I just treated a roof last week and the HO is thinking about putting solar panels on it. He asked me about any issues with cleaning a roof after solar panels have been installed. Anyone have any information or advice?
Micheal Pumphrey said
Aug 13, 2014
Haven't seen any issues after solar panels have been installed to warrant cleaning. Although i've been told bleach will eat away the coating on the panel
We clean panels for $15 a panel, though
Vic Irish said
Aug 15, 2014
Micheal Pumphrey wrote:
Haven't seen any issues after solar panels have been installed to warrant cleaning. Although i've been told bleach will eat away the coating on the panel
We clean panels for $15 a panel, though
Should we cover the solar panel with plastic while cleaning the roof?
I'm glad to see someone answering Doug's question, as I'd like to know this, too.
Thank you, Michael.
John Aloisio said
Aug 16, 2014
We clean roofs with them all the time. I always give them ad to clean the panels also. Usually costs an extra $100.00 or so for the average residence. Just lean the roof as usual, but you need to rinse the solar panels w pretty good. Mainly all the metal parts and especially under them, where all the connections and junction boxes are. Most of the panels have aluminum frames, but the wire, conduit and other stuff can be steel, or low grade galvanized steel. All that will corrode.
Vic Irish said
Aug 16, 2014
John Aloisio wrote:
We clean roofs with them all the time. I always give them ad to clean the panels also. Usually costs an extra $100.00 or so for the average residence. Just lean the roof as usual, but you need to rinse the solar panels w pretty good. Mainly all the metal parts and especially under them, where all the connections and junction boxes are. Most of the panels have aluminum frames, but the wire, conduit and other stuff can be steel, or low grade galvanized steel. All that will corrode.
John, thank you for your input! Do you use WD-40 on any parts of the solar panels?
What is the chance of shorting something or getting shocked?
It's ok to spray water underneath them lightly, or do you wipe dry?
Thanks for your patience,
vic
John Aloisio said
Aug 16, 2014
Do you use WD-40 on any parts of the solar panels? We don't.
What is the chance of shorting something or getting shocked? Not really that high, because it is direct current and you should not be getting that close to them anyway.
It's ok to spray water underneath them lightly, or do you wipe dry? Yes, rinse them on all sides. They are meant to be outside in the rain, so it doesn't hurt. We clean them with a pole and DI water, like we clean windows.
Doug Shaffer said
Aug 16, 2014
Thanks for all who responded. Good info on cleaning the panels themselves but I am trying to get some info on cleaning a shingle roof under the solar panels. I have seen solar panels installed where they are on brackets 4 to 6 inches off the actual roof. Do infestations occur on the shingles underNeath? If so, any issues with cleaning them?
thanks
Michael Derose said
Aug 16, 2014
I would not treat under the panels unless you plan to rinse the same day.
AC Lockyer said
Aug 22, 2014
Seldom is the roof stained under the panels because of the extreme heat.
AC
Doug Shaffer said
Aug 22, 2014
that was the answer I was looking for. Thanks AC and again to all who responded.
Danny Cronauer said
Aug 22, 2014
A roof with solar panels on the south side and cleaned and maintained on the north side would last a really long time! I have found the sun does just as much damage as lichen. I'm cleaning about $500 worth of panels this week.
I'm gonna apply some window cleaning solution and then rinse.
I just treated a roof last week and the HO is thinking about putting solar panels on it. He asked me about any issues with cleaning a roof after solar panels have been installed. Anyone have any information or advice?
We clean panels for $15 a panel, though
Should we cover the solar panel with plastic while cleaning the roof?
I'm glad to see someone answering Doug's question, as I'd like to know this, too.
Thank you, Michael.
We clean roofs with them all the time. I always give them ad to clean the panels also. Usually costs an extra $100.00 or so for the average residence. Just lean the roof as usual, but you need to rinse the solar panels w pretty good. Mainly all the metal parts and especially under them, where all the connections and junction boxes are. Most of the panels have aluminum frames, but the wire, conduit and other stuff can be steel, or low grade galvanized steel. All that will corrode.
John, thank you for your input! Do you use WD-40 on any parts of the solar panels?
What is the chance of shorting something or getting shocked?
It's ok to spray water underneath them lightly, or do you wipe dry?
Thanks for your patience,
vic
Do you use WD-40 on any parts of the solar panels? We don't.
What is the chance of shorting something or getting shocked? Not really that high, because it is direct current and you should not be getting that close to them anyway.
It's ok to spray water underneath them lightly, or do you wipe dry? Yes, rinse them on all sides. They are meant to be outside in the rain, so it doesn't hurt. We clean them with a pole and DI water, like we clean windows.
Thanks for all who responded. Good info on cleaning the panels themselves but I am trying to get some info on cleaning a shingle roof under the solar panels. I have seen solar panels installed where they are on brackets 4 to 6 inches off the actual roof. Do infestations occur on the shingles underNeath? If so, any issues with cleaning them?
thanks
AC
that was the answer I was looking for. Thanks AC and again to all who responded.
I'm gonna apply some window cleaning solution and then rinse.