R. Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro
Zona Industrial de Bouro - Letra C
4740-010 Esposende, Portugal
Cement Removal Agent
Biodegradable agent to remove alkaline contaminants from solar panels
Solar panels are a great way to generate electricity and save money on energy bills. However, when installed next to cement plants, cement and other alkaline contaminants can accidentally splash onto the surface of solar panels. If left untreated, this cement buildup will severely reduce the performance of the solar panels and affect their lifespan.
In fact, cement dust dries very quickly on the surface of the module, and often O&M teams are forced to resort to aggressive methods to clean the panels, such as harsh chemicals, scrapers and high-pressure machines. But these methods are not only aggressive and harmful to human health and the environment, they also damage the panels and void the warranty.
Real case of application of CRA to effectively and safely remove cement dust from solar panels in Israel
The Cement Removal Agent (CRA) from ChemiTek is a powerful and effective solution that can help you clean your solar panels and restore their performance. This product is specifically designed to remove cement, stone dust, gypsum, hard water stains, concrete droppings and other alkaline contaminants from solar panels without damaging the surface, while significantly reducing the time spent cleaning, the water consumed for cleaning and the costs required to clean the modules.
Tested for solar panels by ÉMI-TÜV SÜD
The international laboratory ÉMI-TÜV Sud, recognized by their services of certification of solar panels, certified the CRA as safe for solar panels. This certification assures that the use of the CRA does not damage the panel’s components (e.g., aluminum frame, anti-reflective coating and silicone seals) and does not interfere with the light transmission.
Approved by PV manufacturers
The Cement Removal Agent has letters of conformity from the Top PV manufacturers:
- Canadian Solar
- Longi
- JA Solar
- Jinko
- Risen
- Runergy
- Suntech
- Trina
This product is a remediation agent and should be used as such. To avoid a recurring problem, you should act preventively and protect your modules with one of ChemiTek's coatings. This will prevent dust particles from adhering directly to the glass, making them easy to remove during normal cleaning operations.
How it Works?
CRA is a concentrated solution that needs to be diluted in water before being applied to the contaminated solar modules. This innovative cleaning agent uses a unique blend of surfactant technology to dissolve and break down cement and other alkaline contaminants on the surface of your solar panels. This powerful formula penetrates deep into the cement to soften and loosen it, making it easier to remove.
To use the Cement Removal Agent, simply dilute the product in water (see bellow the recommended dilution ratio) apply the product directly to the affected area and allow it to sit for a few seconds. Then, brush the surface, rinse with water. With just a few easy steps, your solar panels will look like new again.
Benefits:
Cement Removal Agent offers several benefits for solar panel owners:
- Effectively removes cement dust, stone dust, gypsum, hard water stains, concrete droppings and other alkaline contaminants from solar panels
- Safe and easy to apply formula that won't damage neither void the surface of your solar panels
- Helps restore the performance of your solar panels
- Saves time and money on maintenance and cleaning
- Safe for the operators, cleaning equipment and the rooftop materials.
Available Formats
- 2kg drum
- 5kg drum
- 20kg drum
- 1000kg IBC
FAQs
The surface of photovoltaic solar panels must be clean to ensure full operation and maximum performance. Any kind of soiling that may be on the surface of the solar module, be it dust, pollen, tree sap, bird droppings, sand, salt crystals, etc., will reduce the light transmission, i.e. reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the solar module cells, and thus the panel will produce less energy.
To the naked eye the panels may appear clean, however there will be soiling accumulated, even if it is just the air pollution itself. A simple test to see if your panel is in need of cleaning is to wipe the surface of the panel with a white cloth or cotton pad before the actual cleaning.
According to recent studies, when a solar panel is very dirty it can lose up to 50% of its performance compared to a clean solar panel. However, the Worldwide average energy loss due to soiling is 3 to 5%.
In fact, rain or wind will not keep the panels clean. Wind will carry particles that will settle on the panel and rainwater is not enough to remove any incrusted soiling such as bird droppings or pollen. Rainwater can even lead to the appearance of hotspots by accumulating the soiling on the bottom frame of the panels.
For the warranty on your solar panel to remain valid, you should use solar panel cleaners that meet the manufacturers' guidelines and are certified for solar panels, such as Solar Wash Protect.
This means that the products need to be pH neutral, biodegradable and environmentally friendly and have been tested by international laboratories, such as the TÜV Sud.
Adjust the dilution of the product according to the harshness of the problem. Do a test in a small area to check which dilution is best for your case. It is preferable to leave the product on the module longer than to use a lower dilution. Start with a dilution of 1 to 2 (1kg of CRA in 2 litres of water) and check the behaviour. If it is not strong enough to start removing the cement with ease, then reduce the dilution to 1 kg of CRA in 1 litre of water or even 1kg of CRA in 0,5 litres of water. In very extreme cases, the product can be used without dilution as a last resort measure.
CRA is a removal agent for cement dust, stone dust, hard water stains, concrete droppings, and other alkali contaminants that are cured on the surface of the glass of solar modules.
Cement Removal Agent is a biodegradable product designed to be as delicate as possible with the components of the solar module (ARC, silicone and aluminium frame). The product reacts chemically only with the contaminants and emulsions the particles so that they can be rinsed off easily.
In case of doubt, contact us.
CRA is a remediation product, and it should be used as such. To avoid the reappearance of the problem, you should act preventively and protect the modules with an antistatic coating such as the Antistatic Solar Armor from ChemiTek.
