Are you NEW to Solar Panel Cleaning? Watch this.

In this video, we're going to talk about one of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to solar panel cleaning: cleaning fails. We're going to discuss the reasons why solar panel cleaning can sometimes fail, and what you can do to prevent it.
So if you're looking to clean your solar panels effectively, make sure to watch this video! It will teach you the ins and outs of solar panel cleaning, so you can ensure that your solar energy system is always in top shape!
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[@johnsall6274]

This panel can put out close to 100 watts kzbin.infoUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.

[@khworker1322]

Pitching special water regardless of the type of panel. Perceived added value. Awesome

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Thank you. Are you a cleaner yourself?

[@bobbymaldonado1547]

What water fed brush are you using?

[@jamcdona]

I'm calling to have mine cleaned; they haven't been cleaned since installed in 2015! I so want to ceramic coat these things, but I'm not sure if that would be good for the surface or not.

[@juancontreras9725]

What do you recommend using instead of tap water? Like an RV filter attachment thingy?

[@wrbjoey]

I tried that and it still left water-spots on the panels, I’d recommend getting the water beforehand in jugs if you don’t have a filter

[@lloydhumphreys2120]

Good to know ,thanks ,I'm starting a solar cleaning and window cleaning business

[@rhonnachurch6929]

Me too

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Get out there and do it. That is the only way to make things happen. Get out there and do it.

[@BBradshaw131]

How do you purify the water? Filtering all that water to 0 TDS could get expensive right?

[@carynmaroniconcertjunkie]

How do you recommend cleaning paint overspray off solar panels? I have SUNPOWER panels and the cleaning company wanted to use some kind of cleaner oil, with a razor type tool?? I've only read of a plastic scraper being used?? Thanks!

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Yeah, that plastic scraper idea actually comes from me and a really old blog post I wrote years ago. Water, a little Dawn for lube, and a plastic scraper. Go gentle, and be nice. If you are at the wrong angle for scraping? You'll immediately know. It will make a terrible sound. That's it.

[@ejohnsy]

LOL. Love your sense of humor.

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Thank you. Truth is... My wife is actually annoyed with me talking about my work stuff. So, I made a channel on KZbin, wrote scripts, got in front of the camera, recorded, and then edited on Premiere Pro from Adobe, which cost me money monthly. I did all that so I could have conversations with strangers online via the comments on my KZbin videos. Who is the loser now MOM?!?!?!

[@ClipperRoad]

Does this apply for Australia, I’m not sure if our water is different or potential already cleaned?

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

This goes for anywhere. Always test water fir the tds levels.

[@pahrumpzx6r838]

Not sure if you have a video on this, but i live in nevada, is this a job you can do in the summer? in the high temps? is the glass at risk.

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Yes. Try to clean as early as possible. Which isn’t always the easiest. I like to say in these situations that you need to bleed the line. Water sits and gets very hot. Let your water run for a minute before cleaning. Do a light mist pre rinse. This will help the panels to cool down. It’s a tricky cleaning. You’re on the edge of cracking panels

[@ismailrajah9031]

Hi, great video. Was wondering if car shampoo (Meguiars gold class for example) since it is great for car paint protection ?

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

The problem is that it may void a solar panel warranty. That is the real question. Will that soap void a warranty?

[@PanefullyClear]

That Pug at the end was precious! LOL! Good tips on cleaning those panels!! So you scrape pollen and bird poo off with scraper but won't use a squeegee? Salright, keep 'em coming, Chris!

[@markoverton5858]

The best tool is a light weight patio cleaner powered by a jet was pump , don’t let the spinner near the edge it’s safe when running flat only , that tool is awesome , some lychnis are total arseholes to get off the top washes away but the root remains so hit that sucker with bleach or a ligh plastic scraper , I have personally washed a 5 meg farm with millions of Those stubborn fuckers left to grow for years because the tight arse owners will not spend , in the end panels fail and they pay through the nose lmao ,

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Be very careful of the anti reflective coating, but that is a possibility for sure.

[@markwigmore2103]

Thanks for that info, very usful.

[@pietervantonder3147]

Thanks for the advise & video. Do you shut the solar system off before you start cleaning it?

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Nope. I do not.

[@semblt]

Solar Panel Cleaning Friends hello, thanks for the info. I am a college student doing a report on the solar industry in the states. I would like to ask if it’s ok with you to use some still shots from your videos in a 90 second video I’m working on? Not your entire content, not for my entire video, just a few still shots of the equipment and technique

[@Red_Dead_Director]

If you had a 2 mw solar farm to clean, and two water fed brushes, what would the water required look like? What would be the ideal GPM to be economical yet effective (maximum efficiency with low labor inputs)?

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

0 TDS with a good flow. There is no specific gpm for solar panel cleaning. Depends on the men used, and equipment.

[@lordransom9281]

Water Bowser + Quad bike or Small Van / Battery System or if in a van you can run the van with a Water pumped through a 0 TDS canister or known as a DI Filter. You can also fill the bowser with DI'sd water and save on running the filter in the field if you wanted to. Clean with a soft brush using a pole. Really that simple... I started a soft washing company in the UK for doing sites like these and I also do domestic dwellings... Really is easy ;)

[@KaylaJoyGunn]

Can I use battery acid to break down the dirt on my panels before doing a final rinse with RO filtered water?

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

I wouldn't suggest using battery acid on your solar panels at all.

[@seanparchim9165]

I have a water filtration set up,I do have the best filter to remove most all crap is this water ok to use from the hose,thanks much Napa California

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

It’s best to check the TDS levels of the water you plan to clean with. 0-40 TDS are the recommended cleaning levels.

[@diegotoral6566]

How do you test the TDS levels?

[@clivebrown400]

What if you use the garden hose water at first to get the heavy build up off then follow up with di water to finish?

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Asked a lot. It’s not exactly bad. Just like going to car wash. Reg water to clean, and pure water to rinse.

[@jec_ecart]

Cool

[@jesseknight3763]

Thanks for the tips man

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

No problem!

[@carlosreis9647]

Awesome video, dude!

[@jonathanmutele4128]

is pure water the same as distilled water sorry if its a ewbie question to ask but my mum wants me to attempt cleaning recently installed panels and well she bought a pressure head washer for the job and being in kenya we are ways off from cleaningg expertise is it alright to use such a nozzle t clean with normal water or do i still need pure water or distilled water?

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Actually, distilled is around 0.5 ppm of total dissolved solids. So, I guess it would be fine to clean with. Pure water is basically water with a 0 TDS level. You can clean solar panels with 0-40 tds levels. Windows are 0-10 tds. Now, for the pressure. Be careful, most manufacturers recommend nothing more than 40-50 lbs of pressure on pv modules. This can cause microfacture cracks in panels.

[@jonathanmutele4128]

@@SolarPanelCleaningFriends thank you for the advice and feedback it is most appreciated

[@wendikeanu6089]

What is pure water? Thank you! 1/29/22

[@SuperSushidog]

So what happens when it rains if regular water can't be used to clean my panels? If the rain won't hurt them then why does tap water hurt them?

[@justinhall9998]

My goodness,:) great idea though

[@justinhall9998]

No words ;)

[@shanechostetler9997]

Where we have very good well water, not hard, there is no worry about damaging the panel.

[@thomasmachado7198]

I got a little spray paint on my solar panel while painting the frame. How would you go about removing that?

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Well, if you are not a professional cleaner from a professional cleaning company? I would hire a professional because of the warranty of my pv modules. Now, how would I remove it? It is a process of water, a small little dab of Dawn dish soap for lubrication, and a plastic scraper. I don't like to use liquids for paint removal.

[@thomasmachado7198]

@@SolarPanelCleaningFriends would a plastic razor blade be overkill?

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

@@thomasmachado7198 100%. You could scratch the anti reflective coating and have an even worse issue to deal with.

[@thomasmachado7198]

I appreciate your response, I will use a plastic scraper that is less invasive than a plastic razor blade.

[@suntrade1420]

Nice , Can go for this also @

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Yes you can

[@TanNguyen-bk7br]

Hi Christ, I'd like to learn more about solar cleaning. Where do you suggest is the best resources to get started? Thanks

[@Steveuploads]

Not here

[@TanNguyen-bk7br]

@@Steveuploads then where?

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

I love people like you. Keep hating and not providing. I'm not here for you. I am here for those that want to learn. Have a good day.

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Solar Panel Cleaning Friends is a community group of like minded professional cleaners dedicated to connecting together to share the best tips, tricks, and advice. Join in as together we discover the best cleaning methods for solar panel cleaning used by solar panel cleaners all over the world. Ready to learn how to become a better solar panel cleaner? Join the Solar Panel Cleaning Friends community! Solar Panel Cleaning Friends was started by Chris ‘The Solar Panel Cleaning Expert’ Virgin in August 2018. With almost a decade in commercial and residential solar panel cleaning, Chris has learned some of the best cleaning methods and processes for cleaning photovoltaic modules. Chris has experience cleaning solar panel ground mount installs, rooftop installs, and parking canopy installs. Chris blogs about his daily adventures in his Pro Cleaners Blog at spcfonline.com/blog/. Chris Virgin - Founder of Solar Panel Cleaning Friends Email: [e-mail] Website: SPCFonline.com bit.ly/3BCcV2n Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/SolarPanelCleaningFriends bit.ly/3rqPbcx Facebook Page: facebook.com/SolarPanelCleaningExpert bit.ly/3rriyvh KZbin: kzbin.info bit.ly/36ObEHc Instagram: twitter.com/SPCFcommunity bit.ly/3rriA6n TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@spcfexpert bit.ly/2UB1Mhh

[@donr4900]

Pure water or tab water out of my garden hose is what my solar panel compamy used... so why did you say not to use regular water?

[@franciscoguerra-speer3017]

Hey whats up brother! Security here, Just met you at the front gate at fairbanks ranch. Great videos bro...

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Francisco. What's up? Glad you found the KZbin channel. Now I am going to introduce you to door to becoming a solar panel cleaner. Plenty have left their jobs, started a solar panel cleaning company, and created a new life for themselves. It's a great business to be in. Next, go to Facebook.com/Groups/SolarPanelCleaningFriends, and join the #1 community dedicated to solar panel cleaning. We have a team that helps me run the group. Answer the questions, but make sure that you add that you met me while I was out cleaning, and I that I told you to join.

[@famdation07]

Hello buddy how do I produce large amounts of Ro di water how much water do you use a day how do you store it how do you get it to flow

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Well, I don’t suggest using RO. It’s kind of expensive. DI tanks are the way to go. 1/2 cubic foot tanks are a great starting place. DI resin is easy to obtain, and replace.

[@jamesd493]

I'm about to clean our panels for the first time. I was about to do 3 out of your top 5 mistakes. So I thumbs up and subscribed. I cannot wait to LEARN from you. Thank you for sharing.

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

You are 100% welcome, and thank you for the support. Every Tuesday at 3pm the SPCF team goes LIVE with info, education, stories, and more. Check it out.

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

@@SolarPanelCleaningFriends can rain water be used to do this?

[@Brad.W]

I would assume it depends on what type of panels you have. My solar installing company just happens to also maintain and clean the panels for the last 10 years they have this big massive 500 gallon tank that they fill with water and Rain x I've never had a problem my panels are just over 10 years old still look they did the day they was installed.

[@KILLTIMECLIPS]

Might seem like a silly question but where do I get pure water?

[@dieseldawg7132]

Probably means distilled free of minerals

[@ApaAdanya1313]

If clean using room Air Conditioner water its ok?

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

I would love to see you do this. Sounds like a plan. Please report back as that is a completely new cleaning method never ever used before.

[@sonammota7542]

What will be the best time to clean? Mornings, noon or evening

[@poosheek7331]

If you use a large soft brush and soap you can certainly use a squeegee and regular tap water. Distilled water is overkill. The squeegee will wipe away any possibility of hard water stains. And you can use a towel to dry and excess water.

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

How do you clean cluster of solar panels? Have you consider the dangers of solar panel cleaning, or are you just talking out your ass? What do you know about solar panels? What have you considered as far as voiding the warranty?

[@musk-eteer9898]

i use tap to clean my panels and final rinse with soft water. after 10yrs panels still lookin' brand new.

[@bigsnacks2350]

Yeah same, as long as you're scrubbing it with something the panels turn out great

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

100% ok as long as you use the soft water for the final rinse. I have done the same thing many times.

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Zach what the hell are you talking about?

[@kaoz0919]

How do you deal with dirt or white dust spots remaining after the panel drying with pure water even after brushing it twice

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

There are no white residue left over when cleaning with pure water. What type of filtration system do you use? RO, Di, or combo?

[@kaoz0919]

@@SolarPanelCleaningFriends future of cleaning flow red I found them from the blue rhino tube you showed once

[@kaoz0919]

What RO system would you recommend?

[@bonbooty6611]

great video! Can i use tap water for cleaning/rinsing process and then do a final RO rinse? I have an under the sink RO system that makes enough to set aside 10 gallons. Is the issue with city water a chemical reaction or just mineral deposits when it dries?

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

You totally can do that. Just like at the carwash. Just make sure that last rinse with the pure water is a HEAVY RINSE.

[@bonbooty6611]

@@SolarPanelCleaningFriends Thanks for the response!

[@annabellecarter6067]

Rain water is the best

[@bonbooty6611]

@@annabellecarter6067 it finally rained here in LA and I was able to clean my panels with a brush in the pouring rain. Tomorrow I’ll see how I did. I just bought the house and I think the panels had 10 years of residue on them.

[@MarcoRodriguez-lr2xt]

@@bonbooty6611 how did they turn out after the rain?

[@robdphoto]

So instead of using tap water or pure water, how about just cleaning panels while it's raining? Rain water can't be that bad for panels, because they have to deal with it constantly, so just use a brush in the rain? Tell me I'm crazy. Obviously, I'm talking from the point of view of a PV owner who only has to do this every year or so, not a PV cleaning business.

[@peskylogicchillinsky6007Futube]

I heard you say no squeegee so do you just let it sun/air dry then?

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Correct. We use pure water with a 0 tds. This allows for a spotless dry.

[@droneworks6340]

@@SolarPanelCleaningFriends Yea and then it rains the next day. You can't stop the rain. So I would just brush them and use tap water. That what we have been doing on our 9630 watt Enphase System. It's just hard to scrub good with the brush and long pole. What do you suggest for that? Add a little weight to the brush?

[@wyatthill6252]

@@SolarPanelCleaningFriends out of curiousity, where do you get the pure water from?

[@juanfranco6303]

How often do you clean the solar panels

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Location dictates everything, but I tell my customers every 6-12 months.

[@jorgesolorio620]

So what's the reason for not using tap water, can you elaborate further please?

[@jllindle]

It leaves water spots. You can use tap water but it's like using tap water to wash your car leaves little spots everywhere.

[@lunch2102]

@@jllindle so you use deionised water to wash your car?

[@bryanmontgomery4050]

Pre rinse, treat and wash with regular filtered water, rinse with DI water. Comes out perfect every time….

[@redsresearch]

cant brushing it without soap cratch just like a squeeqe?

[@StevenLNew]

Unfortunately I can't afford to have my panels cleaned. So, majority of the time I let mother nature clean my panels. I have 62 panels and my roof on the house is very steep and I just don't like being up that high. The panels on my outbuilding I actually cleaned for the 1st time this year. I used a garden hose and tap water with a soft bristle broom. They looked great... For Approximately 1 day. Then dusty again the next day. (waisted time) Not sure how I could get a rock on my roof but I will keep my eye out for them lol My question is... Is there away to keep the dust from collecting on the panels? ( then I wouldn't need to clean them )

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

There are ways of slowing down the accumulation of dust, dirt and debris on solar panels. Email me at [e-mail]. Let’s talk more. I’d like to help you out.

[@allunderoneroofcleaningser6324]

How much do I need charge Sonal panel??

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

That’s a great question. Basically whatever breaks down to a 40%-50% profit margin for your company. I will say this. Residential is more per panel than commercial.

[@rhonnachurch6929]

Thank you for that information! Im going to check out all your videos!

[@AustinPetDetective]

So why my panels are still dirty after a rain storm which is purest water you can get ?. Bad advise?

[@Whatsupjones]

Because the rain doesn't scrub the panels. Same reason your car isn't clean after it rains. The car wash you drive through scrubs it and rinses with purified water at the end.

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Because rain does not clean solar panels.

[@alexmunn36]

And rain water isn’t pure water it can at times even have bad pollution in it and maybe even acids rain

[@manuelmartineznusn]

@@alexmunn36 yes, good answer

[@gajendrapawar6473]

Solar panel cleaning time information pl

[@niteowl9733]

Soo, ummmm.... where do you get pure water to clean the panels? Do you use an in line filter or softener? Softening chemical that attaches to the hose?

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

There is no inline softener at all. You have a few choices when it comes to purifying your water for cleaning solar panels. DI, RO, DI/RO combos, or you can use the Solar7 from Ph7. That is what we use clean with. DI, RO, DI/RO combos filter out bad elements in water to obtain a 0 tds level. This low 0 ppm of total dissolved solids creates a water that dries with a spot free finish. No soaps, chemicals, or cleaning agents are needed to clean solar panels. The Solar7 filter from Ph7 restructures the water to make the solar panels hydrophilic. This is known as "good-wetting". The water dries evenly and smooth. Living a beautiful finish.

[@sarathw5740]

1:39 Can I clean my solar panel from rain water?

[@marixsa0223]

Hello You mentioned dont use tap water. But not explaining why?

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Tap water has minerals in it that is not good for solar panels. The calcium from hard tap water creates a thin film on solar panels after time. This not only lowers the energy efficiency, but it could create hot spots.

[@SzaLeo559]

Ive been told you can use a little vinegar mixed with the water to prevent streaks. How true is this?

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

On windows maybe, but just use water with a 0 TDS level and you're all good.

[@mulnivasisamajsangh.9089]

Practical

[@randyfreeman5650]

Why pure water? Isn't rain water not pure?

[@rabee2040]

based on what data you so surly saying "pure water " is only type of liquid that should be used for washing solar panels???

[@jeald0003]

Yeah I agree. I was wondering the logic here...rain water isn't "pure water" and it lands on solar panels all the time. Also wouldn't damage factors be dependant on the type and quality of the solar panel.

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Mainly from my 9 years of experience, but also because I have tried a plethora of cleaning methods over those years. Let’s be clear. Types of cleaner, or pure water will not effect the energy output if a module, or the “data”. As you have so eloquently stated. There is a different outcome that you are conveniently forgot. Using a cleaning agent, or cleaner chemical to clean solar panels can causing scaling on solar panels. Possibly work it’s way under the frame, and damage the silicon. There are cleaners out there that people sell. Not sure why anyone would buy them. Pure water is all you need. Even if you get those cleaners??? You’ll still need pure water. Other wise you could... 1. Weaken then of module causing a reduction in the lifespan. 2. Multiple exposures to hard water will cause scaling. Which will permanently cause a reduction in energy output in panels. Damage factors will vary depending on manufacturers, and if you think you are safe because you have panels like Tesla? Search Walmart and Tesla solar panels. You’ll find some interesting videos.

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Rain water isn’t pure water, but it doesn’t come from pipes. Duh.

[@thingamajacky]

@@SolarPanelCleaningFriends dude. do you talk to your customers like that? do you even have any paying customers? you're condescending, insolent and just plain passive-aggressive. I can see why this video has more dislikes than likes. "food for thought."

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

thinga majacky over 4000 customers. 😁

[@MattB787]

I just hose 'em down with my well water, I'm not that fussy

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Cool. That actually will void your warranty. While you are not “fussy” now? Wait till you have an issue. By the way, over half the owners out there have installs with issues they have no clue about. When is the last time you’ve had an inspection done? I installed for three years. In addition to cleaning there is the a visual inspection that should be done at least 1-2 times a year.

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Been doing this over 10 years, but you are totally cool to do whatever you feel good with. I’m not here for customers. I have another company. SPCF was created to give knowledge to cleaners and solar panel owners.

[@MattB787]

@@SolarPanelCleaningFriends I installed my system myself, so I'm not counting on any warranty - and with the thousands I've saved over paying (and not overpaying ) an installer, I can replace my own system two times over and still be in the black. Again, I'm not fussy, and thanks for being cool with it.

[@nucpr]

What are your thoughts on a really fine grit sandpaper (2000 grain) on a disc sander. This could help make sure the light meets a very smooth surface so it does not loose so much energies.

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Are you serious??? Lmfao. I’m gonna have to say that is possibly one of the worst ideas ever.

[@ricardoalejandre8381]

Good ideas but cost of distilled water may make mute having solar panels. As I need to clean them every 3 days because I do watch them after cleaning. A film of dust every 3 days I get. I got some more recently and new ones more difficult to keep clean poly to mono crystal in. But my main problem is a brush well I got sick and tired of having my neighbors auto parked in front of my house and did clean it with a brush my other neighbor complained I was GOING TO SCATCH his car . So I got sick and tired of it and stopped and told him to go park his broken glass dirty auto somewhere else.

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Email me [e-mail]. Let’s talk more. Maybe I can help you out.

[@Godsforever1]

a fine layer of dust is probably ok, just don't let it get all blocked from the sun... maybe use a leaf blower to blow most dust away, you can't keep them perfectly clean every day

[@russhall856]

Thank you brother!! My family would not listen

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Thank you for visiting the channel. Please subscribe if you haven’t already.

[@tanktexas]

I have a car washing brush would that be ok to wash with

[@larstreat8650]

All I heard was you can scratch a solar panel and thats a problem and a problem is an issue that causes even further issues. Who knows is right my man.

[@rhroney1]

Using pure water, soft water or distilled water to rinse is futile, and a waste of time and resources unless your tap water is very hard. Here is why: As soon as it rains or snows, your solar panels are covered with particulate, just like your windshield of your car. When your car's windshield is super clean, what does it look like after a rain? Rain and snow filter dust, and debris from the air and deposit those particles on your solar panels. That is why after a rain or snow air visibility is so much better. All that crap is on your solar panels. Even wind will deposit huge amounts of debris on your panels.

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Hard water used on solar panels creates Hot Spotting or Scaling. Not recommended for the lifespan of a photovoltaic module.

[@lunch2102]

Why can't you use tap water? Where's the data to back up this statement?

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Actually, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that various elements found in tap water from around country have various effects on modules with long exposure. If you simply did it once? Not a big deal, but repeatedly? That accumulates causing a reduction in energy. Not does it interfere with the uv rats from the sun, it also has the possibility of creating hot spots.

[@ryanfewster574]

👉🏻👍🏻

[@luismuniznon-conformistath6623]

Scrub that panel Chris! 🤣

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Thank you sir! Knocking them out.

[@mikecar52]

695 good 635 bad. look somewhere else

[@jimmybowman2549]

love this video so much knowledge

[@bryancoffee8953]

I may have missed it, but why don’t we want to clean with regular tap water from a hose? What kind of instrument/tool/brush should we use to clean the panels? Thank you.

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Regular water contains hard elements that can damage a solar panel. Leading to a decrease in energy output, or possibly lowering the lifespan.

[@edwinpino3384]

Using common sense would tell you that regular water and light detergent ones with no ammonia or acids would do the job. If regular water will do harm then snow rain and acid rain will destroy panels. Looking at how quality panels are made, they are durable and not delicate. Pure water and other gimmicks will create jobs and make money. The better way to sell such services is to explain all the safety reasons you don’t want to DIY or sell to those not having time.

[@bigyella121]

Dudes got half a clue thats bout it

[@DroXavier]

Tap water and detergent is the lazy way yo go about , barely makes a difference.

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Awesome. Let’s do this. First off, look the Anti Reflective Coating. This is a thin film placed on top of the glass. It not only keeps the solar panels from annoying your neighbors, but it also helps to absorb the sunlight. Breaking down the ARC is a bad idea because you’re butt hurt, but do what you think is best. Acid rain is good for solar panels😂😂😂 Rain does not clean panels. What else you got? Let’s do this.

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

@@bigyella121try me. I just wrote a residential training that is being put out by the biggest pv mitigation company. I’d love to debate with you.

[@surefer]

using streak-free cleaner with tap water does the job just fine. i'd be more interested in using that device you have on commercial to get the job done faster

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

It may do the job “just fine”, but that’s not all that is taking place. There really is no reason to use a cleaner, and the cleaner certainly does not remove any of the hard elements in the water. In fact, scaling can occur from long term exposer from regular tap/hard water. Food for thought.

[@pentelpen8712]

Well, I don’t have access to “pure water”. I guess I won’t be cleaning my solar panels. Or can I just use tap water and dry it off with a squeegee?

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Not really, and where are you that you don’t have access to pure water?

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

There are other cleaning methods. Never use a squeegee.

[@raziqr]

regular water has ion particles, which will dry and leave a mark in the module. what will happen to a car if you spray it with tub water and not drying it?. the ion particles will dray and will leave a mark. rainwater doesn't have this effect unless there are dust particles in an object.

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

And there is constantly dust and debris in the air. Rain water alone will not clean solar panels.

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Also, solar panels are naturally hydrophobic. Causing the water to bead up. Using water with a TDS level higher than 40 is not suggested.

[@SpecialAgentOso]

888 upvotes vs 807 downvotes... something tells me people are aware that this type of video (giving false info) was published so that people will pay those associated with this group to do the work when in reality, yes, you can do it yourself (hose/tap water and all). hard water (calcium) does not build up on these panels. The coating prevents this, outright. The coating is not easily scratched either, you have to deliberately grab a rock and carve into it to make a significant mark.

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

I am 100% making a video of this comment. I will tag you in it. That video is a little outdated, a new upgraded video is on the way, but you couldn’t be further from the truth.

[@xavierv5115]

Pure water hahaha

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Is there confusion of why one cleans with pure water? It's very simple. Much like window cleaning, car washes, and other such things. Cool?

[@TRUMP_WAS_RIGHT_ABOUT_EVRYTHNG]

Why is using home water the water safe enough to drink , a dumb idea😂. You do realize that rain water has more chemicals than most well water. If my solar panels handle acid rain I'm positive my garden hose is sufficient for rinsing them off. What is pure water 😂

[@scottsmith2674]

The info is good. The presentation sucks.

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

I made this video quite awhile ago. Did the best I could at the time to present information that I have learned in my ten years of professional commercial and residential solar panel cleaning. Time for an updated video. Any suggestions?

[@coltdawson2673]

I use dish soap in a foam gun. Then I will let it sit for a min and rinse of with the pressure washer. It gets all the dirt off. Then I will go in with a chemical to prevent mold and mildew. Using this means prevents scratches and repels the dirt

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

You might want to look this up. Better yet, call your installer, and explain that to them. You are possibly creating micro cracks in the modules.

[@renemelena780]

You look like a newbie with them shirts ...no positive information on cleaning panels.

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

My first project 10 years ago was 7800 carport panels. I'm good with the way I look. I'm positive it affects some companies, but I'm good. My experience and skill out weighs the aesthetics of my shirt. By the time my crew is done the customer has a report from a visual inspection and a thermal imaging inspection. It's a beautiful, but thanks for caring about my shirt. My wife made them. I love her. She's so talented.

[@Isaac-ob9tm]

I’ll stick with my hose water

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

So you like voiding your warranty? Lmfao. Keep using that hard water. That’s awesome. I’m going to guess you are doing DIY and think you are all good. Bro, you are so off it’s funny. Regular water?!?!?! I’m going to let it go before I get mad and rip into your ignorance.

[@flagwanker6346]

Utter DRIVVLE

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Trolls be trolling. Usually at someone else's home using internet service they can't afford because they can't keep a job longer than 3 weeks, but yeah. Utter DRIVVLE. I understand how it must feel coming from an individual whose EDD just got cut off, and is worried about paying bills.

[@gotaigo]

So u never explain what to use. OMG!

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

My bad. For what? Tell me what I left out and I’ll explain it.

[@user-ur4vq3xg7d]

do you use a brush? wouldnt a brush be just as bad as a squeegee? ​@SolarPanelCleaningFriends

[@woodman687]

Pure water ?what a nonsense!! That brush you are using to clean solar panels do more damage to the panels surface in some point than tap water.

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

Not even close. What would it be damaging??? Are you sure you understand how solar panels are constructed?

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

You have two videos. You literally are a troll. Go away. You know absolutely nothing about solar panels.

[@woodman687]

I build more solar panels than u will ever wash. Don't understand me wrong in some point your have good knowledge how panels are constructed.But not enough to talk about materials used to build it. Glass (hardened)is used to cover front and back of the panels.And weather conditions are the major issue regards surface damage(microscratches)which will affects efficiency of the solar panel in period of time.Tap water will not damage surface of the panel as long as u use proper cleaning procedure. Enjoy you evening .

[@droneworks6340]

@@woodman687 So what is your proper cleaning procedure? We live in Florida and there is pollen that gets on the panels. Wife and I use a soft brush and tap water from the hose. Our Tap water is very good. I see they sell cleaners on amazon but I think that is a waist of money.

[@woodman687]

@@droneworks6340 Very simillar to yours. I usualy use tap water and very soft brush. Sometimes only water .I do that every 2-3 years. I know long time but here in Scotland we can't complain about lack of rain.And I haven't noticed any fluctuation in energy production. Florida it is a diffrent story due to sub-tropical climate. Apsolutely solar panel cleaning detergant are a waste of money. My house is two store high, I have my own scafolding tower which is very handy as I can chek my gutters when I clean solar panels.

[@rossjohanson8115]

These tips are ridiculous. Filtered water LOL ok

[@SolarPanelCleaningFriends]

That’s easy to say. How about instead of trying to act like you know something, explain and prove me wrong. I dare you.

[@rossjohanson8115]

@@SolarPanelCleaningFriends I think you’re right filtered water is great but it’s unpractical especially off grid where our water is hard. I watched your video and used your tips on my solar system. It’s nice to do a thorough job, but the panels will inevitably get dirty again within a few weeks or a month. Thanks.

[@joe9092410767]

nobody told me i had to clean them. that sux, i thought i was home free