Frequently Asked Questions
How does Lavee Solar compare to other solar panel cleaning methods?
How does Lavee Solar compare to other solar panel cleaning methods?
Lavee Solar outperforms all traditional cleaning approaches - water cleaning, detergent cleaning, and waterless robots - by delivering higher energy yield with dramatically fewer resources.
- No Cleaning: Lowest effort but causes major long term yield loss and panel degradation.
- Water Cleaning: High logistical cost, heavy water use, and risks like micro cracks, minerals, and ingress.
- Water + Detergent: Adds chemicals, hazardous wastewater, and potential
warranty risks. - Waterless Robots: High CAPEX/OPEX, risk of abrasion, and no long lasting repellence.
- Lavee Solar: Up to 30% more yield, zero water, 120× less liquid, eco
friendly, biodegradable, and approved by global PV manufacturers.
Result: Lavee Solar provides the safest, cleanest, most sustainable and most cost effective cleaning method available.
How effective is Lavee Solar compared to water-based cleaning?
How effective is Lavee Solar compared to water-based cleaning?
Waterless cleaning is highly effective at removing dust and debris, especially when performed regularly. Lavee Solar has been proven to keep panels cleaner for longer due to its dirt and water repellent properties.
Why would I choose waterless cleaning over traditional water-based methods?
Why would I choose waterless cleaning over traditional water-based methods?
- Water conservation: Waterless cleaning is especially valuable in regions facing water scarcity or drought, where water-based cleaning can strain limited resources.
- Accessibility: Waterless methods are practical for panels installed in hard-to-reach or remote locations where water supply is limited or logistics are challenging.
- Speed and efficiency in the cleaning process.
Can Lavee Solar be applied during installation?
Can Lavee Solar be applied during installation?
Yes, Lavee Solar can be applied during installation. In fact, applying Lavee Solar at the point of installation is a smart strategy. It immediately protects the panels with its SmartShield coating, which helps repel dust and water, reducing soiling from day one. This means the system starts operating at peak efficiency right away and stays cleaner for longer, reducing the need for early maintenance and helping to maximise early-stage energy yield.
Does cleaning with Lavee Solar invalidate my solar panel warranty?
Does cleaning with Lavee Solar invalidate my solar panel warranty?
No. Lavee Solar is approved by many leading panel manufacturers. Always check your panel’s warranty terms and recommended maintenance procedures before cleaning.
Is Lavee Solar environmentally safe to use?
Is Lavee Solar environmentally safe to use?
Yes. Lavee Solar is biodegradable, eco-friendly, pH-balanced, free from wax, silicone & heavy solvents – safe for use in all locations.
Do solar panels need to be cleaned if it rains often?
Do solar panels need to be cleaned if it rains often?
Yes. Many believe that frequent rainfall eliminates the need for solar panel cleaning, but this is a misconception. While rain can wash away loose dust, it does not remove sticky residues, bird droppings, pollen, or mineral deposits. Over time, panels still accumulate layered soiling, which reduces efficiency regardless of climate. Although soiling is typically more severe in dry, dusty environments, a recent case study in a region with high annual rainfall showed that panels cleaned with Lavee Solar achieved an additional 8.19% yield.
Is cleaning only needed in spring and summer?
Is cleaning only needed in spring and summer?
No. It is often assumed that solar panel cleaning and protection are only necessary during the sunnier months, but this is not the case. To maximise energy production and make the most of the limited irradiance available, panels should also be cleaned during less sunny seasons such as autumn and winter. Dirt, debris, and organic matter can accumulate year-round, reducing efficiency even when sunlight is scarce.
How much does soiling/dirt affect solar panel efficiency?
How much does soiling/dirt affect solar panel efficiency?
Soiling is the second biggest factor reducing solar performance after irradiance. Depending on environment, annual losses can range from 5% in open spaces to 30% in agricultural or industrial areas, and up to 50% in extreme environments. Even in the UK, despite frequent rainfall, real world soiling losses average 7–15%, as rain does not remove sticky residues, pollution, bird droppings or hard mineral deposits.
Independent research from the IEA PVPS, SolarAnywhere, and European groups such as the German Aerospace Centre shows that rainfall only removes around 10% of soiling, with UK baseline losses of ≈5.3% under modelled conditions. Combined with real world factors like pollen, tilt angle and seasonal accumulation, regular cleaning is essential to maintain optimal system efficiency and energy yield.
Is cleaning really worth the cost?
Is cleaning really worth the cost?
Absolutely. Ignoring cleaning costs more than you think. Soiling chips away at output year after year, and those losses compound. In high-soiling areas, panels can lose 30% or more of annual yield. Even in lower-yield regions like the UK, cleaning pays off. For just £0.42–£0.72 per panel (depending on Lavee Solar volume purchased), a modest 5% gain in yield can deliver a 5–9× return on investment. That’s a small spend for a big gain.
How does Lavee Solar work?
How does Lavee Solar work?
Lavee Solar works using a simple 3-step process (Spray-Spread-Squeegee) that mixes and binds Lavee Solar with any soiling (dust, dirt, etc.), and then removes the mixture from the panel. All without needing an on-site water supply. Plus, it leaves behind a SmartShield coating that repels dust and water, keeping panels cleaner for longer.
What is SmartShield?
What is SmartShield?
SmartShield technology delivers an advanced dual‑action surface treatment that cleans the panel surface and then forms a hydrophobic, anti‑soiling layer. This coating actively reduces dust, dirt and water retention, slowing the rate of re‑soiling.
By keeping panels cleaner for longer and maximising light transmittance, SmartShield can increase energy yield by up to 30%, with typical gains of 5–15% depending on location and soiling levels.
Can I perform waterless cleaning myself or should I hire professionals?
Can I perform waterless cleaning myself or should I hire professionals?
Both work. DIY waterless cleaning is possible for ground-mounted or easily accessible panels using proper tools, although we highly recommend following our ‘User guide’ for further details on equipment and application. For roof-mounted panels or large installations, professional services are safer and more efficient.
Does Lavee Solar need diluting before use?
Does Lavee Solar need diluting before use?
No. The product is ready to use and does not require any water at any stage (before, during or after).
How often should I clean my solar panels with Lavee Solar?
How often should I clean my solar panels with Lavee Solar?
The frequency depends on local conditions. In dusty environments or areas with little rainfall, more frequent cleaning is beneficial. Regular schedules (monthly or quarterly) are common for optimal performance. In the UK, where irradiation is relatively low and rainfall is prevalent, we generally recommend once or twice annually.
What’s the best time of the day to clean panels?
What’s the best time of the day to clean panels?
Ideally clean when panels are cool - early morning, late afternoon, or overcast days. If cleaning during hot period is necessary, more Lavee Solar may need to be applied due to evaporation.
Can Lavee Solar be used in the rain?
Can Lavee Solar be used in the rain?
Avoid cleaning during heavy rain, as it can dilute the product. Light rain is generally fine and won’t affect performance.
Does it work on heavily soiled panels?
Does it work on heavily soiled panels?
Yes, although very heavily soiled panels (e.g. tree sap, cement, encrusted dirt) may need multiple applications. Once cleaned and protected, future maintenance is faster and easier.
Get in touch
Ready to experience the future of solar panel cleaning?
Contact us today for more information or to place an order.