How dirt affects output
Dust, pollen, bird droppings and construction debris form a film on the glass. Less light reaches the cells, so output drops. Rain washes off some of it, but not everything.
Cleaning safely
- Clean early in the morning or in the evening, when the glass is cool.
- Use clean water and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasives and harsh chemicals.
- Do not walk on panels or lean on frames.
- Never clean in a way that puts you at risk of falling. Roof edges and wet surfaces are dangerous.
- Switch off the system if the installer advises it, and keep water away from electrical boxes.
How often
Every few weeks is a reasonable start for a home in a typical Bengaluru neighbourhood. Clean more often near construction, roads or open ground.
Watch the numbers
Check your inverter app daily or weekly. A sudden fall on a clear day suggests a problem. Compare with a similar sunny day, not with a cloudy one.
Yearly inspection
A technician should check structure fasteners, cable condition, connectors, earthing, surge protection, the inverter and the net meter connection. Keep the service report.
Warning signs
- Burning smell, hot spots or damaged cables.
- Inverter error codes that do not clear.
- Cracked glass or loose panels.
- A sharp drop in generation.
Call your installer, and do not attempt electrical repairs yourself. Our AMC service covers scheduled cleaning and checks.
Frequently asked questions
Does rain clean the panels?
Rain removes some dust but often leaves streaks and residue. Periodic cleaning is still needed.
Keep reading
Ready to see what solar saves your home?
Tap Free Survey and share your pincode and bill. An engineer will check your roof, size the system and explain the PM Surya Ghar subsidy for your home.