Solar panel cleaning
Cleaning contracts for solar farms and industrial PV
For plant owners, asset managers and O&M procurement teams who want module cleaning as a defined, priced scope — a single clean or a repeat programme — rather than ad hoc call-outs.
A clear scope protects both sides: you know what you're buying, and we can price it properly. This page sets out what we need to quote a cleaning contract, who is responsible for what, and how scheduling works. For the general approach, see the robotic solar panel cleaning overview; for plant conditions, see solar farm cleaning.
One-off clean or repeat scope
One-off clean
A single clean of the plant, or part of it. Owners ask for this after a long dry or dusty spell, when nearby construction or mining has added dust, or to see a method working on their own rows before deciding on anything longer.
Mobilisation is carried by one visit, which is worth bearing in mind when comparing prices.
Repeat scope
A set number of cleans over an agreed period, timed around the site's dust and rainfall seasons. The planned timing is a starting point, not a fixed rule — it can be reviewed with your O&M team as conditions and plant data show what's needed.
The contract should say how extra, moved or cancelled visits are handled.
Information to include in an RFQ
- Plant name, location and capacity; module count or tables per block if known
- Layout drawings with blocks, internal roads and row spacing
- Module make and model, with the manufacturer's cleaning instructions
- Mounting system — fixed tilt or tracker — and how trackers are controlled
- Number of cleans wanted, preferred timing and contract period
- Water: whether the site can supply it, and its quality
- Site rules, inductions, medicals and permit-to-work requirements
- Commercial terms you need: pricing basis, insurance, payment and rescheduling
Missing information is fine — we list it as a clarification rather than guessing. Pricing factors are explained on what affects solar farm cleaning costs.
Access, responsibilities and exclusions
Makhaya
- Module cleaning by the agreed method
- Supervision and PPE for our team
- Agree site documentation, safety requirements and any work records in the quoted scope
The site
- Access, gate control, permits and inductions
- Electrical safety rules and any isolations by authorised people
- Tracker positioning where needed
- Water, if the method needs it and the site supplies it
Agree separately
- Any assessment, monitoring, electrical or maintenance requirements beyond module cleaning
- No guarantee of energy yield or output is given
Schedules depend on site conditions
A cleaning date can move because of rain, wet ground, wind, high heat, plant operations or access restrictions. We'll agree with you how those changes are communicated and handled. For help deciding how often cleaning is worthwhile, see our guide on how often a solar farm should be cleaned. Mine-owned plants have extra access steps — see solar panel cleaning for mines.
Frequently asked questions
Do you offer guaranteed response times?
We don't publish standard response times. If your contract needs a call-out or rescheduling commitment, put it in the RFQ and we'll tell you plainly whether we can meet it for your site.
Can we start with one clean before committing to a repeat scope?
Yes, you can ask us to quote a single clean of the whole plant or part of it. Whether a repeat scope follows is your decision once you've seen the work and your own plant data.
Can the contract include performance or soiling reporting?
The enquiry and quote concern module cleaning. Any additional assessment, monitoring, reporting, electrical or maintenance requirements must be discussed and separately agreed with the site team, and any work records are set out in the quoted scope.
How is the price structured?
That depends on the scope you ask for — for example a price per clean, per block or for a set number of visits. Tell us how you want it priced and we'll quote on that basis, with the assumptions stated.
Can a contract cover sites outside South Africa?
Zambia, yes. Other SADC countries are considered case by case, subject to equipment suitability, access and mobilisation.
Which robot or equipment do you use?
We share equipment details directly with plant owners and site teams during an enquiry, rather than publishing them. Ask us by phone on +27 16 366 3200 or email reception@corrosioncontrol.co.za and we'll take you through the equipment proposed for your site.
How long has the company been operating?
Makhaya Corrosion Control, previously M&S Corrosion Control, was founded in 1981 as an industrial contractor. Robotic solar panel cleaning is one of the industrial services we offer today.
Quote a cleaning contract
Send the plant location and whether you need a one-off or repeat scope. Mention your RFQ documents and we'll ask for them.
Request a contract quote
Other solar cleaning pages
Robotic solar panel cleaning
Overview, assessment process and site requirements.
Solar farms
Utility-scale plants: RFQs from owners and O&M contractors, row access, fixed or tracker arrays, water and logistics.
Mine solar installations
Solar plants on and around mine sites, where haul-road and stockpile dust, inductions and site rules shape the work.
Large commercial rooftops
Factories, warehouses, distribution centres, offices and shopping centres — roof access, load limits and fall protection first.