Roofs with solar panels - Certified SoftWash Roof Cleaning

Doug Shaffer · SoftWash Systems Authorized Professional

Roofs with solar panels

Micheal Pumphrey · Junior Member

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 · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

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 · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

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 · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

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 · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

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 · SoftWash Systems Authorized Professional

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 · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

I would not treat under the panels unless you plan to rinse the same day.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Seldom is the roof stained under the panels because of the extreme heat.

AC

Doug Shaffer · SoftWash Systems Authorized Professional

that was the answer I was looking for. Thanks AC and again to all who responded.

Danny Cronauer · SoftWash Systems Certified

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.