PV cleaning: Which method is right?
For operators of commercial and industrial PV systems
For commercial and industrial systems, robot-assisted cleaning is in most cases the most efficient and economical solution, while manual methods are primarily useful for small or complex systems. Choosing the right PV cleaning method determines how effectively, economically, and gently a solar system is cleaned. Depending on the size of the system, location, and degree of soiling, different methods are used.
In practice, various cleaning methods are used that differ significantly in effort, cost, and results. If the wrong method is chosen, this can lead to inefficient cleaning, unnecessary additional costs, or even damage to the modules.
“The best cleaning method is always the one that suits the specific system. System size, accessibility, and level of soiling determine whether manual, mechanical, or robot-assisted cleaning makes economic sense.”
For manual cleaning, water-fed telescopic poles with soft brushes are used. Demineralized water (osmosis water) is often used to avoid residue.
Benefits:
Disadvantages:
Mechanical devices or machines are used here to speed up cleaning and efficiently cover larger areas.
Benefits:
Disadvantages:
greater technical effort
not suitable for all roofs
Cleaning robots operate automatically and are particularly suitable for large, continuous areas such as commercial roofs or ground-mounted systems.
Benefits:
Disadvantages:
higher investment costs
use depends on roof structure
In certain cases, special methods are used that work without direct mechanical contact or are particularly gentle.
Benefits:
Disadvantages:
The right method always depends on the system’s specific conditions:
There is no one-size-fits-all solution – what matters is the right combination of method and application.
Choosing the right PV cleaning method directly affects cleaning efficiency and therefore the system’s energy yield.
Those who tailor the method specifically to location, system size, and level of soiling achieve better results, reduce costs, and minimize risks.
For commercial, industrial, and agricultural systems, practical experience shows: For large areas, robot-assisted cleaning is usually the most efficient and cost-effective solution, while manual methods are primarily suitable for smaller or hard-to-access systems.
Which method is right in a specific case is closely linked to the cleaning interval – because more frequent cleanings require particularly efficient and scalable solutions.
How often should a solar system be cleaned?
At the same time, the following applies: Which method makes economic sense depends heavily on cleaning costs and the level of soiling.
What does PV cleaning cost, and when does it pay off?
Our recommendation: Have your system assessed individually. Factors such as location, sources of soiling, and system size are key in determining which cleaning method delivers the best long-term results. Sound advice helps you find the optimal strategy and avoid unnecessary costs.
Whether it’s an agricultural rooftop system, a commercial roof or a large solar park—the economically optimal cleaning solution depends on system size, location and degree of soiling. Together, we analyze your system and recommend the right cleaning concept.
Our cleaning solutions at a glance
solarROBOT compact
For agricultural as well as small and medium rooftop systems up to approx. 200 kWp. The cleaning robot can be used independently by the system operator and is supplied including a charging station. CE-certified and developed specifically for cost-effective in-house operation.
solarROBOT pro
For medium-sized commercial and ground-mounted systems. With a working width of up to 2 meters and semi-automated operation, the solarROBOT Pro is ideal for efficient cleaning of larger module areas.
solarROBOT ultimate
For large-scale systems and ground-mounted projects. With a working width of 2.4 meters, maintenance-free chain drive and high area performance, the solarROBOT Ultimate was developed for professional use on large PV systems.
solarBRUSH 600
The handheld cleaning solution for special constructions, complex roof geometries and professional cleaning service providers. Ideal for applications where cleaning robots cannot be used due to the design.
For agricultural as well as small and medium rooftop systems up to approx. 200 kWp. The cleaning robot can be used independently by the system operator and is supplied including a charging station. CE-certified and developed specifically for cost-effective in-house operation.
For large-scale systems and ground-mounted projects. With a working width of 2.4 meters, maintenance-free chain drive and high area performance, the solarROBOT Ultimate was developed for professional use on large PV systems.
The handheld cleaning solution for special constructions, complex roof geometries and professional cleaning service providers. Ideal for applications where cleaning robots cannot be used due to the design.
All systems clean without chemicals or soap using pure water and enable gentle, material-friendly cleaning of PV systems.
We analyze your system portfolio, calculate your individual cleaning needs and recommend the economically optimal cleaning concept—from a single system to a multi-site park.
Calculate your individual yield loss with the hyCLEANER solar loss calculator.
We recommend the economically right cleaning concept for your system.
How much does a dirty solar system cost? Example calculations for agriculture, commercial roofs and ground-mounted systems – incl. yield losses and cleaning intervals.
Find out which photovoltaic cleaning brushes are suitable for different systems and what matters when it comes to material, bristles and gentle cleaning.
Why is the maintenance of a PV system so important? Expert Pascal Kierstein explains how cleaning, monitoring, and maintenance secure yield and profitability.
