[rosskesava]

Soon there will be a 10 minute City & Guilds course for going out your front door so as you can get a 10 minute City & Guilds course to do something else so as you can do a 10 minute City and Guilds course to do a worthless NVQ, etc, etc.

Sorry to sound sarcastic, but I can get all the information I need to clean solar panels on you tube and else where.

Mind you, for the person who runs the course, what a nice little earner.

[8weekly]

Why stop at City & Guilds? I reckon that in a lifetime we couldn't learn all that you have learned about cleaning solar panels Steve. You should be lobbying universities for a degree, masters and a PHD. Dr Steve anyone?

Seriously SPS, you are suffering from delusions of grandeur.

[telfordwindowclnr]

Why stop at City & Guilds? I reckon that in a lifetime we couldn't learn all that you have learned about cleaning solar panels Steve. You should be lobbying universities for a degree, masters and a PHD. Dr Steve anyone?

Seriously SPS, you are suffering from delusions of grandeur.

Why is there a City & Guilds in window cleaning then? Why do people have it as a badge on their website? Why do people join the FWC?  Why do some attend IOSH courses?  Why are some Safecontractor?  Why do some have IPAF licences?  They all build customer confidence because they show the individual has a degree of competency. 

I suppose all you do with ladders is put them against a wall and move your legs up and down, right?  Men have been climbing ladders for thousands of years, it is one of the oldest forms of technology, but still people can't use them properly. They fall off, get injured or die.  Why do people go on ladder safety courses? 

Some people WANT training for confidence.  They want reassurance that they are doing the job correctly, in the most time-efficient manner and for the right price. 

Some clients WANT trained people because then they know they are getting the real deal.  Someone, somewhere at some point decided on a training course for all of the various training courses there are on offer for all trades.  Were they ALL bonkers?  No.  There are some training courses out there that are a lot more ludicrous than one for solar panel cleaning. 

There have been posts saying folks think it is a bad idea, but few have explained why solar panel cleaning does not require training, but window cleaning does. 

Can anyone explain why the risks associated with window cleaning are higher than those for solar panel cleaning???

[Darranvps]

Free training here
Just watch the video and you will know how to clean a solar panel.
This is one we did in Owsten Ferry near Doncaster last week using one cherry picker and one water fed pole van. The job itself took us less than 1.5 hrs and the driving there and back took us 8.5 hrs

I guess that all training courses are good if they are designed to benefit the trainee and not just the training companies pockets.
http://youtu.be/PkyUXixSNBk

Showing why we are the UK's Number 1 Solar Panel Cleaning Company

We use hot de-ionised, purified h20 to clean panels perfectly

Here is how we accessed the solar panels on the roof https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwHeHTgKdFc using our own 20 metre GSR access platform, means we can go anywhere quickly whenever needed.

No other company in the UK can offer FREE Solar Panel Cleaning like we do!

[DG Cleaning]

Steve, we both know that a city & guilds in cleaning windows is an absolute nonsense.
That's why now the courses aren't free nobody wants to go on them.

[andyM]

Why stop at City & Guilds? I reckon that in a lifetime we couldn't learn all that you have learned about cleaning solar panels Steve. You should be lobbying universities for a degree, masters and a PHD. Dr Steve anyone?

Seriously SPS, you are suffering from delusions of grandeur.

Why is there a City & Guilds in window cleaning then? Why do people have it as a badge on their website? Why do people join the FWC?  Why do some attend IOSH courses?  Why are some Safecontractor?  Why do some have IPAF licences?  They all build customer confidence because they show the individual has a degree of competency. 

I suppose all you do with ladders is put them against a wall and move your legs up and down, right?  Men have been climbing ladders for thousands of years, it is one of the oldest forms of technology, but still people can't use them properly. They fall off, get injured or die.  Why do people go on ladder safety courses? 

Some people WANT training for confidence.  They want reassurance that they are doing the job correctly, in the most time-efficient manner and for the right price. 

Some clients WANT trained people because then they know they are getting the real deal.  Someone, somewhere at some point decided on a training course for all of the various training courses there are on offer for all trades.  Were they ALL bonkers?  No.  There are some training courses out there that are a lot more ludicrous than one for solar panel cleaning. 

There have been posts saying folks think it is a bad idea, but few have explained why solar panel cleaning does not require training, but window cleaning does. 

Can anyone explain why the risks associated with window cleaning are higher than those for solar panel cleaning???

Is there a City & Guilds in WINDOW CLEANING?
I've only seen one of these certificates and it was for a unit credit LEVEL 2 CLEANING AND SUPPORT SERVICE SKILLS.

[DG Cleaning]

There are some training courses out there that are a lot more ludicrous than one for solar panel cleaning. 

So you admit it is ludicrous then

[roundbuilder]

Anyone can clean solar panels, they are as easy as cleaning a paine of glass however i imagine the course would be worthwhile to learn the safety and risk factor of doing such work to minimise any possible deaths or injuries.

[rosskesava]

I can understand the need for safety training and training for using equipment safely but a C & G course for solar panel cleaning?

Is there a course I can go on about how to open the van door safely?

[formb]

Anyone can clean solar panels, they are as easy as cleaning a paine of glass however i imagine the course would be worthwhile to learn the safety and risk factor of doing such work to minimise any possible deaths or injuries.

The voice of reason.

Also I would add that it would be good to know any risks of damage to panels. It seems unlikely that you can damage a solar panel but it is unlikely you can damage a window and we all know that it CAN happen. Damage to a solar panel is likely to be much more expensive / dangerous than damage to a window.

[DG Cleaning]

Ludicrous courses that I have done.
(Not saying I didn't need some training but the length and expense of these were indeed ludicrous)

MEWP, Full day, Actually could be done in 1 hour
Changing grinding wheels, half day. Should be half hour
Fork truck. 2 days. Another half hour one
Train the trainer. 4 days. Total rubbish course.
And yes folks I am actually a qualified trainer now
Overhead crane 1 day, another half hour one.

I'm sure there are loads more I'll have a think

[telfordwindowclnr]

Anyone can clean solar panels, they are as easy as cleaning a paine of glass however i imagine the course would be worthwhile to learn the safety and risk factor of doing such work to minimise any possible deaths or injuries.

Hi Mick.

The H & S would obviously take up a large part of the course as there is a lot to learn and retain. learning how to compile a decent RAMS is obviously going to give you a good chance of getting jobs too.  Those two things would be the main thrust of the course, be it a City & Guilds or other accredited format.

Thanks for the positive feedback, it is in short supply! 

[telfordwindowclnr]

I can understand the need for safety training and training for using equipment safely but a C & G course for solar panel cleaning?

Is there a course I can go on about how to open the van door safely?

So should we call the course "Cleaning Solar Panels Safely."?  It needs a name.

[telfordwindowclnr]

Anyone can clean solar panels, they are as easy as cleaning a paine of glass however i imagine the course would be worthwhile to learn the safety and risk factor of doing such work to minimise any possible deaths or injuries.

The voice of reason.

Also I would add that it would be good to know any risks of damage to panels. It seems unlikely that you can damage a solar panel but it is unlikely you can damage a window and we all know that it CAN happen. Damage to a solar panel is likely to be much more expensive / dangerous than damage to a window.

We have come across damaged panels that have only been installed 18 months.  Even though the site is visually checked by it's owners very regularly, it was only when we cleaned the panels that we found a problem.  In fact, on that site there were 2 broken panels on different parts of the site.  Fortunately, my guys knew what to do when they found one.

[Darranvps]

Why follow the norm and go for City & Guilds?

Why not setup a Solar Panel Cleaning Club?

We could arrange suitable training courses for would be solar panel cleaners and give candidates a certificate when they pass the training course.

We could also offer other club member benefits - like offering a national service where we can pass on enquiries for Solar Panel Cleaning to members in the area - I get loads of enquiries from all around the country and could pass on details to companies who I know have been trained.

This business will be massive throughout the UK in the next few years.

Our new forthcoming Super Website with Solar Panel Cleaning Services will be LIVE soon and we will get even more enquiries from all over the place.............

If anyone is interested in joining such a club let me know and I will set one up if there is enough people interested - it won't be free and there will be an annual membership fee..............

darran@purple-rhino.co.uk to register interest now and I will reply to you within the next few weeks Please put SOLAR PANEL CLEANING CLUB in the Subject box

[rosskesava]

I can understand the need for safety training and training for using equipment safely but a C & G course for solar panel cleaning?

Is there a course I can go on about how to open the van door safely?

So should we call the course "Cleaning Solar Panels Safely."?  It needs a name.

That sounds better but does it really need a course or would a video or leaflet say the same?

Why is a course is needed and what would the benefits be as after all, those are the bottom line.

[CF Facilities]

I guess you would have to inform your insurance company of a move into Solar Panel Cleaning but do you think they would maybe offer a reduced premium to  someone that's has been on a  recognised training course in whatever form this takes.
Also do you think a customer who has just spent many thousands on solar panels trust just anyone to clean them or would they prefer someone who has been properly trained on all aspects of safety etc.
Would the training aspect be a good selling point to obtain work? I personally think training gives confidence to the customer. But that is my opinion.

[telfordwindowclnr]

Why follow the norm and go for City & Guilds?

Why not setup a Solar Panel Cleaning Club?

We could arrange suitable training courses for would be solar panel cleaners and give candidates a certificate when they pass the training course.

We could also offer other club member benefits - like offering a national service where we can pass on enquiries for Solar Panel Cleaning to members in the area - I get loads of enquiries from all around the country and could pass on details to companies who I know have been trained.

This business will be massive throughout the UK in the next few years.

Our new forthcoming Super Website with Solar Panel Cleaning Services will be LIVE soon and we will get even more enquiries from all over the place.............

If anyone is interested in joining such a club let me know and I will set one up if there is enough people interested - it won't be free and there will be an annual membership fee..............

darran@purple-rhino.co.uk to register interest now and I will reply to you within the next few weeks Please put SOLAR PANEL CLEANING CLUB in the Subject box

Hi Darran.  I like your vid mate.  Your above idea is exactly what I have been doing for the last 12 months, but without the annual membership.  Prepare to be hammered for even suggesting people pay for leads.  Regarding certificates, I have mooted that too.  People do not want a mickey mouse bit of paper, but an accredited, recognised training body, hence my pursuing C&G. I think it is a good idea, but many on here do not.  I know not why....

[telfordwindowclnr]

I guess you would have to inform your insurance company of a move into Solar Panel Cleaning but do you think they would maybe offer a reduced premium to  someone that's has been on a  recognised training course in whatever form this takes.
Also do you think a customer who has just spent many thousands on solar panels trust just anyone to clean them or would they prefer someone who has been properly trained on all aspects of safety etc.
Would the training aspect be a good selling point to obtain work? I personally think training gives confidence to the customer. But that is my opinion.

I agree entirely.

[wfp master]

Not needed.