R. Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro
Zona Industrial de Bouro - Letra C
4740-010 Esposende, Portugal
Water Softening Agent
Hard & very hard water treatment: Keep your panels spotless
ChemiTek's Water Softening Agent (WSA) is a specially formulated solution designed to soften hard and very hard water, preventing mineral buildup on the panels’ surface.
WSA works by capturing mineral ions such as calcium and magnesium. When added directly to a water tank, it acts within about 20 minutes. For setups without a water tank, real-time softening with a dosing pump and dynamic mixer (e.g., Dosatron) allows water to be softened directly from the tap. WSA can be used in conjunction with other cleaning agents of Chemitek, including Solar Wash Protect (SWP), for maximum effectiveness.
Before and after cleaning modules with our treatment for hard and very hard water. On the left side (before) there are hard water stains, but on the left side the modules are properly cleaned
Hard water stains on modules cleaned with untreated water
Testing hard water after treating it with our WSA
Benefits of treating water with WSA
By using our Water Softener for solar panel cleaning, O&M teams and asset owners can:
- Save Time and Money: treating water with WSA simplifies water logistics, reducing water shipping costs or avoiding the need for an onsite demineralization system;
- Improve Energy Efficiency: mineral buildup can significantly reduce the energy output of your solar panels and speed up resoiling. WSA helps keep your panels operating at their maximum performance, providing a more consistent energy output;
- Extend Panel Lifespan: regular cleaning with WSA helps protect your solar panels from damage caused by mineral buildup, extending their lifespan and ensuring that they continue to perform at their best;
Certified for solar panels by independent laboratories – tested by ÉMI-TÜV Sud.
WSA has been proven safe for all panel components (e.g., aluminium frame, anti-reflective coating, and silicone seals) and does not interfere with light transmission. It is suitable for all types of installations, including floating PV (FPV) systems.
Approved by PV manufacturers
Water Softening Agent has letters of conformity from the top PV manufacturers:
- Longi
- JA Solar
- Runergy
Floating PV Applications
Floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems require cleaning solutions that are both effective and safe for aquatic environments. Chemitek Solar’s Water Softening Agent (WSA) fully meets these requirements. An ecotoxicity study conducted by the Centre for Waste Valorisation (CVR) confirmed that WSA is safe for the aquatic fauna and flora typically present beneath FPV structures. The study found that only a 1 mm water column under the panels is required to remain below the safety threshold—far less than the average depth of over 1 m in most FPV plants.
WSA is specifically designed to capture the mineral ions present in hard water, preventing the formation of hard water spots and stains after cleaning. When used on floating installations, WSA ensures a spotless finish without affecting the panels or the water environment. This makes maintenance faster and easier, lowers O&M costs, and protects the aesthetic and functional performance of FPV installations. It is therefore fully safe and highly effective for use in Floating PV environments.
Industries & Application
- Treatment for water used in the cleaning of photovoltaic panels;
- Treatment to prevent the appearance of limestone deposits (on cleaning equipment, solar panels, etc.)
- Installers of photovoltaic plants
- Solar panel cleaning companies
- Solar parks with their own maintenance teams
Available Formats
- 2L drum
- 5L drum
- 20L drum
- 1000L IBC
FAQs
The WSA is not a cleaning product. It is a softener for hard and very hard water. It is biodegradable and reduces water hardness by capturing mineral ions, preventing spots and stains caused by mineral deposits (e.g., calcium).
Studies show that tap water is almost always unsuitable for cleaning solar modules. The presence of minerals will, after drying, form limescale/stain deposits on your panel glass. This will decrease energy production or even damage the panel due to the creation of hotspots. Therefore, one of the most important things to consider when cleaning your panel, apart from the product you will use to remove the soiling, is the type of water used.
Hard waters are those with a high concentration of salts and minerals, mainly cations of calcium and magnesium, or cations of other metals, such as barium, iron, manganese, strontium and zinc. The hardness of water can differ geographically, i.e. it will depend on the geological nature of the place the water passes through and with which it comes into contact. Hard water is associated with areas where the rocks are of a calcareous nature. Waters from limestone areas are harder than waters from granitic areas (waters from granitic areas are typically softer).
The type of water used in the cleaning and maintenance of solar panels is one of the fundamental steps for correct cleaning. The use of hard water or water with a high content of organic matter (such as water from rivers and lakes) is not recommended for cleaning solar panels. It is recommended to use water with the least possible amount of impurities (the least possible amount of minerals and organic matter), with a neutral pH, non-abrasive to the panel materials.
The best water for cleaning is demineralized water obtained through mechanical or chemical softening processes. Distilled water is also a good option for cleaning panels.
Recommended Dilution Specifications according to Manufacturer (ChemiTek):
- For soft water, use a dilution of 1:3500 (0,3L per 1000L);
- For medium water, use a dilution of 1:2500 (0,4L per 1000L);
- For hard water use a 1:1500 dilution (0,7L per 1000L);
- For very hard water use a 1:1000 dilution (1L per 1000L).
Note: the dilution might vary according to the expected results.
The WSA treatment has an action time of about 20 minutes when added directly in the water tank.
If your setup does not include a tank, the real time softening setup is the best for you. This setup includes a dosing pump and dynamic mixer. You can find more information here.
Yes, the WSA solution is compatible with other products of Chemitek’s solar range.
Yes. WSA has been tested and confirmed safe for FPV systems. The ecotoxicity study by CVR confirmed no risks for aquatic fauna and flora beneath floating solar panels.
