Cleaning and 3rd party Maintanance / health checks of roof mounted PV

[frustratedfarmer]

about to do the tissue test on mine to see if they need cleaning - do others clean religiously or play it by ear? Had quotes of about £7 per kW to clean which I think would be worth it if they are dirty.

Now my supplier has gone bust, is it worth getting a 3rd party to monitor / inspect / carry out a health check etc every yr etc.

It's a lot of cash sitting on the roof and it's easy to forget about them but the asset needs to sweat to make the returns

What do others do?

TYIA

 

[Exfarmer]

Just took the plunge and had my main set cleaned. I rather think i had my leg lifted on price, as the operators employing a 65 foot carbon pole and brush were able to clean at the rate of 180kw , ie 720 panels per day using pure water.
Mind you he was shot at the end
Think a pice of £4 pound a Kw would be nearer fair to both, but not sure of the return.
Must say they were cracking thr power out after though.
Not sure what else you can have monitored except to keep an eye on outputs, comparing year on year

 

[frustratedfarmer]

Was hoping you would comment

Did they heat the water? Heard you can crack Panals when cleaning on a hot day - thermal shock.

I wonder what others would pay / kW?

Mine can all be reached via cage and Jcb

 

[Exfarmer]

Interesting point about the thermal shock, just used cold water. No issue as far as i know.
We had to hire in a cherry picker on top of our cleaning cost so it ended up fairly expensive.

 

[akaPABLO01]

Clean them every 7 years early spring. You'll not receive any increased benefit that will justify the cost at shorter periods unless situated close by a busy highway. No point cleaning pre winter/Autumn time as production is very low anyway.

 

[potter]

about to do the tissue test on mine to see if they need cleaning - do others clean religiously or play it by ear? Had quotes of about £7 per kW to clean which I think would be worth it if they are dirty.

Now my supplier has gone bust, is it worth getting a 3rd party to monitor / inspect / carry out a health check etc every yr etc.

It's a lot of cash sitting on the roof and it's easy to forget about them but the asset needs to sweat to make the returns

What do others do?

TYIA

A company called BEBA have made an inspection of out two installations and could not find much wrong with everything, but some installations have litrally been condemd because the wiring is in full sun and the boxes have swelled due to the heat and light. They will do the inspection FOC but will charge for any remedial work that you have done.

 

[wilber]

Just took the plunge and had my main set cleaned. I rather think i had my leg lifted on price, as the operators employing a 65 foot carbon pole and brush were able to clean at the rate of 180kw , ie 720 panels per day using pure water.
Mind you he was shot at the end
Think a pice of £4 pound a Kw would be nearer fair to both, but not sure of the return.
Must say they were cracking thr power out after though.
Not sure what else you can have monitored except to keep an eye on outputs, comparing year on year

What company did you use to clean the panels if you dont mind me asking?

 

[Andrew K]

Internet is full of them, get someone who makes a proper job and is recommended by others.

 

[Exfarmer]

Actually my experience is that most cleaners run a mile when you start talking about working at hieght, and Paying in anything other than cash!
Ours were cleaned by Solar Panel cleaners.
This is a national company who use local companies to do the work.