[RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules

[Max Balchowsky]

I cleaned my system in Palm Springs with rain-ex every 4 months. It did a great job and left a coating that keep the dust from sticking to the modules
I probably didn't need to clean it that often, but it was easily accessible. I put a garden sprayer on a hose to coat the panels after I cleaned them using
 a dust mop on an extension handle to remove any dirt. Each time they needed less cleaning. Rain-ex keeps the dirt from sticking.

Max Balchowsky
Design Engineer
SEE Systems
1048 Irvine Ave Suite 217
Newport Beach, Ca. 92660
760-403-6810
"Building a Better Future For The Next Generation"



________________________________
 From: Solar Energy Solutions <solarenergysolutions at yahoo.com>
To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> 
Sent: Thursday, April 18, 2013 10:09 AM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules
 


We use a mild solution of Cascade dishwashing soap and a car wash brush.  We have been tempted by a product call "Power Boost".
 
Andrew Koyaanisqatsi
President
Solar Energy Solutions, Inc.
Since 1987,
Moving Portland and Beyond 
to an Environmentally Sustainable Future.
503-238-4502
http://www.solarenergyoregon.com/ 
 
"Better one's House too little one day
than too big all the Year after."
  

From: Benn Kilburn - DayStar Renewable Energy <benn at daystarsolar.ca>
To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> 
Sent: Thursday, April 18, 2013 10:05 AM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules
 


Corey,
If rain water isn't doing good enough, which it usually does depending on angle and other factors…..

-pick up a window washing squeegee (like at a gas station) that you can add a longer, maybe telescopic handle.  That works great.
-Just use water, it works fine.  There is no need for additional chemicals or cleaners.  If bird crap or dirt is particularly stubborn just wet it, scrub it, wet it again and let it soak a few minutes, then it should wipe right off.  Keep in mind most module mfgrs recommend nothing more than a mild detergent added to water (read the specific module instructions).  
-Be wary of temp differences between water and module glass.  Cold water on hot glass can cause the glass to crack.  Best to wash in the morning before the glass heats up.

I've seen a few module washing products (automatic sprayers) advertised, but have no first hand experience with any.

Good luck,
benn
From:  Corey Shalanski <cshalanski at joule-energy.com>
Reply-To:  RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Date:  Wednesday, April 17, 2013 7:20 PM
To:  RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Subject:  [RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules


Greetings Wrenches,
>
>
>I am wondering if anyone can offer tried-and-true tips for cleaning modules: tools, materials, methods?
>
>
>--
>Corey Shalanski
>Joule Energy
>New Orleans, LA
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios:
http://www.members.re-wrenches.org/ 
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine

List Address: RE-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org

Change email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org

List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org

List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm

Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org




_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine

List Address: RE-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org

Change email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org

List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org

List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm

Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org/attachments/20130418/5a7e031b/attachment-0004.html>