[Swcs]

Hey all, thanks in advance for the advice.

I have been asked to clean my client's solar panels, is there anything I should know before cleaning them?

I have a medium dual trim brush and a clx 27. I think I may need to get a bigger pole to start cleaning solar panels.

What size pole do you guys use to clean solar panels from the ground?

Here is a photo of the solar panels needing cleaning.



Also I haven't got a clue what to charge for this kind of work?

Is £5 a panel reasonable? 

[formb]

I cleaned solar panels for the first time at the weekend. It was easy enough although people on here are talking about (or refusing to talk about) serious risks involved.

http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=173609.0

http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=173808.0

[Swcs]

I cleaned solar panels for the first time at the weekend. It was easy enough although people on here are talking about (or refusing to talk about) serious risks involved.

http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=173609.0

http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=173808.0

Thanks so much for collating that info Soapy, i've had a good read through and there's a lot of talking and not much information about it.

 
So basically there are serious risks involved, but the key players don't want to give away their research because they want the whole marketplace to themselves? Makes sense I guess.

I just wanted to clean my clients Solar Panels as they asked out of speculation?!

So i'm going to go clean the panels for £5 each and where a gum shield and some non-grounding boots?!

Yeah?! 

[deeege]

You'll need a longer pole than 27ft to clean those from the ground mate. I'd say atleast 40ft, maybe a little more.

Also I'd take with a pinch of salt all the (non) info spouted on here about cleaning solar panels. Some on here are happy to sub-contract out jobs in the £50-£100 price range to fellas that supply no health and safety info whatsoever for work that 'will more than likely end in a fatality'.

[Swcs]

Posted by: deeege    Posted on: Today at 02:21:57 pm

You'll need a longer pole than 27ft to clean those from the ground mate. I'd say atleast 40ft, maybe a little more.

Also I'd take with a pinch of salt all the (non) info spouted on here about cleaning solar panels. Some on here are happy to

Thanks mate. I just take what people say on here at face value, which I guess isn't always beneficial.

I can get hold of a 40ft pole, no problems, i've just got to make sure they turn off, or isolate the power first right?

Out of interest, what kind of price would you charge for these panels, based on the fact that it costs them £5 for he front of this house.

Many thanks deeege

[telfordwindowclnr]

You'll need a longer pole than 27ft to clean those from the ground mate. I'd say atleast 40ft, maybe a little more.

Also I'd take with a pinch of salt all the (non) info spouted on here about cleaning solar panels. Some on here are happy to sub-contract out jobs in the £50-£100 price range to fellas that supply no health and safety info whatsoever for work that 'will more than likely end in a fatality'.

Hi Deegee.  For what ever reason, you seem to troll my posts on spc.  You are happy to doubt what I say or make me out to be a liar.  I'm not gonna lose sleep over it believe me.  You too seem to be in the know about solar panels because you have contradictory info to mine and are happy to share it.

To date, how many solar panels have you cleaned?
Who have you cleaned them for?
How many contracts do you have?
You suggest that I sub jobs out for £50-£100 each. How did you reach that conclusion about my pricing?
Finally, ask some people on here who do the bigger commercial stuff for us if they have had to do any RAMS, paperwork etc to get the jobs.  I think you'll find they had a lot to do.
   

[telfordwindowclnr]

Posted by: deeege    Posted on: Today at 02:21:57 pm

You'll need a longer pole than 27ft to clean those from the ground mate. I'd say atleast 40ft, maybe a little more.

Also I'd take with a pinch of salt all the (non) info spouted on here about cleaning solar panels. Some on here are happy to

Thanks mate. I just take what people say on here at face value, which I guess isn't always beneficial.

I can get hold of a 40ft pole, no problems, i've just got to make sure they turn off, or isolate the power first right?

Out of interest, what kind of price would you charge for these panels, based on the fact that it costs them £5 for he front of this house.

Many thanks deeege

An extreme 47 will get you to most roof mounts mate.  at £5 per panel, you will be charging £100.00 for a clean.  it is a 5KW system, max.  At £100, it's not value for your customer at all.  You might do them once, but I doubt they will pay you £100 again when they see how long it takes you.

[Swcs]

Sorry guys, I didn't want this too be a catty thread.

I didn't realise the subject was so controversial.

An extreme 47 will get you to most roof mounts mate.  at £5 per panel, you will be charging £100.00 for a clean.  it is a 5KW system, max.  At £100, it's not value for your customer at all.  You might do them once, but I doubt they will pay you £100 again when they see how long it takes you. Undecided

Now this is the info I was after, thanks Steve! 

If any one else has pricing suggestions, answers on a postcard plea!

I'm guessing in your research you have managed to sort the pricing pretty spot on, also with the confidence to pitch it as well. I haven't got a clue about the savings of soar panels as ive never been in a position to get them, I will do some research on the savings of certain panels.

I have a feeling a headache is about to come on! 

[JackieW]

I have no experience of or knowledge of solar panel cleaning at all.

When it comes to pricing,

 I would think the customer has the choice of

either climbing a ladder to above guttering level and then trying to clean as many panels as possible with a hose and brush before moving the ladder across to another position,

 or

paying someone who has invested in long enough poles to clean safely from the ground.

I would guess about £30-£40.

[deeege]

You'll need a longer pole than 27ft to clean those from the ground mate. I'd say atleast 40ft, maybe a little more.

Also I'd take with a pinch of salt all the (non) info spouted on here about cleaning solar panels. Some on here are happy to sub-contract out jobs in the £50-£100 price range to fellas that supply no health and safety info whatsoever for work that 'will more than likely end in a fatality'.

Hi Deegee.  For what ever reason, you seem to troll my posts on spc.  You are happy to doubt what I say or make me out to be a liar.  I'm not gonna lose sleep over it believe me.  You too seem to be in the know about solar panels because you have contradictory info to mine and are happy to share it.

Not true. I don't troll your posts. I question some of your posts because i think you contradict yourself an awful lot. For example, you are happy to tell any new posters that cleaning solar panels is extremely dangerous and will more than likely kill somebody in the UK in the coming years (I DON'T DISAGREE WITH THAT POINT) but then you are happy subcontracting this very same work to somebody without seeing any RAMS/health and safety/whatever.

I'm happy to answer your questions below. I don't know why they are relevant though, i am not a solar panel cleaning expert and never professed to be one either. I make my money from cleaning windows and a bit of ground maintenance (which i sub out) and am doing just fine thanks.




To date, how many solar panels have you cleaned?  <1000
Who have you cleaned them for? Domestic customers and 1 installation firm
How many contracts do you have? 1, starting early August
You suggest that I sub jobs out for £50-£100 each. How did you reach that conclusion about my pricing? Have you ever subbed out a job on here for less than £100, yes or no?
Finally, ask some people on here who do the bigger commercial stuff for us if they have had to do any RAMS, paperwork etc to get the jobs.  I think you'll find they had a lot to do.No doubt. But you still sub out 'potentially lethal' work to subbies that have been vetted over the phone and by looking at their website.
   

[telfordwindowclnr]

Sorry guys, I didn't want this too be a catty thread.

I didn't realise the subject was so controversial.

An extreme 47 will get you to most roof mounts mate.  at £5 per panel, you will be charging £100.00 for a clean.  it is a 5KW system, max.  At £100, it's not value for your customer at all.  You might do them once, but I doubt they will pay you £100 again when they see how long it takes you. Undecided

Now this is the info I was after, thanks Steve! 

If any one else has pricing suggestions, answers on a postcard plea!

I'm guessing in your research you have managed to sort the pricing pretty spot on, also with the confidence to pitch it as well. I haven't got a clue about the savings of soar panels as ive never been in a position to get them, I will do some research on the savings of certain panels.

I have a feeling a headache is about to come on! 

Hi mate. Im glad the info was what you were after.

I don't court controversy, but solar panel cleaning seems to bring it. I try to help others but retain my USP at the same time. I could just shut up and not post at all, but that's selfish and I do like to help others where I feel I can.  

Years of research have got us to where we are now. We are confident that we can land and quote for ANY type of solar job, anywhere in the UK and also deliver the goods. We already do A LOT of this, so it does bug me a little when folks make out I do not know my field.

I wish you all the best with the job. If you have any other questions, feel free to fire away and be barraged with differing answers from people with differing levels of experience.  

[telfordwindowclnr]

You'll need a longer pole than 27ft to clean those from the ground mate. I'd say atleast 40ft, maybe a little more.

Also I'd take with a pinch of salt all the (non) info spouted on here about cleaning solar panels. Some on here are happy to sub-contract out jobs in the £50-£100 price range to fellas that supply no health and safety info whatsoever for work that 'will more than likely end in a fatality'.

Hi Deegee.  For what ever reason, you seem to troll my posts on spc.  You are happy to doubt what I say or make me out to be a liar.  I'm not gonna lose sleep over it believe me.  You too seem to be in the know about solar panels because you have contradictory info to mine and are happy to share it.

Not true. I don't troll your posts. I question some of your posts because i think you contradict yourself an awful lot. For example, you are happy to tell any new posters that cleaning solar panels is extremely dangerous and will more than likely kill somebody in the UK in the coming years (I DON'T DISAGREE WITH THAT POINT) but then you are happy subcontracting this very same work to somebody without seeing any RAMS/health and safety/whatever.

I'm happy to answer your questions below. I don't know why they are relevant though, i am not a solar panel cleaning expert and never professed to be one either. I make my money from cleaning windows and a bit of ground maintenance (which i sub out) and am doing just fine thanks.




To date, how many solar panels have you cleaned?  <1000
Who have you cleaned them for? Domestic customers and 1 installation firm
How many contracts do you have? 1, starting early August
You suggest that I sub jobs out for £50-£100 each. How did you reach that conclusion about my pricing? Have you ever subbed out a job on here for less than £100, yes or no?
Finally, ask some people on here who do the bigger commercial stuff for us if they have had to do any RAMS, paperwork etc to get the jobs.  I think you'll find they had a lot to do.No doubt. But you still sub out 'potentially lethal' work to subbies that have been vetted over the phone and by looking at their website.
  

Yes I have subbed out jobs for less than £100.00. I just can't charge people £100.00 or more for residential cleans, it's a rip-off.  Many guys who do the subbed out jobs go on to clean fascias or conservatory roofs, so it works out great for them particularly.

[S.A.J]

40ft pole with 90 degree gooseneck with soft Dt flocked brush

30 mins to clean

£30

I would get the customer to turn them off

 

[bobplum]

40ft pole with 90 degree gooseneck with soft Dt flocked brush

30 mins to clean

£30

I would get the customer to turn them off

 

simple and too the point
there is no mystery to solar panel cleaning

[Richard60]

thanks solar steve . n . s.a.j  those few tips can help us newbies .from going about things the wrong way

[telfordwindowclnr]

thanks solar steve . n . s.a.j  those few tips can help us newbies .from going about things the wrong way

No worries.