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EN-Rev IM/GN-ADM-EN/A1 Copyright © February 2018. Canadian Solar Inc.
This manual covers the requirements for the cleaning
procedure of Canadian Solar Inc. photovoltaic modules.
The purpose of these cleaning guidelines is to provide
general information for cleaning Canadian Solar modules.
System users and professional installers should read these
guidelines carefully and strictly follow these instructions.
Failure to follow these instructions may result in death,
injury or damage to the photovoltaic modules. Damages
induced by inappropriate cleaning procedures will void
Canadian Solar Inc. warranty.
safetY WaRnIng
· Cleaning activities create risk of damaging the modules
and array components, as well as increasing the
potential electric shock hazard.
· Cracked or broken modules represent an electric shock
hazard due to leakage currents, and the risk of shock
is increased when modules are wet. Before cleaning,
thoroughly inspect modules for cracks, damage, and
loose connections.
· The voltage and current present in an array during
daylight hours are sufficient to cause a lethal electrical
shock.
· Ensure that the circuit is disconnected before starting
the cleaning procedure as contact with leakage of
electrically active parts can result in injury.
· Ensure that the array has been disconnected to other
active components (such as inverter or combiner boxes)
before starting with the cleaning.
· Wear suitable protection (clothes, insulated gloves, etc.).
· Do not immerse the module, partially or totally, in water
or any other cleaning solution.
hanDlIng notICe
· Use a proper cleaning solution and suitable cleaning
equipment.
· Do not use abrasive or electric cleaners on the module.
· Particular attention should be taken to avoid the module
glass or frame to come in contact with sharp objects, as
scratches may directly affect product safety.
· Do not use de-greasers on the module.
· Do not use cleaning corrosive solutions containing acid,
alkali, acetone, or industrial alcohol.
· Canadian Solar Inc. recommends to avoid rotating brush
cleaning methods, as they could create micro-cracks in
the PV modules.
· Dirt must never be scraped or rubbed away when dry, as
this will cause micro-scratches on the glass surface.
opeRatIon pRepaRatIon
· Noticeable dirt must be rubbed away by gentle cleaning
implement (soft cloth, sponge or brush with soft
bristles).
· Ensure that brushes or agitating tools are not abrasive
to glass, EPDM, silicone, aluminum, or steel.
· Conduct the cleaning activities avoiding the hottest
hours of the day, in order to avoid thermal stress on the
module.
We recommend the following to be used:
· Water with low mineral content
· Near neutral pH water
· The maximum water pressure recommended is 4 MPa (40
bar)
CleanIng methoDs
methoD a: CompResseD aIR
Canadian Solar Inc. recommends cleaning the soft dirt (like
dust) on modules just with air pressure. This technique
can be applied as long as the method is efficient enough
considering the existing conditions.
methoD B: Wet CleanIng
If excessive soiling is present on the module surface, a
non-conductive brush, sponge, or other mild agitating
method may be used with caution.
· Ensure that any brushes or agitating tools are
constructed with non-conductive materials to minimize
risk of electric shock and that they are not abrasive to
the glass or the aluminum frame.
· If grease is present, an environmental friendly cleaning
agent may be used with caution.
annex D: moDule CleanIng guIDelInes
