Wessex Solar Zimbabwe, owned by Sona Solar Zimbabwe, is your trusted solar energy solutions provider and Zimbabwe’s leading online solar media house. We specialize in high-quality solar equipment—including Must, Sako inverters, Canadian/Jinko/JA Solar panels, and SVolts/Leoch/Polaris lithium batteries—for homes and businesses. As authorized dealers, we guarantee genuine products and expert advice to help you transition to reliable solar power.
The Hidden Thief Robbing Your Solar System of Power – Why Cleaning Dusty Solar Panels is Crucial
At Sona Solar Zimbabwe, our mission is to empower you with reliable and efficient solar power solutions designed for homes, businesses, and farms.
Why a Clean Panel is a Productive Panel
Solar panels work by allowing sunlight to penetrate photovoltaic (PV) cells. When the glass surface is covered in dust, dirt, or bird droppings, it acts as a barrier, physically blocking sunlight from reaching the cells. This has several negative effects:
- Reduced Energy Production: Studies show that even a thin layer of dust can reduce a panel's efficiency by 5% to 25%.
- Lower Return on Investment (ROI): If your panels are consistently underperforming, it will take longer to recoup your investment in one of our complete solar packages.
- Potential for "Hot Spots": Debris covering a specific part of a panel can create "hot spots," which can damage the panel over time.
A common misconception is that regular rainfall is sufficient to clean solar panels. While a heavy downpour can wash away some loose dust, it is often not enough to remove more stubborn, caked-on grime. In Zimbabwe's long dry seasons, proactive, regular cleaning is necessary to ensure consistent, year-round performance.
Safe and Effective Cleaning Guidelines
We recommend inspecting your panels every few months and cleaning them at least once or twice a year. If you live in a particularly dusty area, near a main road, or have a lot of bird activity, more frequent cleaning may be necessary to maintain peak performance.
Safety is paramount. If your panels are on a steep roof, we strongly recommend hiring a professional cleaning service. For accessible systems, follow these guidelines:
- Clean in the Early Morning or Evening.
- Use the Right Tools: A soft brush and a standard garden hose are usually sufficient.
- Use Water and Mild Soap (If Necessary).
- Turn Off the System.
Frequently Asked Questions
The loss can be significant, ranging from 5% in lightly dusty conditions to over 25% if panels are heavily soiled. For an average 5kVA system, a 20% loss in efficiency could mean losing several kilowatt-hours of free energy every single day, forcing you to rely on more expensive grid power.
Yes, for most situations, regular tap water is perfectly fine. However, if you live in an area with very hard water (high mineral content), the minerals can leave white spots on the panels after the water evaporates. In these cases, using deionized or filtered water is the ideal solution to prevent mineral buildup.
Yes, the tilt angle does play a role. Panels installed at a steeper angle (15 degrees or more) benefit more from the self-cleaning effect of rain, as water runs off more effectively. Panels installed on a flat roof or at a very shallow angle are more prone to pooling water and accumulating dirt and require more frequent cleaning.
The Sona Solar Zimbabwe Commitment to Performance
When you invest in a solar solution from Sona Solar Zimbabwe, our commitment doesn't end after the installation. We are dedicated to ensuring your system—whether it's one of our mid-range solar systems or a complex high-capacity commercial setup—performs at its peak. A clean solar panel is a productive one. By taking this simple step, you protect your investment and ensure your journey to energy independence is as efficient as possible. Have questions about maintaining your solar system? Contact Sona Solar Zimbabwe today!
Zimbabwe’s Solar Authority: Products, Power and Proven Expertise
Welcome to Wessex Solar Zimbabwe, your trusted source for reliable solar solutions. As an authorized dealer of top brands like Codi, SRNE, Must and Sako inverters, Canadian, Jinko, and JA Solar panels, and SVolts, Leoch, and Polaris batteries, we provide high-quality products and expert guidance for homes and businesses across Zimbabwe.
Our mission is to make solar energy accessible and sustainable. With in-depth insights, professional advice, and customer-focused service, we help you harness the sun’s power efficiently. Join us on the journey to a brighter, greener future with Wessex Solar Zimbabwe.
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