Solar panel cleaning
What affects solar farm cleaning costs?
We don't publish a price per MWp, because the same capacity can be a very different job from one plant to the next. This page explains what drives the cost, so you can give us the right information and compare quotes fairly.
For how we assess a site, see the robotic solar panel cleaning overview. If you're putting together a tender, see solar farm cleaning contracts.
MWp versus panel count
MWp tells you the plant's rating, not how much glass there is to clean. Cleaning effort follows the number and size of modules, how they're arranged in tables and rows, and how easily equipment moves between them.
Higher-wattage modules mean fewer, larger panels per MWp than an older plant of the same rating. So if you can, give us the module count or layout drawings as well as the MWp. If you only know the MWp — or nothing yet — say so; “unknown” is a fine answer in the form.
Comparing cleaning quotes
Before comparing prices, check that each quote covers:
- The same area or number of modules
- The cleaning method, and whether it follows the module maker's instructions
- Who supplies water, if any is needed
- Mobilisation, travel and accommodation
- The number of visits and how rescheduling is handled
- Site requirements assumed, such as induction days
- What is excluded
What changes the price
Layout and row access
Row length, gaps between tables, slopes and how equipment moves between rows change how long the work takes.
Mounting
Fixed-tilt and tracker plants plan differently. Trackers may need positioning in coordination with the site.
Type of soiling
Light dust, heavy mining or road dust, bird droppings and dirt that has stuck after dew or light rain need different effort.
Travel and accommodation
Distance from our base, remote locations, overnight stays and secure equipment storage.
Water
Whether the confirmed method needs water, whether the site supplies it, and how far it has to be carted.
Country
Cross-border work adds mobilisation, paperwork and lead time that a local job doesn't have.
Frequency
A one-off clean carries the full mobilisation; a repeat scope may spread it over several visits.
Site rules
Inductions, medicals, escorts, work windows and permit-to-work steps all take time on site.
Remote and cross-border sites carry the biggest travel and mobilisation share — see Northern Cape and SADC cross-border enquiries.
Cost questions
Can you give a rough price per MWp?
Not reliably without knowing the site. Two plants with the same MWp can be very different jobs. Send what you have — even just location and approximate size — and we'll tell you what else we need to quote.
Is a repeat scope cheaper per clean?
It can be, because mobilisation is shared across visits, but that depends on the site and the schedule. The quote will show the basis so you can compare.
Will cleaning pay for itself?
We don't forecast that. It depends on how much soiling is actually costing the plant, the tariff and the cleaning cost. Your O&M team's performance data is the right basis for that decision.
Is there a charge for a site assessment?
Ask us when you enquire. It depends on where the site is and whether a visit is needed or drawings and photos are enough.
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.
Get a project quote
The more of the details above you can share, the firmer the quote. Location and approximate size are enough to start.
Request a project 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.