Clean solar modules support high energy yields over the long term. ( (C) CCM GmbH, 2026)
Overath, Germany – June 2026. The discussion surrounding water consumption in the cleaning of large photovoltaic systems is gaining international significance. This has been triggered by recent media reports from the United Kingdom that highlight the substantial water requirements for cleaning solar modules during regional water supply shortages.
Regardless of the specific circumstances of the individual case, the debate highlights a fundamental issue facing the solar industry: How can operators ensure the long-term performance of photovoltaic systems while simultaneously reducing water consumption, maintenance efforts, and operating costs?
According to the Photovoltaic Power Systems Program (PVPS) of the International Energy Agency (IEA), the accumulation of dirt on solar modules–known as “soiling”–is one of the most significant causes of yield losses in photovoltaic systems worldwide. The IEA estimates that average global energy losses due to soiling amount to approximately four to seven percent per year. At the same time, this results in annual economic losses for the industry amounting to billions.
Dust, pollen, industrial emissions, agricultural residues, and other environmental factors continuously accumulate on module surfaces. Regular cleaning is necessary to minimize performance losses. In large solar farms in particular, this can require a significant amount of water, personnel, and technical resources.
“With the global expansion of photovoltaics, the question of how to improve the efficiency of solar farms–not only in terms of electricity production but also during ongoing operations–is increasingly coming to the forefront,” explains Bernd Zimmermann, Managing Director of CCM GmbH. “In addition to energy yield, water consumption, maintenance costs, and resource efficiency will also be key metrics for operators and investors in the future.”
Scientific studies and international research projects have been focusing for years on technologies to reduce the buildup of dirt on solar modules. Modern anti-soiling coatings can help reduce the buildup of dust and other particles and support natural cleaning through precipitation. Depending on the location and environmental conditions, this allows for optimized cleaning intervals and reduced maintenance costs.
For operators of large photovoltaic systems, this topic is becoming increasingly important, particularly against the backdrop of rising operating costs, growing ESG requirements, and mounting challenges in water management.
CCM GmbH develops and markets its Solar Panel Coatings–surface coatings for photovoltaic modules that improve the self-cleaning properties of glass surfaces and can reduce the adhesion of contaminants. The goal is to provide solar park operators, EPC companies, and asset and O&M managers with additional opportunities to optimize maintenance processes and resource utilization.
CCM GmbH
Diepenbroich 8
51491 Overath
Germany
https://www.ccm-international.eu
Herr Bernd Zimmermann
02206 938590-10
zimmermann@ccm-international.eu
CCM GmbH, headquartered in Germany, develops and markets innovative surface coatings based on liquid-glass technology for industrial, commercial, and infrastructure applications. The company serves customers in numerous countries and offers solutions to improve surface properties, reduce maintenance requirements, and support sustainable operational processes.
This release was published on openPR.
