WINDOW CLEANING SERVICES

 

Solar panel cleaning is essential for all solar arrays.

Dirty solar panels ultimately results in a financial loss of return for the owner and may also affect the limited warranty. Years of dirt building up could also cause permanent module staining.

However, a scheduled cleaning program that is tailored to you and delivered by us, will help maximize the systems overall performance, fulfilling both the potential and lifespan of the panels.

Our solar panel cleaning service operates widely in the UK. 

We proudly deliver quality, reliability & professionalism.

 

 We use water fed poles and can reach heights without help.

Purified laboratory quality water means almost nothing on its own. Its partner the water fed pole makes a winning combination.
Water is fed at an electronically adjustable (depending on the task) rate to and up the poles. The poles can be individually isolated by the operator to save wasted water and unnecessary mess. The water feeds the cleaning brush and after cleaning rinses as well.

Pure water is the best product to clean windows for several reasons:
By virtue of the nature of water it does not like being pure and it strives to return to its impure state. Therefore it actually absorbs dirt particles 
strength of pure water you do not need to use cleaning detergents on the windows thus you save money and time, plus it's better for the environment. Due to the impurities being removed you do not need to squeegee the windows, simply rinsing the glass after brushing leaves an excellent streak free finish. Because we don't use ladders (unless there is a specific access problem) we find it makes our customers more relaxed.

WHY CLEAN SOLAR PANELS?

Airborne dust particles, sticky tree and plant sap, lichen, soot and bird droppings are just a few of the things that can contribute to a build-up of dirt on your panels.

Accumulation creates shading and will prevent sunlight reaching the cells. This results in poor system perfomance, loss of efficiency and a loss of financial return for the owner and investor of solar energy. 

Dirty Solar Panels 

• Lose efficiency and lifespan 

• Reduce overall system performance

• May cause permanent module staining

• See a loss of return (R.O.I)

• Affect your limited warranty

Regular cleaning

• Ensures a maximum output

• Maintains your warranty

• Saves you money

• Extends the life of your investment

• Gives you peace of mind

• Prevents permanent module staining

 

"My panels are self cleaning and maintenance free"

This is a myth! When a panel is called self cleaning and maintenance free, it tends to mean that the surface is hydrophobic; meaning water droplets cannot stick to the surface. In essence, these surfaces aren’t exactly self-cleaning and maintenance free. They do reduce mineral residue that can block the sun reaching the cells, however, in a dusty environment a single solar cell within the panel can become inefficient and this will affect the performance of the rest of the cells within the panel. As they are wired in series, if one cell is shaded, then the output of the entire panel is lower as a result.

Rain alone is not enough to ensure the solar panel is free from a build-up of dirt throughout one year, let alone the lifetime of the panels.

How Often?

Every solar array is unique and depending upon different environmental factors and the pitch at which the panels are mounted, will then determine the frequency of each clean. We can tailor a cleaning regime that is specifically for you.

Special attention should be given to pv arrays situated in dustier areas, for example; near farmland or next to a main road. These panels have far more dust and dirt to contend with and will require a more frequent clean. The larger the array, the bigger the loss of return on investment (ROI) will be.

What the experts say...

Manufacturers state that dirty solar panels will result in a loss of output and may also affect your warranty.

Trina Solar, one of the worlds leading manufacturers of solar panels, include the following in a maintenance and care manual... " The amount of electricity generated by a solar module is proportional to the amount of light falling on it. A module with shaded cells will produce less energy and therefore it is important to keep the module clean."

Panasonic, Renowned global corporation and manufacturers of solar photovoltaics advise in their frequently asked questions, What maintenance is required for my solar panels? "Wash dust and dirt off your solar panels twice per year". Some of Panasonics limited warranty exclusions are; "Inadaquate maintenance", "damage or corrosion resulting from environmental pollution such as soot and mold". 

8.33 Solar, serving the European solar industry since 2006 say, " Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate on the glass surface of the module, reducing its power output. Solar 8.33 recommends periodic cleaning of PV modules to ensure maximum power output."

Canadian Solar, leading manufacturers in solar pv modules say, "Clean the panels if a significant amount of material builds up on the panels" They also recommend "water with a low mineral content and near neutral PH is best".

First Solar say " In locations with heavy soiling, properly timed module cleaning can improve energy yields." They also say "RO water provides the best results." 

Solar panel cleaning is a specialist service.

Tailored to you, cleaned by us.

HOW WE CLEAN SOLAR PANELS

We confidently clean both roof and ground mounted solar arrays utilising our purified water-fed poles. The purified water is housed within the van and pumped along a hose to the pole. At the end of the pole is a soft brush, specifically designed to clean solar panels. Water jets are expelled from the brush allowing the cleaning operative to then undertake the cleaning of the solar panels.

When necessary, a site visit may be carried out by one of our trained assessment team. This will establish if access to the panels is safe and possible from the ground, or, perhaps if powered access lift may be required to complete the clean safely (this will be discussed directly with you). Our staff safely operate this specialist equipment.

An individual risk assesment and method statement is tailored to each job and completed upon acceptance of your quote.

 

PURIFIED WATER

Manufacturers DO NOT recommend the use of harmful chemicals or detergents to clean solar modules. However, they do advise they be cleaned regularly using purified water, especially before the onset of summer and winter. Manufacturers also state that regular cleaning will preserve their limited warranty and help to maintain the optimum output performance of the solar panels. 

The harshness of untreated water will leave marks behind containing mineral deposits, especially in hard water areas. Untreated water marks can actually attract dirt as well as being an inefficient cleaning process.

Here at Hydroforce Cleaning solutions, we only use purified water to clean solar panels. This means that the minerals have been removed from the water using two processes. Firstly reverse osmosis, this is then followed by de-ionisation, leaving behind a purified water.

We provide all of our own purified water for the job in hand. If water is required on-site we shall advise you of this during the site visit.

We have NO need for harmful and abrasive chemicals or detergents, therefore offer an Eco-Friendly cleaning process. This is delivered to you both safely and efficiently with excellent results and ensures you are getting the very most out of your investment.

 

WHY CHOOSE US?

We are one of the only solar panel cleaners that do NOT subcontract our cleaning out to others. This in-house service allows us to maintain excellent customer satisfaction, keep the costs down by removing the 'middle man' and therefore delivering a conscientious service.

 

The team are fully trained, experienced and insured to clean solar panels. 

Having undergone extensive training and assessments, particularly for working at height.

Utilising a retained health and safety consultant ensures we meet both our legal obligations but that we are also supported for the more complex projects, especially when working at height.

Therefore, we offer you complete peace of mind when choosing us to deliver a safe and professional cleaning service that sees the job right the way through to completion.

CAN I CLEAN THEM MYSELF?

NEVER attempt to clean solar panels yourself.

There is always a risk of damage and inefficient cleaning, but most importantly, a risk of electric shock.

It is advisable to use a professional solar panel cleaner to undertake the cleaning of your panels, as they will be fully trained, have the correct equipment and be properly insured to carry out the job.