PV Gap

Hilda Said:

Cleaning Solar Panels on Roof?

We Answered:

Look at window cleaners for houses. A few years ago I remember a spray canister attachment with detergent that you put on the end of a common garden hose. It sprayed a very long way (at least to the second floor) with a stream of water mixed with detergent to wash windows on the second floor without actually scrubbing them. A similar attachment with a strong detergent may work.. (you may want to clean it manually first and use something like this for maintenance)

Actually power washing with a mild detergent may be acceptable if you get to the panels. it does not necessarily take a right angle to the surface

Gail Said:

Are there any solar panel cleaning franchises in the US other than Solar Maid?

We Answered:

The panels don't need to be crystal-clear like windows. You can be fairly crude in cleaning them. I just blast ours with a hose twice a year. Or is it that you need someone to brush the snow off in the Winter?

Travis Said:

What is the ratio of cleaning solution needed per solar panel?

We Answered:

I personally don't use any special solution, just ordinary ammonia, and a scraper/squeegee meant for a car. I fill a small bucket with water, then add a cup of ammonia or so. After loosening the dirt, I use a hose to rinse. Solar panels are pretty tough - there isn't any finesse involved in cleaning them.

Cynthia Said:

automated way to clean solar panels?

We Answered:

Automating systems is my business. Imagination and expense are always the limiting factors. The descriptions of the panels, location etc.. in detail are a factor to be considered also. Briefly you could could use an electric solenoid valve attached to a plumbing spray system to flood the panels. This could be activated by a simple timer for scheduled rinse. Maybe use a mixing valve to add solution to the rinse like a dishwasher uses (liquid type). If me and my engineer were to do something like this, we would make the spray nozzles rise during the operation and fold away when finished using water pressure for the mechanical part. You could start by clicking this site and find all the parts necessary to do what you need. Hope this helps. http://www.mcmaster.com/

Jessie Said:

cleaning solar panels?

We Answered:

some windex and paper towels should do the trick. or a plastic scrub brush and soap and water.
DONT TAKE A FALL! BE SAFE ON THE ROOF!