What is a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Meter?
How do they work and why we use them for Window and Solar Panel cleaning.
Magic Windows supplies a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) meter with every Pure water unit sold.
A TDS meter is a compact, handheld device used to measure the concentration of dissolved solids in a liquid, typically water.
It operates by assessing the electrical conductivity (EC) of the water, which correlates to the presence of dissolved ions such as salts, minerals, and metals.
The higher the concentration of these ions, the greater the water’s conductivity, and thus, the higher the TDS reading, usually expressed in parts per million (ppm).
The working principle of a TDS meter is straightforward. It consists of two electrodes that, when submerged in water, apply a small electrical current. The meter measures how easily the current flows between the electrodes, as this is influenced by the presence of dissolved ions.
Pure water, with minimal dissolved solids, has low conductivity, resulting in a low TDS reading.
Conversely, water with high levels of dissolved substances conducts electricity better, yielding a higher TDS value. The meter converts this conductivity measurement into a TDS reading using a predetermined conversion factor, typically calibrated for common ions like sodium or calcium.
TDS meters are widely used in solar panel and window cleaning because water purity directly impacts cleaning effectiveness of the cleaning process.
In these applications, purified water, often produced through reverse osmosis, deionization or a combination of the two systems, is preferred because it has a low TDS (close to 0 ppm). Low-TDS water is highly effective for cleaning as it actively absorbs dirt, grime, and residues without leaving streaks or spots. For solar panels, spot-free cleaning is critical to maintain optimal energy efficiency, as even minor residues can reduce light absorption. Similarly, for window cleaning, low-TDS water ensures a crystal-clear finish without the need for additional chemicals or the need to wipe them dry after cleaning has been completed, leaving them to dry spotlessly.
Using a TDS meter in these contexts allows professionals to verify the purity of their water supply before cleaning. If the TDS reading is too high, it indicates that the water contains impurities that could leave residues, prompting maintenance or replacement of filtration systems. By ensuring low TDS levels, cleaners can achieve superior results, prolong the lifespan of solar panels, and enhance the aesthetic quality of windows, making TDS meters an essential tool in these industries.
