Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Steve kiff on December 10, 2012, 06:46:12 pm
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Does anyone offer solar panel cleaning as part of there services.?
If so how Often do you clean them?
Do you charge the same as if you were cleaning a standard window. Or charge more as they are harder to reach?
I've just added this to my list of services and want to make sure I'm charging the right price. Not to mention cleaning them as frequent as I can get away with.
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We do.
We only charge £1 a panel (minimum £10 though) but ours are domestic so only need 30ft pole to reach.
We 'sell' it because (don't quote me on technicalities) if one panel is dirty the voltage(?) drops and the rest drop to the lowest one.
So 'cleaning will actually save you money!)
www.laneswindowcleaning.com Rutland
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Brilliant. Thanks for the reply! :-)
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the prices i have heard was more like £5 a panel.I think it would depend were you are. If you clean a 3 bed semi for 5 quid the charge a pound .BUT YOU ARE GETTING 15 QUID A HOUSE THEN CHARGE 4/5 A PANEL.
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Was looking at some solar panels the other day in my area stuck on top of large 3 bed semi council houses, they look almost impossible to do off the ground and the time you get ladders and pole out I think i would be charging more than a quid each :o
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We are doing it A LOT! Priced up a 17,000 panel installation this week. We market it as a premium service. Loads of people can clean windows, but not all can clean solar panels, no matter what they say. Don't undersell the service. We make more on solar jobs per hour than any of our other services.
A clean every 6 months is perfect for the customer and you.
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Do you clean them the same way as a pane of glass
And does it take the ssme time ?
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We are doing it A LOT! Priced up a 17,000 panel installation this week. We market it as a premium service. Loads of people can clean windows, but not all can clean solar panels, no matter what they say. Don't undersell the service. We make more on solar jobs per hour than any of our other services.
A clean every 6 months is perfect for the customer and you.
I just checked out your website. Brilliant. Answered all my questions straight away. I've added it to my services as I'm seeing more and more solar panels appearing where I live.
I'm sure more & more people will be installing them in the future so I'm sure this can be quite lucrative for all window cleaners that have the correct knowledge & equipment. Thanks
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We are doing it A LOT! Priced up a 17,000 panel installation this week. We market it as a premium service. Loads of people can clean windows, but not all can clean solar panels, no matter what they say. Don't undersell the service. We make more on solar jobs per hour than any of our other services.
A clean every 6 months is perfect for the customer and you.
I just checked out your website. Brilliant. Answered all my questions straight away. I've added it to my services as I'm seeing more and more solar panels appearing where I live.
I'm sure more & more people will be installing them in the future so I'm sure this can be quite lucrative for all window cleaners that have the correct knowledge & equipment. Thanks
Thanks. Glad you like the website. It's is designed for public information only, I have some other ideas for the industry. I've started talking to a very well respected university about the possibility of them accrediting solar panel cleaning training days. It will focus on cleaning, health & safety, marketing, pricing, benefits of solar cleaning etc. only a possibility at the moment.
I must admit that publicly, this idea has been slammed by other window cleaners on other forums, but equally, I have had a lot of very good interest via private messages. I would be interested to get some feedback here as it seems a more professional forum, rather than a place to bash other people!
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We are doing it A LOT! Priced up a 17,000 panel installation this week. We market it as a premium service. Loads of people can clean windows, but not all can clean solar panels, no matter what they say. Don't undersell the service. We make more on solar jobs per hour than any of our other services.
A clean every 6 months is perfect for the customer and you.
I just checked out your website. Brilliant. Answered all my questions straight away. I've added it to my services as I'm seeing more and more solar panels appearing where I live.
I'm sure more & more people will be installing them in the future so I'm sure this can be quite lucrative for all window cleaners that have the correct knowledge & equipment. Thanks
Thanks. Glad you like the website. It's is designed for public information only, I have some other ideas for the industry. I've started talking to a very well respected university about the possibility of them accrediting solar panel cleaning training days. It will focus on cleaning, health & safety, marketing, pricing, benefits of solar cleaning etc. only a possibility at the moment.
I must admit that publicly, this idea has been slammed by other window cleaners on other forums, but equally, I have had a lot of very good interest via private messages. I would be interested to get some feedback here as it seems a more professional forum, rather than a place to bash other people!
Oh FFS not another one?!?!!............. :-X
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We are doing it A LOT! Priced up a 17,000 panel installation this week. We market it as a premium service. Loads of people can clean windows, but not all can clean solar panels, no matter what they say. Don't undersell the service. We make more on solar jobs per hour than any of our other services.
A clean every 6 months is perfect for the customer and you.
I just checked out your website. Brilliant. Answered all my questions straight away. I've added it to my services as I'm seeing more and more solar panels appearing where I live.
I'm sure more & more people will be installing them in the future so I'm sure this can be quite lucrative for all window cleaners that have the correct knowledge & equipment. Thanks
Thanks. Glad you like the website. It's is designed for public information only, I have some other ideas for the industry. I've started talking to a very well respected university about the possibility of them accrediting solar panel cleaning training days. It will focus on cleaning, health & safety, marketing, pricing, benefits of solar cleaning etc. only a possibility at the moment.
I must admit that publicly, this idea has been slammed by other window cleaners on other forums, but equally, I have had a lot of very good interest via private messages. I would be interested to get some feedback here as it seems a more professional forum, rather than a place to bash other people!
sounds a good idea to me, have you ever had to use chemicals on some jobs or has water always been sufficient i have only done a few and hot water has always worked but i have seen some badly stained ones on my travels but not had to tackle one of these as yet.
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Nice website.
My only point of issue would be that you liken the dirt build-up on solar panels to the dirt that accumulates on car wind-screens. Solar panels aren't subject to the same levels of pollution that cars are though, such as that from other vehicles exhausts, salt, oil and fuel particulates etc; youve only got to drive down a lane on a day when the weather is as we've had of late and your car wind-screen is as dirty as before you last cleaned it in a matter of minutes.
Interesting stuff though, ta.
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We are doing it A LOT! Priced up a 17,000 panel installation this week. We market it as a premium service. Loads of people can clean windows, but not all can clean solar panels, no matter what they say. Don't undersell the service. We make more on solar jobs per hour than any of our other services.
A clean every 6 months is perfect for the customer and you.
I just checked out your website. Brilliant. Answered all my questions straight away. I've added it to my services as I'm seeing more and more solar panels appearing where I live.
I'm sure more & more people will be installing them in the future so I'm sure this can be quite lucrative for all window cleaners that have the correct knowledge & equipment. Thanks
Thanks. Glad you like the website. It's is designed for public information only, I have some other ideas for the industry. I've started talking to a very well respected university about the possibility of them accrediting solar panel cleaning training days. It will focus on cleaning, health & safety, marketing, pricing, benefits of solar cleaning etc. only a possibility at the moment.
I must admit that publicly, this idea has been slammed by other window cleaners on other forums, but equally, I have had a lot of very good interest via private messages. I would be interested to get some feedback here as it seems a more professional forum, rather than a place to bash other people!
I would like to know about this and where else your talking about this Steve so could you email me design@windowwashers.co.uk you will find resistence on here for anything thats training related imo
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Thanks for this info, I'm just in the process of promoting this service, having an extra sign on the van. Any cleaning tips and information are always welcome and certainly gives me insight into what to expect. Thanks.
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We are doing it A LOT! Priced up a 17,000 panel installation this week. We market it as a premium service. Loads of people can clean windows, but not all can clean solar panels, no matter what they say. Don't undersell the service. We make more on solar jobs per hour than any of our other services.
A clean every 6 months is perfect for the customer and you.
I just checked out your website. Brilliant. Answered all my questions straight away. I've added it to my services as I'm seeing more and more solar panels appearing where I live.
I'm sure more & more people will be installing them in the future so I'm sure this can be quite lucrative for all window cleaners that have the correct knowledge & equipment. Thanks
Thanks. Glad you like the website. It's is designed for public information only, I have some other ideas for the industry. I've started talking to a very well respected university about the possibility of them accrediting solar panel cleaning training days. It will focus on cleaning, health & safety, marketing, pricing, benefits of solar cleaning etc. only a possibility at the moment.
I must admit that publicly, this idea has been slammed by other window cleaners on other forums, but equally, I have had a lot of very good interest via private messages. I would be interested to get some feedback here as it seems a more professional forum, rather than a place to bash other people!
sounds a good idea to me, have you ever had to use chemicals on some jobs or has water always been sufficient i have only done a few and hot water has always worked but i have seen some badly stained ones on my travels but not had to tackle one of these as yet.
Chemicals are not recommended at all. That said, it is another avenue that we are exploring with a manufacturer and installer.
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Nice website.
My only point of issue would be that you liken the dirt build-up on solar panels to the dirt that accumulates on car wind-screens. Solar panels aren't subject to the same levels of pollution that cars are though, such as that from other vehicles exhausts, salt, oil and fuel particulates etc; youve only got to drive down a lane on a day when the weather is as we've had of late and your car wind-screen is as dirty as before you last cleaned it in a matter of minutes.
Interesting stuff though, ta.
Glad you like it. The windscreen illustration is given in the sense of leaving your car stationary. If you go abroad and leave your car parked in the open for a fortnight, your screen will be a right mess. Imagine leaving it for 12 months and then coming to drive your car. The accumulated dirt would clearly be visible. The same principle applies to solar panels.
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By the way, all the material and photos on the website are copyrighted, but if anyone wants to copy and paste something onto their website, please contact me.
I don't mind, so long as there is a line to say something like :"windscreen illustration provided courtesy of www.solar-panel-cleaners.com", and a link going to our website. That is only an example.
Without the link, we will ask for the material to be removed.
I will probably get grief again for mentioning that, however, we do have window cleaners who have done exactly that and who are enjoying good results and getting profitable enquiries. It builds customer confidence.
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Thanks for this info, I'm just in the process of promoting this service, having an extra sign on the van. Any cleaning tips and information are always welcome and certainly gives me insight into what to expect. Thanks.
Please email via the website for more info and I will try to answer your questions.
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We are doing it A LOT! Priced up a 17,000 panel installation this week. We market it as a premium service. Loads of people can clean windows, but not all can clean solar panels, no matter what they say. Don't undersell the service. We make more on solar jobs per hour than any of our other services.
A clean every 6 months is perfect for the customer and you.
I just checked out your website. Brilliant. Answered all my questions straight away. I've added it to my services as I'm seeing more and more solar panels appearing where I live.
I'm sure more & more people will be installing them in the future so I'm sure this can be quite lucrative for all window cleaners that have the correct knowledge & equipment. Thanks
Thanks. Glad you like the website. It's is designed for public information only, I have some other ideas for the industry. I've started talking to a very well respected university about the possibility of them accrediting solar panel cleaning training days. It will focus on cleaning, health & safety, marketing, pricing, benefits of solar cleaning etc. only a possibility at the moment.
I must admit that publicly, this idea has been slammed by other window cleaners on other forums, but equally, I have had a lot of very good interest via private messages. I would be interested to get some feedback here as it seems a more professional forum, rather than a place to bash other people!
just dont mention NVQ's or sales funnel :-X
cracking website !!
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;D Cool. Will bear it in mind!!!
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Is it possible to get an electric shock when cleaning solar panals
using wfp ?
If so how do you avoid it?
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We are doing it A LOT! Priced up a 17,000 panel installation this week. We market it as a premium service. Loads of people can clean windows, but not all can clean solar panels, no matter what they say. Don't undersell the service. We make more on solar jobs per hour than any of our other services.
A clean every 6 months is perfect for the customer and you.
I just checked out your website. Brilliant. Answered all my questions straight away. I've added it to my services as I'm seeing more and more solar panels appearing where I live.
I'm sure more & more people will be installing them in the future so I'm sure this can be quite lucrative for all window cleaners that have the correct knowledge & equipment. Thanks
I would be interested to get some feedback here as it seems a more professional forum, rather than a place to bash other people!
Are you new here Steve? Welcome :-)
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Is it possible to get an electric shock when cleaning solar panals
using wfp ?
If so how do you avoid it?
Yes, it is possible. If the panel is cracked, if there are loose wires or the panel frame is live, you will get shocked.
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We are doing it A LOT! Priced up a 17,000 panel installation this week. We market it as a premium service. Loads of people can clean windows, but not all can clean solar panels, no matter what they say. Don't undersell the service. We make more on solar jobs per hour than any of our other services.
A clean every 6 months is perfect for the customer and you.
I just checked out your website. Brilliant. Answered all my questions straight away. I've added it to my services as I'm seeing more and more solar panels appearing where I live.
I'm sure more & more people will be installing them in the future so I'm sure this can be quite lucrative for all window cleaners that have the correct knowledge & equipment. Thanks
I would be interested to get some feedback here as it seems a more professional forum, rather than a place to bash other people!
Are you new here Steve? Welcome :-)
Thanks joe. :D
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There was a 240 panel solar installation down the road from me. I do the windows on their place, its a farm. The whole lot went up about 6 months ago, last I heard it was either kids or electrical fault that caused it.
If theres a likelihood to get a shock from these things what are we talking here? Big or just a tingle? Big I'd imagine :(
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By the way, all the material and photos on the website are copyrighted, but if anyone wants to copy and paste something onto their website, please contact me.
I don't mind, so long as there is a line to say something like :"windscreen illustration provided courtesy of www.solar-panel-cleaners.com", and a link going to our website. That is only an example.
Without the link, we will ask for the material to be removed.
I will probably get grief again for mentioning that, however, we do have window cleaners who have done exactly that and who are enjoying good results and getting profitable enquiries. It builds customer confidence.
Any chance of seeing your copyright?
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By the way, all the material and photos on the website are copyrighted, but if anyone wants to copy and paste something onto their website, please contact me.
I don't mind, so long as there is a line to say something like :"windscreen illustration provided courtesy of www.solar-panel-cleaners.com", and a link going to our website. That is only an example.
Without the link, we will ask for the material to be removed.
I will probably get grief again for mentioning that, however, we do have window cleaners who have done exactly that and who are enjoying good results and getting profitable enquiries. It builds customer confidence.
Any chance of seeing your copyright?
Internet copyright laws state that any material authored by an individual on their website is their intellectual property. It is different to printed matter. I have already had one website removed from the Internet due to copyright issues and have had other copy text and or images and these have been removed too.
Therefore, you cannot see anyone's copyright, but all material on a website, authored by an individual is copyrighted. Hope that answers the question.
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There was a 240 panel solar installation down the road from me. I do the windows on their place, its a farm. The whole lot went up about 6 months ago, last I heard it was either kids or electrical fault that caused it.
If theres a likelihood to get a shock from these things what are we talking here? Big or just a tingle? Big I'd imagine :(
Big enough to hurt! :o :o :o
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By the way, all the material and photos on the website are copyrighted, but if anyone wants to copy and paste something onto their website, please contact me.
I don't mind, so long as there is a line to say something like :"windscreen illustration provided courtesy of www.solar-panel-cleaners.com", and a link going to our website. That is only an example.
Without the link, we will ask for the material to be removed.
I will probably get grief again for mentioning that, however, we do have window cleaners who have done exactly that and who are enjoying good results and getting profitable enquiries. It builds customer confidence.
Any chance of seeing your copyright?
Internet copyright laws state that any material authored by an individual on their website is their intellectual property. It is different to printed matter. I have already had one website removed from the Internet due to copyright issues and have had other copy text and or images and these have been removed too.
Therefore, you cannot see anyone's copyright, but all material on a website, authored by an individual is copyrighted. Hope that answers the question.
Cool. 8)
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could you get a fatal shock
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could you get a fatal shock
It depends how badly damaged the array is, but yes, I believe so.
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University sounds exciting :o
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if anyone uses gardiner poles they will be protected , as the base section is insulated.
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Not if the pole gets wet.
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Not if the pole gets wet.
why would it get wet ?and i am sure alex will respond to this post .
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Not if the pole gets wet.
why would it get wet ?and i am sure alex will respond to this post .
The question should be, how can you work wfp on solar all day WITHOUT your pole getting wet? :-\
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Not if the pole gets wet.
why would it get wet ?and i am sure alex will respond to this post .
The question should be, how can you work wfp on solar all day WITHOUT your pole getting wet? :-\
that is easy, put the brush at correct angle
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Not if the pole gets wet.
why would it get wet ?and i am sure alex will respond to this post .
The question should be, how can you work wfp on solar all day WITHOUT your pole getting wet? :-\
that is easy, put the brush at correct angle
hooray ;)
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Not if the pole gets wet.
why would it get wet ?and i am sure alex will respond to this post .
The question should be, how can you work wfp on solar all day WITHOUT your pole getting wet? :-\
that is easy, put the brush at correct angle
hooray ;)
Maybe, but I would not like a dry pole to be my only protection from electrocution! ;D
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Not if the pole gets wet.
why would it get wet ?and i am sure alex will respond to this post .
The question should be, how can you work wfp on solar all day WITHOUT your pole getting wet? :-\
that is easy, put the brush at correct angle
hooray ;)
Maybe, but I would not like a dry pole to be my only protection from electrocution! ;D
two words rubber soles ;)
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Not if the pole gets wet.
why would it get wet ?and i am sure alex will respond to this post .
The question should be, how can you work wfp on solar all day WITHOUT your pole getting wet? :-\
that is easy, put the brush at correct angle
hooray ;)
Maybe, but I would not like a dry pole to be my only protection from electrocution! ;D
two words rubber soles ;)
that and get the customer to turn the fooking thing off would help ;D it must be able to be isolated
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Not if the pole gets wet.
why would it get wet ?and i am sure alex will respond to this post .
During use a telescopic pole will generally stay dry, but it can get wet in use for two reasons:
1. The weather - if it is raining then the surface of the pole will get wet.
2. The angle of use. With the shallow angle of the pole when cleaning solar panels etc. it may happen that water can run back down the brush head and on to the pole. This would really depend on exactly how the work was being carried out.
The chance of getting an electric shock from a standard working Solar Panel is very very low - If a shock was received from a damaged panel it would usually be from just the output of the single panel which would generally not be sufficient to kill you. Using a pole with an insulated base section would protect you even further even if a solar panel was damaged in some way. The only time the pole would not protect you is if it was wet along its entire length and down on to the handle section that you were holding.
On the continent cleaners regularly use carbon poles on such solar panel arrays and have been doing so for many years. These panels have to be well isolated as otherwise when it rained they would all short out!
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Very interesting thread.
Questions though about insurance. Do your premiums rocket when you add solar panel cleaning? Would any company add any damage to the policy or do they come out with the escape clause of not covering the panel you are working on?
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University sounds exciting :o
;D
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Very interesting thread.
Questions though about insurance. Do your premiums rocket when you add solar panel cleaning? Would any company add any damage to the policy or do they come out with the escape clause of not covering the panel you are working on?
All insurances vary, but ours did not charge an extra penny. We are covered for any panel we damage.
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i have tried to push this service but the custys seem reluctant to have it done maybe as they payed a lot out for the panels and dont want to spend or like connis they spend 15 thou and wait 10 years before they call and expect it to be done for pennys and looking like new is my pitch wrong or just unlucky? to have mean and tight custys
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i have tried to push this service but the custys seem reluctant to have it done maybe as they payed a lot out for the panels and dont want to spend or like connis they spend 15 thou and wait 10 years before they call and expect it to be done for pennys and looking like new is my pitch wrong or just unlucky? to have mean and tight custys
Hi tony. I got your email. I would say it is the pitch mate.