{"id":2322,"date":"2026-09-27T20:05:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-27T17:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mits.sa\/%d8%aa%d9%86%d8%b8%d9%8a%d9%81-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a3%d9%84%d9%88%d8%a7%d8%ad-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b4%d9%85%d8%b3%d9%8a%d8%a9\/"},"modified":"2026-10-17T08:30:03","modified_gmt":"2026-10-17T05:30:03","slug":"cleaning-solar-panels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mits.sa\/en\/cleaning-solar-panels\/","title":{"rendered":"Cleaning solar panels from dust: how often and what is the correct method?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Cleaning solar panels in Saudi Arabia is not a luxury, but an essential part of operating the system. In most cities, cleaning every two to four weeks is sufficient, with an additional cleaning after every dust storm. The correct method is to use clean water with a soft brush in the early morning or late afternoon, after first insulating the system.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mits-box\"><strong>In short:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dusty slate may lose approximately 0.3\u20130.5% of its daily production in dusty areas, and the loss after a storm is much greater.<\/li>\n<li>Clean every 2\u20134 weeks depending on your region, and monitor daily production to determine the exact timing.<\/li>\n<li>Use low-salt water and a soft brush, and avoid high pressure, strong detergents, and hot plates.<\/li>\n<li>Disconnect the system before cleaning, as the DC voltage in the panels is dangerous even with the inverter switched off.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Why does dust affect panel production in this way?<\/h2>\n<p>A solar cell converts only the light that reaches it. A layer of dust blocks some of this light and reflects some of it, thus reducing the current produced by the panel. The problem doesn&#039;t stop at even blocking. When dust accumulates at the bottom edge of a slanted panel, or bird droppings fall on a single cell, that area acts as a partial shadow, limiting the output of an entire row of cells.<\/p>\n<p>Continuous partial shade can cause the shaded cell to heat up more than its neighbors, a phenomenon known as a hot spot. Over time, this can lead to permanent damage to the cell. Therefore, regular cleaning not only increases production but also protects the hive itself.<\/p>\n<p>In areas like Riyadh, Qassim, and Al-Ahsa, fine dust accumulates quickly. In Jeddah and Dammam, the added humidity and dew transform the dust into a sticky, muddy layer that is difficult for even light rain or wind to remove.<\/p>\n<h2>How much does a dirty board lose? (Example with numbers)<\/h2>\n<p>According to common engineering data, an unclean panel in dusty areas can lose approximately 0.3 to 0.5% of its daily output. This figure varies depending on the city and the system&#039;s proximity to dirt roads, farms, or construction sites.<\/p>\n<p>Let&#039;s take an example: a 10-kilowatt system in Riyadh. One kilowatt produces approximately 4.5 to 6 kilowatt-hours per day, so let&#039;s assume an average of 5 kilowatt-hours. Therefore, the daily clean energy production is approximately 10 x 5 = 50 kilowatt-hours.<\/p>\n<p>If the system is left uncleaned for 20 days at a loss rate of 0.4% per day, the approximate loss becomes 20 x 0.4% = 8%. This means that production decreases by 50 x 8% = 4 kilowatt-hours per day.<\/p>\n<table class=\"mits-t\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Time without cleaning<\/th>\n<th>Approximate weight loss (0.4% per day)<\/th>\n<th>Daily losses for a 10 kW system<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>7 days<\/td>\n<td>7 \u00d7 0.4% = 2.8%<\/td>\n<td>50 \u00d7 2.8% = 1.4 kWh<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>14 days<\/td>\n<td>14 \u00d7 0.4% = 5.6%<\/td>\n<td>50 \u00d7 5.6% = 2.8 kWh<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>30 days<\/td>\n<td>30 \u00d7 0.4% = 12%<\/td>\n<td>50 \u00d7 12% = 6 kWh<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>After a dust storm<\/td>\n<td>Much higher and may double<\/td>\n<td>It needs immediate cleaning<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>These are approximate figures for illustrative purposes; actual accumulation isn&#039;t perfectly linear. However, they&#039;re enough to understand that leaving the panels in a dusty area for a whole month can result in a significant loss of production. If you want to know how this affects your bill, see the calculation method in the article. <a href=\"\/en\/is-solar-worth-it-saudi-arabia\/\">Solar energy feasibility and payback period<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>How often should I clean the solar panels?<\/h2>\n<p>There is no one-size-fits-all schedule. The schedule depends on three factors: the amount of dust in your area, the angle of inclination of the panels, and their accessibility.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>very dusty areas<\/strong> (Farms, outskirts of cities, near dirt roads or quarries): Every one to two weeks.<\/li>\n<li><strong>residential neighborhoods within cities<\/strong>Usually every two to four weeks.<\/li>\n<li><strong>coastal cities<\/strong> For example, in Jeddah and Dammam: pay attention to the muddy layer that dew creates with dust, as it may require more thorough cleaning than just rinsing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>After every dust storm<\/strong>Cleaning within a day or two, regardless of the schedule.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The angle of inclination also has an effect. Nearly flat surfaces tend to accumulate more dust and water, while an inclination close to the city&#039;s latitude, such as approximately 24\u00b0 in Riyadh, helps some of the dust to slide off. Detailed information on the angles for each city can be found in the article. <a href=\"\/en\/solar-panel-tilt-angle\/\">Best orientation and tilt angle for solar panels<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mits-tip\"><strong>\ud83d\udca1 Tip:<\/strong> Record your system&#039;s daily output using the inverter app for a month. Clean the panels, then compare the next day&#039;s output to that of a similar sunny day the previous day. The difference will show you how much you were losing and help you determine the optimal cleaning schedule for your site instead of guessing.<\/div>\n<h2>Before cleaning: Safety first steps<\/h2>\n<p>Solar panels produce an electrical voltage as soon as light reaches them, even if the inverter is switched off. In residential systems, the panels are connected in series, resulting in a DC voltage of hundreds of volts. This voltage is dangerous and can only be stopped by proper insulation.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Turn off the inverter according to the manufacturer&#039;s instructions.<\/li>\n<li>Disconnect the DC switch between the panels and the inverter, then disconnect the AC power supply.<\/li>\n<li>Inspect cables and connectors visually only before touching them. If you see a frayed cable or a burnt connector, do not clean it; contact a qualified technician.<\/li>\n<li>Never stand on the boards, and never lean on them. The pressure can cause microscopic cracks in the cells that are invisible to the naked eye.<\/li>\n<li>If the panels are on a high surface, use a safety harness and anchor point, or leave the task to a professional team.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>The correct way to clean panels, step by step<\/h2>\n<h3>Choose the right time<\/h3>\n<p>Clean in the early morning or late afternoon when the glass is cool. Spraying cold water on very hot glass in the middle of summer can cause thermal stress to the glass. Water also dries quickly on a hot surface, leaving salt deposits.<\/p>\n<h3>Start by removing the dry dust.<\/h3>\n<p>If the layer is dry and thick, remove as much of it as possible first with a soft, long-handled brush. This reduces the amount of water needed and prevents the dust from turning into mud that rubs against the glass.<\/p>\n<h3>Rinse with low-salt water<\/h3>\n<p>Hard or salty water leaves a white film after drying that blocks the light. It&#039;s best to use low-salt water, such as household desalinated or treated water. Rinse from top to bottom.<\/p>\n<h3>Rub gently, then rinse again.<\/h3>\n<p>Use a soft brush or a dedicated sponge mop. For stubborn stains like bird droppings, soak in water for a few minutes, then gently remove. Rinse to remove any residue, and allow the panels to dry or wipe with a clean rubber squeegee.<\/p>\n<h2>Common mistakes that damage panels during cleaning<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>very high pressure<\/strong>Water may push into the panel frame or junction box and damage the seal.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Strong detergents and solvents<\/strong>This may affect the anti-reflective coating on the glass. If you need a cleaner, choose a mild one and follow the manufacturer&#039;s recommendations.<\/li>\n<li><strong>rough tools<\/strong>Rough sponges and wire brushes scratch the glass, and scratches collect dust faster later on.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Neglecting the lower edges<\/strong>Dust collects at the bottom frame and casts a shadow on the last row of cells.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cleaning without isolation<\/strong>The most dangerous mistakes, especially if there are damaged cables.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Design flaws also make cleaning difficult, such as installing panels without maintenance pathways. See the article <a href=\"\/en\/solar-installation-mistakes\/\">Common solar panel installation mistakes<\/a> To avoid it from the start.<\/p>\n<h2>Manual cleaning, a specialized team, or automated systems?<\/h2>\n<p>For a home with a small system on an easily accessible roof, the homeowner can clean it themselves if they follow safety procedures. However, for larger systems in farms and factories, or panels mounted on high canopies, it is best to rely on a trained team with appropriate equipment.<\/p>\n<p>In large projects, automated or semi-automated cleaning solutions are sometimes used. The decision here is economic: compare the value of the recovered energy with the cost of cleaning. To learn the basics of safely operating the system, see [link\/reference\/etc.]. <a href=\"\/en\/learn\/\">MITS Free Academy<\/a> Interactive lessons for beginners and technicians.<\/p>\n<p>When designing a new system, consider early cleaning. Choosing a mounting structure that allows for proper aisles and places panels at an accessible height will save you a lot of trouble later. You can estimate the right structure via <a href=\"\/en\/solar-mounting-structure-calculator\/\">Solar Mounting Structure Calculator<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"mits-faq\">\n<h3>Is rain enough to clean solar panels?<\/h3>\n<p>Light rain in most parts of the Kingdom may turn dust into mud instead of removing it. Therefore, rinsing after light rain is recommended, but do not rely on it as a substitute for regular cleaning.<\/p>\n<h3>Can I use regular tap water?<\/h3>\n<p>This is possible if the salt content is low. Hard water leaves white spots after drying, so it&#039;s best to use treated or low-salt water, and then dry the surface with a rubber squeegee.<\/p>\n<h3>Does cleaning void the board&#039;s warranty?<\/h3>\n<p>Cleaning as recommended by the manufacturer usually does not void the warranty. However, excessive pressure, strong chemicals, or standing on the board may cause damage not covered by the warranty; refer to the product manual.<\/p>\n<h3>How do I know if the panels need cleaning now?<\/h3>\n<p>The easiest way is to compare the daily output of the inverter application to similar sunny days. If you notice a gradual decrease without any other apparent reason, dust is most likely the culprit.<\/p>\n<h3>Is cleaning at night better to avoid electricity?<\/h3>\n<p>The effort required is significantly reduced in the dark, but working on a high surface at night increases the risk of falls. Cleaning is best done early in the morning after insulating the system, with good lighting and clear visibility.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mits-cta\">\n<p><strong>Do you need a suitable system?<\/strong> The MITS team designs and installs systems with maintenance lanes and tilt angles that facilitate cleaning and maintain production throughout the year.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/en\/contact\/\">Request a price quote<\/a> \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/966575993880\">WhatsApp 0575993880<\/a> \u00b7 <a href=\"\/en\/solar-energy-calculator\/\">Try the calculator<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A guide to cleaning solar panels from dust in Saudi Arabia: how often to clean them, how much you lose if you neglect them, the safe step-by-step method, and common mistakes that damage the panels.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2321,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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