be applied with a robot or a tractor brush.

Should I use any specific water to dilute the D-Solar Defendor solution?

Yes, you should use de-ionized water, that is distilled water, with pure solvents, and free of ions, to dilute your D-Solar Defendor solution and apply it to your panels.You can use our treatment for hard and very hard water Water Softening Agent to make your water softer in order to dilute the DSD.

Can I apply this hydrophobic protection solution to my solar panels in extreme climates?

Yes, this solution was developed precisely for application in extreme climates, that is very rainy or humid climates.

What is the difference between the D-Solar Defendor solution and the ASA solution?

ASA can be applied in all kinds of climates and provides an anti static coating; D-Solar is for extreme climates (with a lot of rain or very dry) and provides an hydrophobic coating, so it will take longer to remove and requires a specific water for dilution.

What kind of protection does Industrial Glass Protect give to my solar panels?

Industrial Glass Protect gives your solar panels a hydrophobic coating, which repels water and dirt from your panel, reducing soiling adhesion to your panel, water consumption, and cleaning time in subsequent washings, and thereby increasing energy production by up to 5%.

How can I apply the Industrial Glass Protect on my panels?

The Industrial Glass Protect is a product specially developed to apply on factory. Make sure the surface of your panel is clean and degreased. Use latex gloves throughout the process to ensure a completely clean and dry surface. Then, apply a fine mist of product on the desired surface, making sure you polish the treated surface with a microfiber cloth or a polishing beret. After polishing the entire surface, do not expose the glass surface to water or any other liquids for at least 1.5 to 2 hours.

What distance from the glass should I apply the product?

To seal the solar glass, after having the entire surface thoroughly cleaned, you must apply a fine mist of product spraying it between 30 cm to 40 cm.

Prevent the product from drying on the surface without being polished. It is advisable to apply in smaller areas in case of higher ambient temperatures..

How much product do I need for my panels?

ChemiTek recommends applying approximately a volume of 5-10 mL/m2. For large surfaces, application using a spray gun is recommended.

Is there a healing period after applying IGP?

After treating the surface, do not expose the glass surface to water or any chemical solution for at least 1.5 to 2 hours.

Does the product need to be diluted before applying?

No, this solution is ready to use. Just apply it directly to the glass/non-porous surface you want.

In case of doubt contact us.

What is the lifetime of the IGP after opening the package?

Once the Industrial Glass Protect has been opened, it must be used within 12 months to ensure the product's characteristics.

How do I know this product is indeed resistant to corrosion and weathering?

Industrial Glass has been awarded certification from TÜV SUD for both durability and easy to clean functionality. The durability test was carried out to simulate a lifetime of 5 years on interior and exterior use.

This product has also 12 conformity letters from the world's top 15 PV manufacturers as it won't damage the silicone or ARC of the panels

Do I need to prepare the glass for the application of IGP?

A good cleaning procedure is necessary in order to achieve the desired stability over time.

Does a new glass need to be prepared before applying IGP?

Yes, a new glass also must be prepared. However, since there are no incrustations present, the glass only needs to be cleaned and degreased.

What if I over-apply the product? What happens in that case?

In case of over-application of the product, the solution is simple: the glass surface will look greasy, and it will be necessary to remove the excess product with a microfiber cloth. After removing the excess, use a (new) clean microfiber cloth to polish the surface until the product is no longer visible.

Will temperature and humidity influence the application?

Do not apply at temperatures below 5°C or above 30°C; the ideal application temperature is between 15 and 25°C. These two factors are particularly important when applying the product on exterior glass. Low temperature will delay the curing of the coating and high temperatures lead to accelerated evaporation of the product during application.

How and when do I reapply the IGP?

When you notice the coating has reached the end of its life and is no longer performing as expected, you can reapply the IGP solution. Simply repeat the process as you did the first time. It is not necessary to remove the previous coating before reapplying IGP.

After protecting my panels wanted with this coating, will I still need to clean them?

Yes, Industrial Glass Protect is not a cleaner, it is a hydrophobic coating, which helps keeping the surface cleaner for longer by making it harder for dirt to build up. However, keep in mind this product does not eliminate the need for cleaning your solar panels with IGP, as it is not a self-cleaning product.

How long does the coating last?

The correct application of the coating guarantees a lifespan of more than 5 years.

What product should I use to clean my glass after the application?

ChemiTek recommends that a glass surface protected with IGP should be cleaned with a microfiber cloth and, if necessary, a mild, non-abrasive, neutral pH detergent.NEVER use abrasive and/or highly acidic or alkaline detergents, as it will greatly shorten the life of the coating. If your area has hard water and causes a lot of limescale deposits, we suggest using pure white vinegar diluted in water in a 1 to 5 ratio (200mL of vinegar for every litre of water) to clean the glass.

Can I apply the Industrial Glass Protect indoor?

Yes, this product is non-abrasive and environmentally-friendly, being developed to apply both indoor and outdoor. When applied inside, the ventilation of the space must be guaranteed.

What kind of protection does Industrial Glass Protect give to my solar panels?

How can I apply the Industrial Glass Protect on my panels?

What distance from the glass should I apply the product?

How much product do I need for my panels?

ChemiTek recommends applying approximately a volume of 5-10 mL/m2. For large surfaces, application using a spray gun is recommended.

Is there a healing period after applying IGP?

After treating the surface, do not expose the glass surface to water or any chemical solution for at least 1.5 to 2 hours.

Does the product need to be diluted before applying?

No, this solution is ready to use. Just apply it directly to the glass/non-porous surface you want.

In case of doubt contact us.

What is the lifetime of the IGP after opening the package?

Once the Industrial Glass Protect has been opened, it must be used within 12 months to ensure the product's characteristics.

How do I know this product is indeed resistant to corrosion and weathering?

Do I need to prepare the glass for the application of IGP?

A good cleaning procedure is necessary in order to achieve the desired stability over time.

Does a new glass need to be prepared before applying IGP?

Yes, a new glass also must be prepared. However, since there are no incrustations present, the glass only needs to be cleaned and degreased.

What if I over-apply the product? What happens in that case?

Will temperature and humidity influence the application?

How and when do I reapply the IGP?

After protecting my panels wanted with this coating, will I still need to clean them?

How long does the coating last?

The correct application of the coating guarantees a lifespan of more than 5 years.

What product should I use to clean my glass after the application?

Can I apply the Industrial Glass Protect indoor?

Yes, this product is non-abrasive and environmentally-friendly, being developed to apply both indoor and outdoor. When applied inside, the ventilation of the space must be guaranteed.

CEMENT REMOVAL AGENT

Biodegradable agent to remove alkaline contaminants from solar glass

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CEMENT REMOVAL AGENT

CEMENT REMOVAL AGENT

Biodegradable agent to remove alkaline contaminants from solar glass

Industries & Applications

Available Formats

Product Video

FAQs