Solar panel cleaning
Robotic cleaning for utility-scale solar farms
Module cleaning for utility-scale solar plants in South Africa and Zambia, quoted for plant owners, asset managers and O&M contractors.
This page covers what matters when you're putting module cleaning out to tender on a solar farm. For the general assessment process and site requirements, see our robotic solar panel cleaning overview.
Responding to plant RFQs
Solar farm cleaning is usually tendered by the plant owner or the O&M contractor. To price it properly we need to understand the plant, not just its size. A useful RFQ includes:
- Plant capacity, module count and number of rows or tables
- Layout drawings showing blocks, roads and row spacing
- Module type and the manufacturer's cleaning instructions
- Mounting system: fixed tilt or tracker, and the tracker make if known
- Requested frequency and contract period
- Water availability, site rules, induction and permit requirements
If something is still unknown, tell us — we'll list it as a clarification rather than guess.
Array layout and row access
Row length, spacing, gaps between tables, slopes and row ends decide how cleaning equipment moves through the plant. We also look at internal roads, vegetation and drainage between rows, and where equipment can be staged.
Fixed-tilt and tracker arrays
Fixed-tilt and single-axis tracker plants need different planning. Compatibility with your mounting system is confirmed during assessment, and on tracker plants stow positions and tracker control are coordinated with the site's O&M team.
Water and logistics
If the confirmed method needs water, we need to know the source, quality and where it can be drawn. Remote plants also raise travel distance, accommodation, laydown and secure storage — all of which are priced into the quote rather than assumed.
Scope and site requirements
Makhaya provides
- 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
To agree with the site
- Access, permits and inductions
- Electrical safety rules and any isolations
- Water, if the method needs it
- Work windows and tracker coordination
Scheduled cleaning enquiries
Many plants want a recurring programme rather than a single clean. We can quote either. A recurring schedule is proposed from the site's dust conditions, rainfall seasons and the owner's requirements — not a fixed formula — and can be adjusted with your O&M team.
Soiling and its effect on output vary from plant to plant, so we don't promise a fixed gain. Your plant's own monitoring data is the best guide to when cleaning pays off.
Mine-owned plants have their own requirements — see solar panel cleaning for mines. For plants in Zambia, see solar panel cleaning in Zambia.
Frequently asked questions
Can you respond to a formal RFQ?
Yes. Send the RFQ pack and we'll review the scope, drawings and site requirements, raise clarifications and price the module cleaning scope.
Does the quote cover other O&M work?
The enquiry and quote concern module cleaning. Any additional assessment, monitoring, electrical or maintenance requirements must be discussed and separately agreed with the site team.
Will the robots work on our trackers?
That has to be confirmed for your plant. Tracker type, row length, row ends and stow positions all affect whether robotic cleaning can be used and how it is coordinated.
Can you quote a cleaning schedule for a year or more?
Yes, we can quote recurring cleaning. The proposed frequency is based on your site's dust and rainfall patterns and the owner's requirements, and can be reviewed with your O&M team as the season changes.
What if we don't know the exact panel count yet?
That's fine. Give us the approximate MWp or write “unknown” in the form — we'll confirm the numbers from your layout drawings.
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 for your solar farm
Tell us where the plant is and what you know about it. If you have an RFQ pack, mention it and we'll ask for the documents.
Request a solar farm quote
Other solar cleaning pages
Robotic solar panel cleaning
Overview, assessment process and site requirements.
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.
Zambia
Solar farms, mining and commercial and industrial sites in Zambia, with mobilisation agreed for each project.