Solar Panel Cleaning
Solar panels are designed so they don’t need monthly or even yearly service in regular settings such as most residential homes unless for aesthetic reasons. Because rain, wind, and snow will wash off much of the dust that accumulates, we don’t recommend solar panel cleaning more than once every two or three years for most residential homes. Problematic situations can occur however that require cleaning more frequently in order to maximize the efficiency of electricity production and help ensure proper functioning over time. If you have trees near the panels, significant bird droppings, flat or low sloped roofing, dirt from a highway or construction nearby, or pest infestation, hiring Deja View to professionally clean the panels is a home maintenance priority. The less sunlight that is able to reach the photovoltaic cells, the less energy is produced and the less efficient the system is. Whenever Deja View cleans solar panels, we also check the panels for any issues like cracks or “solar clouding” which can affect electricity output. We make sure to remove infestations we can safely access that can create problems with the system functioning well or even at all. When birds or squirrels create a nest it quickly becomes a feces-laden mess that creates the conditions for the roof to fail by moisture expanding, and contracting which can create roof leaks. When rain washes away the droppings they often end up in the gutter system, yard, or on the patio where they can be contacted by people or pets and spread disease. Foul odors can sometimes result from infestations also, reducing the home’s desirability. Most solar panels are installed with these issues in mind and therefore have pest abatement materials such as SolaTrim Pest Abatement Barrier or Solar Maid Pest Stop already installed, but not always. Deja View will look at the entire set-up on the roof and if we see any gaps or holes. We will then cover them up to help make sure nothing will damage the system.
Our Solar Panel Cleaning Method
Before technicians get started they are required to do a safety walk around the property. This is a time to notice any potential hazards, figure out who will perform what actions to complete the job, and let the homeowner know if we see any red-flags that may need to be addressed in order to make sure the system operates efficiently. Deja View uses water cleaned of 100% TDS (total dissolved solids) so no microscopic debris is left behind clouding the glass. Our system uses a carbon filter, reverse osmosis filter, and finally a deionization filter to remove the particles from the water. We then use a carbon fiber pole to move the water through a glass-safe brush onto solar panels, safely cleaning the panels without leaving anything behind except 100% pure water, which will shortly wash off and evaporate, leaving flawless results every time. Sometimes we need to physically remove debris using bags and gloved-hands, such as if there are piles of leaves and needles or nests built on top of the solar panel. Because we are safety conscious and have the right technicians assigned to the job this isn’t something that will become a problem for us or you.
Our PEOPLE are the Deja View Difference
Safety is Deja View’s number one priority. We want to protect you from any liabilities and have happy & healthy technicians. Because of this, we take many steps to help guarantee we perform all services with safety at the top of our mind. All technicians are back-ground checked and skills tested before they are allowed on a job site. Technicians have to pass our initial 10 day intensive training just to be able to then take the additional training to be allowed on a ladder. New technicians learn by helping (from the ground) and watching experienced technicians so there is never a situation where we are asking someone to do something they are unprepared to do safely. We discuss best practices and OSHA requirements during our training and use videos, quizzes, live-demonstrations, and continual training throughout the year to comply with the State of Colorado Division of Labor’s Cost Containment Program, which is designed to reward companies with a proven track record of safety with lower Worker’s Compensation Insurance premiums. We try to schedule solar cleaning jobs with two or more technicians in case they need to help each other carrying or holding the ladders. Using our Customer Relationship Management program we are able to keep detailed, extensive notes on each job location. If there is added complexity, or a higher risk of hazard, we are aware of it, and send our most experienced technicians.
Using a roof anchor, (which we can help you install on most roofs), we require technicians to wear Personal Fall Protection. This is a harness and rope that prevents someone from falling very far, even if they slip while on the roof. Sometimes we are not able to install a roof anchor for the harness to attach to, which means we spend more time working from the ladder, rather than getting on the roof.
These procedures help give all Deja View customers the peace of mind knowing that we make every reasonable attempt to maintain our safety record and prevent injuries. We are fully insured with General Liability Insurance and Worker’s Compensation Insurance in case the worst case scenario does happen, despite our best efforts. Under no circumstances will any of our customers be liable for any damage or injury that may occur for any reason.
