To learn more about JinkoSolar, visit us at: jinkosolar.us/ Chapters 0:00 Introduction 1:07 Do's and Don'ts 3:23 Cleaning the Solar Panels 5:00 Results
I was waiting to hear a claim of "up to 40% improvement" like some of the other vids, but this busines owner is honest. I didn't clean my panels for about two years until this week and my improvement is 4%. Also, you don't need de-ionized or distilled water, it would be nice, but not noticable in improving output. I also use an once of car soap per two gallons of water and a soft brush. The minimal soap helps cut the crap and the water sheets off better. My info is from recording panel output ratios, then cleaning just two panels and comparing the ratio of those two clean panels to surrounding dirty panels over the course of several days.
I get your point about soap. Soap cuts through dirt unlike just water. However, the pros are not recommending it because it leaves a layer of film just like a layer of dust that will cut down on the effectiveness of cleaning. Perhaps there are soaps that don't leave film, in which case it is better than no soap :). One more thing, I see pros (not this video) recommending deionized water. Good luck.
@@pf4773Dionized water or soft water (not the same as D.I.) both are better than tap water. Where I live in Southern California, our tap water is 280ppm on the TDS meter. Some parts of the country it's worse with more additives and those additives long term are not good for the panels. That's the reason automotive detailers know sprinkler water spots harm your paint because of the hard water.
I live in the desert in California, and every time I clean it I get 7 to 12% improvement. Solaredge is actually made to perform dirty, so when you clean those they are not all that effectively until a thin layer of dust gathers on top. I do not use tap water because I do not squeegee after. I use deionized water tank, a water fed brush, with a 16" solar raidious brush (designed specifically to prevent scratching), and in the desert there is a lot of dust, oil from machines in the air, as well as pollution from LA pushing up the hill. Never use soaps or pressure, for every panel has their own warranties. I see a lot of people using rotary brushes at high speeds on panels and this will 100% void warranty if the manufacturer found out, thereby forcing the homeowner to pay out on the spot or lose their homes if they are under a lease.
My 3.6kw system is down to 2.8. Lichen is my enemy, thank goodness I opted for 2 velux windows or cleaning it would be impossible. White vinegar is a good natural cleaner but no brush will shift the lichen
Hello, Thanks for the video. I know you mentioned best time to clean solar panels is in the morning when the temperature is low to avoid the cool water on a hot weather from shattering the solar panels. What if your using a steamer? Can you get away with cleaning solar panels at time despite the weather temperatures ?
Even if we turn off the DC on the inverter before cleaning panels, are the panels still live from solar they are receiving from sun and cleaning with a metal handle brush or squeezed can cause a shock ?
why? all cables are under the panels and all of them are insulated even for rain. Unless you brake the panel's glass there will be not short circuit. And even if there is one, there should be protection for short circuits.
Thank you for your question about de-energizing your system before washing your panels. Each system is different, however, the system should have a main AC disconnect. That switch should de-energize your system completely, similar to a power outage.
Actually - If you have Panels on the Roof, A Rapid Shutdown Disconnect is required by Law to de-energize the panels on the roof. I would hire a Trained Professional ...
@@mj2801 why would you need to turn something off to wash it that gets rained on constantly? I guess you are the PrOfEsSioNaL he needs to call. Scammy scammer
Thank you for your question on cleaning frequency. The frequency depends on the local environment. Some areas receive more rain while others are more dusty. I would recommend at least twice a year; once before spring and once before summer.
He did tap from the hose is what he recommends. If your water has a lot of minerals you could filter it but then you would have to haul it up to the roof. I’d check the output with tap & try it another way next time & see if you gain any output. Good luck
You can use regular water so long as you squeegee it off. Deionized water is ok to let dry on the panel and won't leave mineral spots. @socalsolarpanelcleaning
@@khworker1322 You can buy a di portable system like the ones sold for car detailing, you just connect the house tap water and ready to use. They do have different sizes depending on how much gallons of water you may need and also how hard the water is.
Thank you for your inquiry. In the state of California, you will need a contractor’s license. A C-10 or a C-46 should allow you to install solar panels in California.
I have watched several videos & this one is the only one stating to NOT use soap... all of the ones I've warched are using a concentrated auto soap.....
Hi Vibhawan, for large utility solar farms, there are cleaning solutions that incorporate automated robots. Depending on the application, this may void the module warranty. Please contact Jinko directly to gather more information at us.cs@jinkosolar.com
I been reading some of the responses on this thread and I must say there are some missing details that need to be considered. 1. I must state that Solar Panels are devices that convert Ultraviolet Energy into Electrical Energy. Because they are Electrically Active Devices, an untrained person could literally become energized and Injured if he or she is unable to determine if there are insulation issues on the roof. It is irresponsible to think that anyone can simply just jump on the roof and perform a Roof Solar Cleaning. If you are not Electrically trained - Don't do it if you value your life. Solar Panel Strings can have a Potential of more than 600 Volts AC, when using Micro-Inverters on the Roof. Hire a Trained Professional for this type of Work/Cleaning. 2. Through time, Solar Panels can deteriorate, and many issues can develop that can pose a danger to the person cleaning them, and the roof where they lay. Unfortunately very few people speak of this issues because they lack the knowledge of the many things that can go wrong with Solar Panels. This is something sales reps and installers may not be familiar with. Many of these issues include Cell Hot Spots, De-lamination, Bypass Diodes that will not shutdown once active, causing excessive heat, eating through the Insulation, melting lamination, exposing live conductors and expose contacts that can potentially become a real hazard to the person conducting the cleaning. 3. Issues naked to the human eye - There are degradation issues that required trained & Certified Inspectors with associated equipment besides a brush to asses the condition of the Panels on the roof. A drop in performance on a Solar String does not necessarily is an indication of a Soiled Panel or the result of a Cloudy Day. Since most manufactures offer a 25 year warranty on their Solar Panels, often is necessary to perform a Thermographic Analysis to determine if there are anomalies behind the glass. This analysis is often sufficient for manufactures to replace an undetected malfunctioning Solar Panel that it has been sitting on the roof under the pretense that its performance is due to being Soiled or under-performing due to Orientation or Weather. Hope this tidbit helps many think twice before risking their lives cleaning something that has the potential of hurting them, permanently. Thanks, Miguel Jordan Crystal Clear Solar - FL USA
Bloody Hell! Scared the sh#t out of me now! How come the guys in the videos aren't being electrocuted? I've been asked to clean solar panels on the roof of commercial premises. Should they be:- 1.Done very early in the morning before they heat up? 2. Be disconnected from the mains? 3. Checked by professionals everytime they need cleaning? I'm in the UK so different rules may apply but your statement has got me concerned. Thanks for the heads up.
Alcohol is a flammable solvent and why would you need alcohol? Its surface tension is less than water and could get into the inside through the frame to glass junction potentially creating a dangerous problem. And then you will need a lot of it, in my home I have 18 panels, a lot of alcohol will be needed, easy to catch fire.
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Yo straight to the point! Underrated should have way more views. Thank you my guy! Next diy to attack at my home! More tools to buy 😎. Def sub
Thank you, your work has been very useful to me
Thank you very much for the info. I haven't wash my panels for two years but I'll do it soon. Blessings..
Thank you!
Thanks for the insight.considering to try this type business
I was waiting to hear a claim of "up to 40% improvement" like some of the other vids, but this busines owner is honest. I didn't clean my panels for about two years until this week and my improvement is 4%. Also, you don't need de-ionized or distilled water, it would be nice, but not noticable in improving output. I also use an once of car soap per two gallons of water and a soft brush. The minimal soap helps cut the crap and the water sheets off better. My info is from recording panel output ratios, then cleaning just two panels and comparing the ratio of those two clean panels to surrounding dirty panels over the course of several days.
I get your point about soap. Soap cuts through dirt unlike just water. However, the pros are not recommending it because it leaves a layer of film just like a layer of dust that will cut down on the effectiveness of cleaning. Perhaps there are soaps that don't leave film, in which case it is better than no soap :). One more thing, I see pros (not this video) recommending deionized water. Good luck.
@@pf4773Dionized water or soft water (not the same as D.I.) both are better than tap water. Where I live in Southern California, our tap water is 280ppm on the TDS meter. Some parts of the country it's worse with more additives and those additives long term are not good for the panels. That's the reason automotive detailers know sprinkler water spots harm your paint because of the hard water.
I live in the desert in California, and every time I clean it I get 7 to 12% improvement. Solaredge is actually made to perform dirty, so when you clean those they are not all that effectively until a thin layer of dust gathers on top. I do not use tap water because I do not squeegee after. I use deionized water tank, a water fed brush, with a 16" solar raidious brush (designed specifically to prevent scratching), and in the desert there is a lot of dust, oil from machines in the air, as well as pollution from LA pushing up the hill. Never use soaps or pressure, for every panel has their own warranties. I see a lot of people using rotary brushes at high speeds on panels and this will 100% void warranty if the manufacturer found out, thereby forcing the homeowner to pay out on the spot or lose their homes if they are under a lease.
My 3.6kw system is down to 2.8. Lichen is my enemy, thank goodness I opted for 2 velux windows or cleaning it would be impossible. White vinegar is a good natural cleaner but no brush will shift the lichen
Hello,
Thanks for the video. I know you mentioned best time to clean solar panels is in the morning when the temperature is low to avoid the cool water on a hot weather from shattering the solar panels. What if your using a steamer? Can you get away with cleaning solar panels at time despite the weather temperatures ?
Glass won’t shatter it can rain anytime
Using an aluminum extension is fine? I can't find a wood one in my area.
Thank you for your inquiry. Wood or Aluminum extensions poles should be fine. The aluminum poles may be lighter and more maneuverable.
Even if we turn off the DC on the inverter before cleaning panels, are the panels still live from solar they are receiving from sun and cleaning with a metal handle brush or squeezed can cause a shock ?
why? all cables are under the panels and all of them are insulated even for rain. Unless you brake the panel's glass there will be not short circuit. And even if there is one, there should be protection for short circuits.
Hi, do i need to turn off specific switch/button before washing the panels?Thanks
Thank you for your question about de-energizing your system before washing your panels. Each system is different, however, the system should have a main AC disconnect. That switch should de-energize your system completely, similar to a power outage.
Actually - If you have Panels on the Roof, A Rapid Shutdown Disconnect is required by Law to de-energize the panels on the roof. I would hire a Trained Professional ...
@@mj2801 why would you need to turn something off to wash it that gets rained on constantly? I guess you are the PrOfEsSioNaL he needs to call. Scammy scammer
What is the brush you use can you put an Amazon link
Sorry, I don't have an amazon link, but I use a 18” Swimming Pool brush with Nylon bristles.
At what intervals , we have to clean the panels? Once in a month or more than that
Thank you for your question on cleaning frequency. The frequency depends on the local environment. Some areas receive more rain while others are more dusty. I would recommend at least twice a year; once before spring and once before summer.
this video is mis informing you about rising tap water. calsium build up in AZ water is known to hurt the panels
Can you comment on the use of deionized water vs tap water, please.
He did tap from the hose is what he recommends. If your water has a lot of minerals you could filter it but then you would have to haul it up to the roof. I’d check the output with tap & try it another way next time & see if you gain any output. Good luck
You can use regular water so long as you squeegee it off. Deionized water is ok to let dry on the panel and won't leave mineral spots. @socalsolarpanelcleaning
@@khworker1322 You can buy a di portable system like the ones sold for car detailing, you just connect the house tap water and ready to use. They do have different sizes depending on how much gallons of water you may need and also how hard the water is.
should i turn off the inverter before start the cleaning ?
In order to be safe, you can turn off the inverter before cleaning.
Hi, can we dilute vinegar with water for very dirty panels
Hi Nasir, vinegar should not be used to clean dirty panels. Tap water is sufficient to clean panels.
@@jinkosolarus ok thanks
What licenses do you need to start a solar panel company in California do you need a contractors license?
You need a license from the CSLB. Go to their website. I believe it's either a C-10 Electrical or a C-46 Solar will work.
Thank you for your inquiry. In the state of California, you will need a contractor’s license. A C-10 or a C-46 should allow you to install solar panels in California.
I have watched several videos & this one is the only one stating to NOT use soap... all of the ones I've warched are using a concentrated auto soap.....
No soap and no regular water hose it has alot chemicals its better to use water sofferner
You should have use soft water 💦 it makes a big difference
Stick to the kitchen woman!!!! Not everyone has a soft water system! 🤦♂️
@@svtkilr lmfaooooo
Mas P%$#@TO
How to clean solar panel at a 1 MW plant?
Hi Vibhawan, for large utility solar farms, there are cleaning solutions that incorporate automated robots. Depending on the application, this may void the module warranty. Please contact Jinko directly to gather more information at us.cs@jinkosolar.com
@@jinkosolarus does jinko provide services in India ? Can you please share the details
You said not to use a pressure washer ,but you end up using it in the video ,if am right ?
No he used a hose, much lower psi than a pressure washer
Solar panel cleaning time information pl
Early morning or near to sunset
I been reading some of the responses on this thread and I must say there are some missing details that need to be considered.
1. I must state that Solar Panels are devices that convert Ultraviolet Energy into Electrical Energy. Because they are Electrically Active Devices, an untrained person could literally become energized and Injured if he or she is unable to determine if there are insulation issues on the roof. It is irresponsible to think that anyone can simply just jump on the roof and perform a Roof Solar Cleaning. If you are not Electrically trained - Don't do it if you value your life. Solar Panel Strings can have a Potential of more than 600 Volts AC, when using Micro-Inverters on the Roof. Hire a Trained Professional for this type of Work/Cleaning.
2. Through time, Solar Panels can deteriorate, and many issues can develop that can pose a danger to the person cleaning them, and the roof where they lay. Unfortunately very few people speak of this issues because they lack the knowledge of the many things that can go wrong with Solar Panels. This is something sales reps and installers may not be familiar with. Many of these issues include Cell Hot Spots, De-lamination, Bypass Diodes that will not shutdown once active, causing excessive heat, eating through the Insulation, melting lamination, exposing live conductors and expose contacts that can potentially become a real hazard to the person conducting the cleaning.
3. Issues naked to the human eye - There are degradation issues that required trained & Certified Inspectors with associated equipment besides a brush to asses the condition of the Panels on the roof. A drop in performance on a Solar String does not necessarily is an indication of a Soiled Panel or the result of a Cloudy Day. Since most manufactures offer a 25 year warranty on their Solar Panels, often is necessary to perform a Thermographic Analysis to determine if there are anomalies behind the glass. This analysis is often sufficient for manufactures to replace an undetected malfunctioning Solar Panel that it has been sitting on the roof under the pretense that its performance is due to being Soiled or under-performing due to Orientation or Weather.
Hope this tidbit helps many think twice before risking their lives cleaning something that has the potential of hurting them, permanently.
Thanks,
Miguel Jordan
Crystal Clear Solar - FL USA
Bloody Hell! Scared the sh#t out of me now! How come the guys in the videos aren't being electrocuted?
I've been asked to clean solar panels on the roof of commercial premises.
Should they be:-
1.Done very early in the morning before they heat up?
2. Be disconnected from the mains?
3. Checked by professionals everytime they need cleaning?
I'm in the UK so different rules may apply but your statement has got me concerned.
Thanks for the heads up.
I hear what you saying mate, I'm from Australia but no one has ever went deep in details like this one 😅 .. thanks for the heads-up mate!
How about 320 psi or below 600 psi ryobi pressure washer
Never use a pressure washer cleaner in a solar panel it is not really needed and the glass may develop micro cracks.
Once a year!!! Isn't this dangerous in terms of microcracks?
Washing solar panels with normal garden hose water pressure will not cause micro cracks.
Rain water
Will alcohol be bad?
Alcohol is a flammable solvent and why would you need alcohol? Its surface tension is less than water and could get into the inside through the frame to glass junction potentially creating a dangerous problem. And then you will need a lot of it, in my home I have 18 panels, a lot of alcohol will be needed, easy to catch fire.
Not good idea to drink and clean panels
Wrong, tap water will leave spots, warranty nil and void chemicals.
Nuts. Yes short term will clean, but will degrade your panels. 😮
Deionized water and NEVER a squeegee and never use soap.
Bullshit