With the fast adoption of renewable energy in Karachi, it is now usual to see rooftops full of solar panels in residential houses, offices, and factories. Nevertheless, it is equally important to maintain these panels as it is to install them. Some also think that all they need to do is spray solar panels with tap water. The fact is that, untreated tap water in Karachi may even damage your solar investment rather than save it.
In the article, we will discuss the reasons why tap water is not safe to clean solar panels and why it makes sense to use professional services such as Solar Sweep.
The Problem with Karachi’s Tap Water
The water supply of Karachi is infamously sporadic and in most cases polluted. The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) stated that almost three-quarters of water samples in Karachi were inedible as they were contaminated with bacteria and contained too many salts (source).
These impurities are important now but solar panels do not drink water. In Karachi tap water normally has:
- High content of minerals (calcium, magnesium, salts) – causing hard water stains on panel glass.
- Chlorine and contaminants – which rust fine surfaces and frames.
- Suspended solids and sediments – leaving a muddy residue after drying.
As this water evaporates in the Karachi sun it leaves a cloudy stubborn residue that decreases the panel transparency and efficiency.
How Hard Water Damages Solar Panels
The most significant contributor to the eventual damage of solar panels is hard water. With every rinse you run under tap water, you stand to risk:
Scaling and etching: The minerals are formed on the glass, permanently decreasing the absorption of sunlight.
Micro scratches: Due to the presence of unfiltered water, which contains abrasive particles, these reduce the performance of the panel.
Metal frame corrosion: Chlorides and salts enhance the rate of rusting, which reduces the lifespan of the panel.
With the hot weather in Karachi and the panels already working in the hot weather, this mineral deposition can create an efficiency loss of 20-30% in the long run.
Reasons as to Why Professional Cleaning is Preferable.
Rather than using tap water, purified, deionised water that leaves no traces or residue is utilised in special solar cleaning services.
At Solar Sweep, we apply the best water purification methods and environmentally friendly processes that:
- Get all the minerals and salts off before your panels are exposed to water.
- Ensure streak-free, spotless cleaning for maximum sunlight absorption.
- Prolong the life of your solar system with the prevention of corrosion and etching.
- Give a routine check-up to ensure that dirt, dust and bird droppings are not present.
This implies that your solar panels remain clean, productive and efficient throughout the year.
The Cost of DIY vs. Professional Care
Other house owners want to clean their house on their own to cut expenses, but when you consider the danger of:
Without precautionary attire,
- using ladders,
- Eating the untreated water, scratching the panels,
- Up to 30 per cent of efficiency is lost in mineral stains,
- …it is evident that professional care is the cheaper option.
Put it in perspective: a small amount of money saved by consuming tap water just once, a few hundred rupees, will cost a person thousands of rupees in terms of the loss of electricity generation.
Sustainable Cleaning for Karachi’s Climate
As the dust levels increase, saline humidity rises, and rainfall becomes irregular in Karachi, panels need to be maintained regularly. Solar Sweep can also clean safely and effectively, not to mention that it can assist households and businesses in reaching sustainable energy objectives.
We can maintain your panels without damaging the environment or wasting valuable water with deionised water and greener processes.
Conclusion
Conveniently, tap water will do the job, but under Karachi conditions, it is a silent killer of your solar investment. Mineral deposits from long-term corrosion, untreated water can reduce the effectiveness and longevity of your panels significantly.
Better, safer, and more environmentally friendly is to put it in the hands of professionals, such as Solar Sweep, who work with the appropriate equipment, clean water, and professional skills to ensure that your solar panels are functioning optimally.
Get your solar ROI maximised and unneeded harm prevented by booking a cleaning session with Solar Sweep today.
