Cleaner for Solar Wash System

Q. We are working on a new system designed to clean large solar arrays. We would like to develop a cleaner for our particular use in our solar wash system that produces an easy to maintain surface to keep module output at a maximum.

A. Installed solar arrays and panels operate at peak efficiency when they are clean. Dirt, grime, bird droppings and dust can degrade the performance of solar panels. To remove residues, use a 0.5 – 1% solution of Liquinox neutral range detergent (5 -10 ml/L or 0.65 – 1.25 oz/gallon).

Apply the Liquinox solution with a sprayer – you can use hand sprayers, garden sprayers, backpack sprayers, or large truck mounted agricultural sprayers. Allow the solution to soak but do not allow it to dry on to the panel. Before it dries on, use a squeegee to wipe the solution off of the panel.

Performance of the panel will be improved. Liquinox detergent is a non-toxic, biodegradable cleaner that can be used for field cleaning. Liquinox is a mild skin and eye irritant, it is recommended to wear skin and eye protection when handling the solutions.

A gallon (3.8 L) of Liquinox concentrate makes 200 gallons (760 L) of 0.5% solution, Each gallon of 0.5% solution will clean at least 350 square feet (32.5 square meters) of solar panels. So one gallon of Liquinox concentrate (3.8 L) can clean at least 70,000 square feet (6,500 square meters) of Solar Panels.

As detergent concentration directly relates to detergent capacity, or the amount of residue that can be removed, higher concentrations can be considered for particularly dirty applications. A gallon (3.8 L) of Liquinox concentrate will make 100 gallons of 1% solution.

Note that a water rinse would likely be required in these instances.

If a low foaming detergent is preferred or required, this same procedure can be followed using either mild Luminox® Low-Foaming Neutral pH Liquid Detergent or alkaline Solujet® Low-Foaming Phosphate-Free Liquid.

All detergents are completely free rinsing, biodegradable and phosphate-free.

To request a Liquinox sample, or other Alconox Inc. detergents for free, please complete the questionnaire at Get Sample.  For more information about any one of our Alconox Inc. detergents, consult the technical bulletin for each product. Or click here to access each of our detergent’s Safety Data Sheets.

Do you have a critical cleaning question for the experts at Alconox Inc.?  Search TechNotes to see if it’s been answered before or Ask Alconox.

Contact us any time: cleaning@alconox.com