The fact that Karachi is situated on the Arabian Sea gives it a lot of sunlight and, at the same time, the proximity to the sea gives it a specific set of challenges. Sea air can be very humid, and depositing microscopic layers of salt and moisture gradually on solar panels. These conditions, over time, decrease the efficiency and decrease the panel life and raise the maintenance requirements.
The Science of Salt and Humidity
Sea breezes blow far up the inland the fines of salt. These particles are mixed with the damp air moisture when these particles fall on hot solar panels. The water evaporates and the crystals of salt are left behind forming a thin white layer on the surface of the glass. it:
- Scatters Sunlight- Salt grains are tiny and therefore, refract light such that it does not reach the photovoltaic cells.
- Faster Corrosion – Water that is retained on the frame of the panel, may corrode metal components and electrical contacts.
- Forms Hard Stains – Salt stains are attached firmly to the surface of the glass, and they can hardly be washed away by simple water or light rain.
This mixture of humidity and salt renders natural rainfall inefficient as cleaning mechanism.
Impact on Solar Efficiency
The effect of a light coating of salt on panels can decrease panel output by several percent, just like the effects of dust or bird droppings. In months, the accumulation is increased and leads to:
- Observable declines in the daily production of electricity.
- Hot spots where salt is drawn to moisture and heats unequally.
- Reduced the life of the panel as a result of corrosion of the frames and junction boxes.
In the case of homes and businesses which use net-metering, such losses will result in reduced credits and increased electricity prices.
Karachi’s Year-Round Challenge
Coastal humidity is permanent as compared to occasional dust storms. Salt is brought on a daily basis by warm sea air, even on clear days. Moisture is caused by seasonal monsoon rains, but evaporates fast due to Karachi heat, leaving more salt layers behind. The loss of efficiency in panels may be considered considerable even in one year unless they are maintained regularly.
The reason why ordinary rain and tap water do not work
Though it may appear that rain cleans itself, it usually brings with it minerals and when it evaporates, it leaves streaks. Manual rinsing Tap water has calcium and magnesium that cause further spots. The two techniques can even exacerbate the situation by depositing more salt rather than extracting salt.
Cleaning Solutions
The investments at the Karachi coast on solar require professional cleaning in order to protect them. Other services of this type such as Solar Sweep also use the purified, deionized water and soft and non-abrasive equipment to clean the surface leaving no concentration of salt/humidity residue or leaving any mineral deposit. This approach:
- Regains full sun uptake of sunlight.
- Removes any corrosion by removing the hidden salt at the edges of the panels.
- Does not require using any chemicals, and thus the process is environmentally friendly.
Systems are kept at their best efficiency with regular cleanings, especially after the monsoon and during the hot summer.
Long-term Protection and Savings
Repeat maintenance is much more than a restoration of everyday efficiency. It also:
- Increases panel and board life expectancy.
- Keeps up their net-metering credits and reduced power bills.
- Lowers the cost of making expensive repairs or premature replacements.
Conclusion
The climate in Karachi, along with its beaches, provides a lot of sunshine, but at the same time, the salt and moisture present are consistent and can damage solar arrays silently. Solar panels in Karachi are influenced by coastal humidity and layers of salt through the dispersal of light, corrosion of components and formation of stubborn stains that cannot be washed away through normal rain. Regular cleaning by professional cleaners using pure water will keep panels transparent, effective, and durable so that homeowners and businesses are able to get the best of their investment in solar.
To Karachi residents, having Solar Sweep clean their premises every few months is a convenient method of protecting against the insatiable impacts of seashore dampness and salt concentration.
