How to clean solar panels in boondocks?

[SoulRaven]

1. Clearly I have no water pressure,  so I can't just hose it down. It's on the roof of my trailer,  else i wouldn't ask!    
2. I thought I saw a post by someone pointing to a pretty cool squeegee. I have the link 
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unger-14...ect-and-Clean-Locking-System-961870/203177344


So I  guess the idea is to put some water in a bucket, climb up a ladder, poiur it on the panel and squeegee it off? Unless someone has a better method, which I would dearly love to hear. 

Thanks in advance, 

Pat

 

[jimindenver]

I use a combo squeegee/ soapy deal like you have linked. Mine is orange and white and came with a short extension pole. I also have the duster that fits the pole and often it is all I need to clean off the panels.

 

[John61CT]

spray bottle + clean rags or paper towels

for stickier stuff long-handle plastic sponge

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

I use a scrubber/squeegee like is found at gas stations to clean windshields, only with a removable 4' handle.  I climb a ladder with a dishwashing soap squeeze bottle filled with water and a couple of drops of soap to wet a panel down, scrub as needed, and squeegee off.  The scrubber/squeegee has a removable handle, so it fits easily behind the seat in my truck.

If you do it when the panels are not hot, you can let the water sit for a little while to soften bird poop and other water soluble crap that gets baked onto the panels.

Every once in a while I have to climb onto the roof and scrub with solvent to remove tree sap and other water resistant stuff on the panel.

 -- Spiff

 

[SoulRaven]

Great ideas. ... thanks.

Pat

 

[Hermes1]

I use micro fiber towels, a spray bottle with a mixture of vinegar & dish soap.

 

[SoulRaven]

I use micro fiber towels, a spray bottle with a mixture of vinegar & dish soap.

Good idea, but I was trying to avoid crawling on the roof.   I did not, however,  state that in the OP.   I only have a tall step ladder.  I'm thinking bug spray bottle,  till I'm back in town.   


It may be somewhat moot, since I noticed a tree throwing a small shadow, this morning! 

I DO need to clean it though,  and appreciate all the replies. 

Pat

 

[jimindenver]

The manufacturer of my panels water only as soaps may haze the coating or leave a build up of soap film if not rinsed.

 

[karl]

Another user of vinegar/water in spray bottle and service station type of squeegee.
My panels are on the rear hatch- so easier to reach and I often clean when pumping gas, using their window washing fluid and squeegee.

 

[Gypsy Clipper]

California car duster works awesome without water. Do it regularly and you won't have to wash unless the dust gets wet then they need washed.

Sent from my Alcatel_5044R using Tapatalk

 

[rvpopeye]

I'm in the gas station scrubber/squeegee on a 4 foot extendable handle club.
I even use it to clear snow in winter.

 

[SoulRaven]

I don't know if I should open a new thread,  
In any case I wanted to wash my panel because I  seem to be getting 
low output.   It has been producing more than 30 volts. ..this last week it's been between 25 and 29.  

I'm not sure what the next step is in the troubleshooting phase,  but I'm feeling stupid,  and would appreciate some help. 

Thanks, 

Pat

 

[highdesertranger]

did you clean it? highdesertranger

 

[SoulRaven]

did you clean it?  highdesertranger

DUH! I thought I mentioned that I did.  Yes, I cleaned it.  As Jim had said,  I only used water.  BTW,  this is a panel that he gave me,  so I thought I'd follow his instructions.  

I just checked it with my multimeter, it reads 23.9!

This happened last week when I moved my trailer about 300 yards farther from the road .  I don't think I hit a low hanging branch,  but I could have.   I have a big ladder down in the  Springs,  but don't want to move my trailer until after Labor Day.   

This isn't urgent,  just vexing.   I basically run my vent and recharge my electronic stuff.   I have a generator for backup,  so I'm good. 

When I get to town, I'll get up on top and check it out (i  have a big ladder down there)

Thx, 

Pat

 

[highdesertranger]

you might have mentioned it, I might have missed it. we are in that time of year were the sun is dropping lower on the horizon. maybe where you moved to you aren't getting the full sun. highdesertranger

 

[John61CT]

Test by tilting

 

[SoulRaven]

you might have mentioned it,  I might have missed it.  we are in that time of year were the sun is dropping lower on the horizon.  maybe where you moved to you aren't getting the full sun.  highdesertranger

Good point, that's why I moved it.   I don't believe I mentioned that. 
I moved about 300 yards , full sun, and now it's doing what I described. 

:-/


Thx, HDR 

Pat

 

[SoulRaven]

Test by tilting

Thx, John,  but thats my catch-22 .

I can't get on the  roof till get back to town and use my ladder. 
THE test will be when I get back to town and it's still doing it.

My garage in town has great light, and is really flat. 

Pat

 

[jimindenver]

Pat

What you are reading at the controller terminals is the working voltage and may be what the controller has decided is the best voltage for what it needs right then. Try disconnecting the panel and checking the Voc with a meter. With peak bright light you should be getting a Voc of 34 or 35v.

The next question is are your batteries being charged?

 

[SoulRaven]

Pat

What you are reading at the controller terminals is the working voltage and may be what the controller has decided is the best voltage for what it needs right then. Try disconnecting the panel and checking the Voc with a meter. With peak bright light you should be getting a Voc of 34 or 35v.

The next question is are your batteries being charged?

Pretty good call, Sir Jim of Denver.   I unplugged the battery from the controller,  and checked the PV output,  32.5.

Thanks