We Are Sona Solar Zimbabwe – The Best Solar Systems Company and
Your Trusted Source for High-Quality, Affordable Solar Solutions.
Need expert Guidance to choose the Perfect Solar System or Solar-Powered Boreholes in Zimbabwe? Chat with our friendly Sona Solar Zimbabwe team on WhatsApp for fast, personalized advice. We typically respond within 30 minutes and Guarantee a reply within one hour.
+263 78 922 2847Don’t Let Dust Steal Your Solar Power – The Crucial Case for Regular Panel Cleaning
At Sona Solar Zimbabwe, our mission is to empower households, businesses, and communities with reliable and efficient solar power solutions designed for the unique energy challenges of Zimbabwe. Choosing to invest in a solar system is more than just a purchase—it is a long-term commitment to sustainability, lower electricity bills, and greater energy independence.
By keeping your panels clean, you not only safeguard efficiency but also extend the lifespan of your system, protect your warranty, and maximize the long-term financial and environmental benefits of going solar with Sona Solar Zimbabwe.
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%. This means your system produces significantly less electricity, forcing you to rely more on battery storage or the grid.
- Lower Return on Investment (ROI): You invested in one of our complete solar packages to save money. If your panels consistently underperform by 20%, it will take much longer to recoup your initial investment.
- Potential for "Hot Spots": When debris like leaves consistently covers a part of a panel, it can create "hot spots." The shaded cells stop producing power and can heat up as current from working cells flows through them, potentially damaging 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 or oily residue. In many cases, a light rain can worsen the problem by creating a muddy film. In Zimbabwe's long dry seasons, relying on rain is simply not a viable maintenance strategy. 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 or are difficult to access, we strongly recommend hiring a professional cleaning service. For accessible systems, follow these guidelines:
- Clean in the Early Morning or Evening: Never clean panels during the heat of the day to prevent thermal shock from cold water on hot glass.
- Use the Right Tools: A soft brush with a long extension pole and a standard garden hose are usually all that is needed. Avoid high-pressure washers, which can damage panel seals.
- Use Water and Mild Soap (If Necessary): For most dust, plain water is sufficient. For stubborn grime, a small amount of gentle, biodegradable soap can be used. Rinse thoroughly.
- Turn Off the System: It is always a best practice to shut down your solar system at the inverter or breaker before cleaning to ensure complete electrical safety.
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!
Sona Solar Zimbabwe – Your Trusted Partner for Solar Energy Solutions
Sona Solar Zimbabwe provides premium Solar Panels, Lithium Batteries, Inverters, and complete Solar Systems for homes, businesses, and industries. We also specialize in expert Borehole Drilling Solutions and Solar-Powered Water Systems. Trust our experienced team for professional Solar installations in Harare, Marondera, Mutare, Chitungwiza, and across Zimbabwe, delivering reliable, efficient, and cost-effective renewable energy solutions.
Want to get started or check prices and availability? Chat with us instantly for personalized advice, expert guidance, and tailored quotes!
Sona Solar Zimbabwe
Sona Solar Zimbabwe
7 Frank Johnson Avenue,
Avenues, Eastlea
Harare, Zimbabwe.
Call Us Today:
Solar Sales:
+263 78 293 3586
Solar Sales:
+263 78 922 2847
Operations:
+263 78 864 2437
Sona Landline:
+263 24 2797750
Email:
sonasolarzw@gmail.com
Website:
www.sonasolar.co.zw
Borehole Experts Zimbabwe
Borehole Experts Zimbabwe
7 Frank Johnson Avenue,
Avenues, Eastlea
Harare, Zimbabwe.
Call Us Today:
Borehole Sales:
+263 77 389 8979
Borehole Sales:
+263 71 500 3777
Borehole Operations:
+263 71 918 7878
Borehole Landline:
+263 24 2797750
Email:
boreholeexpertszw@gmail.com
Website:
www.boreholeexperts.co.zw
