When dust, smoke, and pollution cover your solar panels, the first instinct for many homeowners in Pakistan is simple: “Bas Surf se dhoodo”
But here’s the truth, cleaning solar panels with Surf is one of the biggest mistakes people make, and it can permanently damage your system.
In this blog, you’ll learn why Surf is dangerous, the safe way to clean solar panels at home, and what experts recommend instead, including PVCARE’s certified solar cleaning products.
Why People Use Surf (And Why It Fails)
Surf or any household detergent is designed for greasy utensils and clothes not delicate solar glass.
Solar panels have anti-reflective coating (ARC) that helps them absorb maximum sunlight.
Detergent removes this coating slowly, even if you don’t see the damage immediately.
Top Risks of Cleaning Solar Panels With Surf
1. Surface Scratches
Detergents create micro-scratches that reduce your panel’s clarity and efficiency.
2. White Soapy Film
Surf leaves residue that attracts more dust, making panels dirty again within days.
3. Permanent Coating Damage
Over time, ARC damage can decrease output by 5–15%, costing you thousands in lost units.
4. Warranty Voided
Most manufacturers warn against chemicals not approved for solar-grade cleaning.
So the answer is clear:
Cleaning solar panels with Surf is unsafe.
How to Clean Solar Panels at Home (Safely)
If you have a home system (1-5 plates), you can clean panels yourself, but only with the right method.
Step-by-Step Safe Cleaning Method
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Rinse with clean water to remove loose dust.
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Use a soft brush or microfiber mop (not household brushes).
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Apply a solar-safe cleaning liquid such as PVCARE Solar Wash Protect.
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Gently wipe in straight motions, not circular scrubbing.
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Rinse again with low-pressure water.
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Let it dry naturally.
This technique protects your glass, coating, and wiring, and avoids all the mistakes homeowners usually make.
Most Common Solar Panel Cleaning Mistakes in Pakistan
These mistakes reduce efficiency more than dust alone:
1. Using Surf or Dishwashers
Already discussed it ruins the surface.
2. Scrubbing With Regular Brushes
These brushes are designed for floors, not glass. They cause scratches and hot spots.
3. Cleaning Panels Under Sunlight
Water dries too fast, leaving stains and marks.
4. Using Hard Water
Hard water causes mineral deposits.
That’s why professionals use RO or deionized water.
5. Not Using Any Cleaning Product
Water-only cleaning fails in dusty areas like Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Multan.
To solve this (and avoid these mistakes), professionals rely on solar-grade shampoo.
Better Alternative: PVCARE Solar Wash Protect
When you can’t use Surf and water isn’t enough, the safest option is a TUV certified solar cleaning chemical like PVCARE Solar Cleaning Shampoo.
Why It’s Better Than Surf
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Safe for ARC coating
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Anti-static layer reduces dust buildup
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Boosts efficiency by up to 10%
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Lasts up to 3 months
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No harsh scrubbing needed
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Recommended for both home and commercial panels
If you want long-term performance without damage, this is the right choice.
How Often Should You Clean Solar Panels in Pakistan?
Because Pakistan faces:
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Dust storms
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Traffic pollution
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Bird droppings
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Construction dust
Most home systems need cleaning every 2-3 weeks.
In dust-heavy areas?
Even more often.
We’ll explain this in detail in a later blog:
Why Monthly Solar Cleaning Isn’t Enough in Pakistan’s Dust Zones
(Link this internally once published.)
Solar Plate Cleaning Tips for Pakistani Homes
Here are some quick, practical tips:
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Clean early morning or evening only
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Never wash hot panels
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Avoid pressure washers
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Use long-handle soft brushes
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Use solar-grade shampoo, not Surf
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Keep wiring dry
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Clean more frequently during summer and dry season
These small habits extend your system’s life and prevent costly repairs.
When Should You Call Professionals?
If you notice:
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Fast efficiency drop
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Tough stains
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Cement or paint marks
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Hard water stains
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Repeated underperformance
Then DIY cleaning won’t help.
Professionals use:
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Deionized water
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Certified chemicals
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Robotic cleaners (for large systems)
We’ll cover this in detail in another blog:
Is Your Solar Underperforming? 5 Signs You Need a Cleaning Service Now
Final Word: Never Use Surf for Solar Panels
It’s cheap, but it’s expensive for your system.
Household detergents are not designed for sensitive solar glass.
Safe Solution
Use:
Water + Soft Brush + Solar Cleaning Shampoo
This ensures:
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No scratches
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No residue
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Better sunlight absorption
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Longer panel life
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Higher efficiency