Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: telfordwindowclnr on December 25, 2013, 12:23:56 pm

Title: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: telfordwindowclnr on December 25, 2013, 12:23:56 pm
For those who may be interested....

http://www.solar-panel-cleaners.com/top-facts-about-solar-panel-cleaning
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: bobplum on December 25, 2013, 12:59:38 pm
as far has i am concerned there's no panels left to clean some f****r in Telford cleans them all  ;D

I think what you have done is great and cornered a market were the customer is really focused on the monetary value and return, ie large commercial work, the website is dedicated to solar cleaning etc

I still personally think for the domestic market the mind set is different and due to the large amount of cleaners available to clean the panels the price is low and static and for some of the prices i have heard paid and qouted its not an avenue i will go down

I have today just taken solar panelling of my website and jigged it about a bit, so even if i did get a massive array today with all my domestics i wouldn't have the time

so for me its a no, but good luck steve
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: MATT BATEMAN (OWC) on December 25, 2013, 01:44:39 pm
Steve why have you included the point about ice-dams? Surely that phenomenon occurs with or without solar panels? Its not something that is unique to a property that has had solar panels installed is it.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: PoleKing on December 25, 2013, 02:37:05 pm
The honesty if #5 is refreshing Steve.
Well played.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: telfordwindowclnr on December 25, 2013, 02:50:03 pm
Steve why have you included the point about ice-dams? Surely that phenomenon occurs with or without solar panels? Its not something that is unique to a property that has had solar panels installed is it.
You are right Matt, it can occur anywhere.  However, the risk of it happening is greatly increased with a property with panels.  If you look around next time we have snow of any worth, the massive weight that the melting snow from panels puts on guttering is huge.  I have not been called in for clearing an ice dam at all during nearly 18 years of cleaning, but I had 3 calls last year locally and many others elsewhere, ALL of them had panels on the roof.  That seemed to be the common denominator.

Like I say, look about next time it snows and you'll see what I mean.  The panels definitely make a difference.  :)
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: telfordwindowclnr on December 25, 2013, 02:52:05 pm
as far has i am concerned there's no panels left to clean some f****r in Telford cleans them all  ;D

I think what you have done is great and cornered a market were the customer is really focused on the monetary value and return, ie large commercial work, the website is dedicated to solar cleaning etc

I still personally think for the domestic market the mind set is different and due to the large amount of cleaners available to clean the panels the price is low and static and for some of the prices i have heard paid and qouted its not an avenue i will go down

I have today just taken solar panelling of my website and jigged it about a bit, so even if i did get a massive array today with all my domestics i wouldn't have the time

so for me its a no, but good luck steve
Cheers for the positive comments Bob.  The residential market is indeed different as you say, but it can still pay. 

If you get that big array come in........... ;) ;)
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Spruce on December 25, 2013, 05:43:53 pm
Steve,
How do you remove these ice dams? Is see a couple of youtube videos where the guys use preheated steam and cut through the ice by standing on the roof.

Not sure how H & S would fit in with this.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Frankybadboy on December 25, 2013, 07:11:31 pm
Steve,
How do you remove these ice dams? Is see a couple of youtube videos where the guys use preheated steam and cut through the ice by standing on the roof.

Not sure how H & S would fit in with this.
you don't need a risk assessment or method statement for that,steve not that fussy  ;D
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: telfordwindowclnr on December 25, 2013, 09:34:38 pm
Steve,
How do you remove these ice dams? Is see a couple of youtube videos where the guys use preheated steam and cut through the ice by standing on the roof.

Not sure how H & S would fit in with this.
I don't know how those guys justify their work in a RAMS. I assume they do though. It is risky, no doubt. We remove the snow from the panels and from the bit of roof in front of the panels. We then defrost the ice dam.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Spruce on December 26, 2013, 08:03:24 am
Steve,
How do you remove these ice dams? Is see a couple of youtube videos where the guys use preheated steam and cut through the ice by standing on the roof.

Not sure how H & S would fit in with this.
I don't know how those guys justify their work in a RAMS. I assume they do though. It is risky, no doubt. We remove the snow from the panels and from the bit of roof in front of the panels. We then defrost the ice dam.

So do you use steam or just hot water through your wfp system?
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Ian101 on December 26, 2013, 09:21:08 am
as far has i am concerned there's no panels left to clean some f****r in Telford cleans them all  ;D

I think what you have done is great and cornered a market were the customer is really focused on the monetary value and return, ie large commercial work, the website is dedicated to solar cleaning etc

I still personally think for the domestic market the mind set is different and due to the large amount of cleaners available to clean the panels the price is low and static and for some of the prices i have heard paid and qouted its not an avenue i will go down

I have today just taken solar panelling of my website and jigged it about a bit, so even if i did get a massive array today with all my domestics i wouldn't have the time

so for me its a no, but good luck steve



yup solar panels are a dead duck for me .......... start of this year had van bonnett wrapped with solar panel cleaning, big section on website and leaflets and got NOTHING from it. .......... bonnet getting rewrapped in conny roof cleaning and wont bother with it on leaflets when this batch runs out or on website.

Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: bobplum on December 26, 2013, 10:45:10 am
Steve , get to MASDAR CITY, Abu Dhabi..........300 football pitches of panels
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: telfordwindowclnr on December 27, 2013, 12:16:12 pm
Steve , get to MASDAR CITY, Abu Dhabi..........300 football pitches of panels

Ha!  Yeah, I'm always on the look out for the world's biggest arrays.  They are impressive beasts!
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: telfordwindowclnr on December 27, 2013, 12:17:38 pm
as far has i am concerned there's no panels left to clean some f****r in Telford cleans them all  ;D

I think what you have done is great and cornered a market were the customer is really focused on the monetary value and return, ie large commercial work, the website is dedicated to solar cleaning etc

I still personally think for the domestic market the mind set is different and due to the large amount of cleaners available to clean the panels the price is low and static and for some of the prices i have heard paid and qouted its not an avenue i will go down

I have today just taken solar panelling of my website and jigged it about a bit, so even if i did get a massive array today with all my domestics i wouldn't have the time

so for me its a no, but good luck steve



yup solar panels are a dead duck for me .......... start of this year had van bonnett wrapped with solar panel cleaning, big section on website and leaflets and got NOTHING from it. .......... bonnet getting rewrapped in conny roof cleaning and wont bother with it on leaflets when this batch runs out or on website.


It's a shame for you Ian, having put in all the effort.  :-\  I've said it before, its a difficult market to get into, it takes a long time, but is worthwhile when you get in.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Alex Wingrove on December 30, 2013, 08:29:23 am
Nice post Steven,
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: telfordwindowclnr on December 30, 2013, 02:00:19 pm
Nice post Steven,
Thank you very much alecs.  (It's a PH!)  :P
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: PoleKing on December 30, 2013, 03:04:41 pm
Nice post Steven,
Thank you very much alecs.  (It's a PH!)  :P

Solar Steph? That's a chick surely.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Alex Wingrove on December 30, 2013, 08:04:28 pm
Arr man, Stephen,

Did you get my text? Im looking for some more peat and recommendations
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: telfordwindowclnr on December 30, 2013, 10:53:37 pm
Arr man, Stephen,

Did you get my text? Im looking for some more peat and recommendations
I just got a text saying thank you. The next one said you had finished the whisky, so I assumed you were aled. I will text you tomorrow with recommendations.  :)

Glad you liked the solar post. I think it could be manic again this year! :)
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Tadgh O Shea on December 31, 2013, 02:40:41 am
Hi Guys, for any of you who want to get involved in solar panel cleaning, we have introduced a new technology which is used widely in the USA for same, Beyond-Kleen is a proprietary water based Nano-Technology manufactured by blending food grade surfactants, low molecular weight short chain polymers, monomolecular silicium, mixed-phase anatase and rutile titanium dioxide for superior bond, hardness and absorption of ultraviolet radiation, this formulation is so finely blended that it makes it one of the safest and most effective solutions available to clean and protect all types of solar panels. This concept is ideal for cleaning and protecting large solar panel arrays where the real money is made, one operator uses a telescopic pole with a damp microfiber cloth attached to a mop frame spray some Beyond-Kleen onto the damp microfiber cloth and proceed to clean the surface,  then the second operator comes along with a telescopic pole with a dry microfiber cloth attached to a mop frame and proceeds to dry off the surface, as the cloths get dirty just replenish with clean damp and dry microfibers and continue until job is finished, take your cloths home and launder them ready to take on your next solar panel job. there are so many features and benefits to this concept in cleaning and protecting solar panels, if anyone requires further information just email info@jskcleaning.ie and I will be happy to share the information.  Regards  Tadgh
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Dave Willis on December 31, 2013, 07:58:52 am
Would that be a small waffle cloth?

Trouble is you've lowered your profit already by using two operators plus the chemicals. What's wrong with water?
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Tadgh O Shea on December 31, 2013, 12:41:38 pm
No Dave it would be little waffle glass cloths, some people don't see the big picture.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: telfordwindowclnr on December 31, 2013, 02:33:50 pm
Hi Guys, for any of you who want to get involved in solar panel cleaning, we have introduced a new technology which is used widely in the USA for same, Beyond-Kleen is a proprietary water based Nano-Technology manufactured by blending food grade surfactants, low molecular weight short chain polymers, monomolecular silicium, mixed-phase anatase and rutile titanium dioxide for superior bond, hardness and absorption of ultraviolet radiation, this formulation is so finely blended that it makes it one of the safest and most effective solutions available to clean and protect all types of solar panels. This concept is ideal for cleaning and protecting large solar panel arrays where the real money is made, one operator uses a telescopic pole with a damp microfiber cloth attached to a mop frame spray some Beyond-Kleen onto the damp microfiber cloth and proceed to clean the surface,  then the second operator comes along with a telescopic pole with a dry microfiber cloth attached to a mop frame and proceeds to dry off the surface, as the cloths get dirty just replenish with clean damp and dry microfibers and continue until job is finished, take your cloths home and launder them ready to take on your next solar panel job. there are so many features and benefits to this concept in cleaning and protecting solar panels, if anyone requires further information just email info@jskcleaning.ie and I will be happy to share the information.  Regards  Tadgh
Hi Tadgh.  Based on your method, how long would it take 2 operators to clean 17,000 panels and how much would your product be cost-wise for this size array?  Thanks. 
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Alex Wingrove on December 31, 2013, 04:39:31 pm
That sounds like a huge under taking.

Is the idea that the cannot stick?

Ive seen this product used on trainers and iphones to make them waterproof. and dirt proof
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Tadgh O Shea on December 31, 2013, 06:13:16 pm
Hi Steve, Yes this is a different approach to cleaning solar panels and would of course be much slower and more costly than cleaning with wfp system, but its all about offering choices to your clients. There are many features and benefits to this method, using Beyond-Kleen to clean solar panels will leave behind an ultra hydrophobic protective coating so when it rains the water will bead off the surface taking away soils in the droplets or to explain it another way, Beyond-Kleen cleaner and protectant technology will deeply clean any hard surface and as an additional bonus it will provide long lasting protection by virtually duplicating the self cleaning hydrophobic properties of the lotus leaf commonly known as the lotus effect. so for owners of large solar panel farms this approach offers many benefits as it means the panels don't need to be cleaned as often and include the increased efficiency of power production as the panels will always be much cleaner, there are other features and benefits which I wont go into here, but im sure you get the picture, again its just another method that gives the owner a choice and when the features and benefits are explained its then up to them to make an informed decision when all the facts are provided. this concept is being very well received in the USA and many believe it works out more cost effective in the longterm because of the many features and benefits.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Dave Willis on December 31, 2013, 06:26:49 pm
So will this benefit the guy who cleans the panels or the customer or you?
I can see long term benefits for two of the above but not three.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Tadgh O Shea on December 31, 2013, 06:37:42 pm
Like I said Dave some people cant see the bigger picture.

Anyway Dave have a great 2014 and to all the other CIU members.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Dave Willis on December 31, 2013, 07:00:37 pm
Well, the bigger picture I see is that once applied the customer wouldn't need you again and if the product was that great then the manufacturers would add it. Which would mean people like Solar Steve would not have a panel cleaning business - see where I'm coming from? Same thing would happen if it worked and was applied to glass. You'd become the most unpopular member of the forum.

Yes, have a prosperous new year.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: elite mike on December 31, 2013, 07:04:59 pm
think its like the stuff they put on jet cockpits, if people want to pay for it let them

bit like self cleaning glass that we still clean monthly  ;)
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Tadgh O Shea on December 31, 2013, 07:34:24 pm
Hi Guys, I am also a believer that there is no glass that is self cleaning, but there is technology available to make the on going cleaning of glass and other hard surfaces easier and quicker and yes you will still get paid for your efforts, I am also a great believer in working smarter not harder, I never said the panels would never again have to be cleaned.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Alex Wingrove on December 31, 2013, 07:45:55 pm
I think this will work out more expensive.

It sounds like you will first have to clean the panel, unless you apply the solution as soon as the array is operational.

Application sounds like it will take 3-5 times longer that it will take to clean.

Cost of product.

It leaves me to believe that the increased time between cleans will work out more expensive that just having them cleaned every 6 months
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Tadgh O Shea on December 31, 2013, 08:04:31 pm
Hi Alex, if the panels are very dirty yes of course it will be quicker and cheaper to clean them with wfp system, but looking at the bigger picture if the panels are coated from day one with the ultra hydrophobic technology long term it will become more cost effective to maintain them because they will not need to be cleaned as often and because they will stay cleaner for longer the increase in productivity of power can justify the higher cost of this method, its up to the contractor to explain to the owner the many features and benefits of having his solar panels cleaned with whatever technology, then the owner can make an informed decision on which technology is more beneficial to him, again its all about offering choice.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Alex Wingrove on December 31, 2013, 09:13:02 pm
How much longer?
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: PoleKing on December 31, 2013, 09:53:18 pm
How much longer?

Same as self cleaning glass Alex.
Forever.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: telfordwindowclnr on January 01, 2014, 07:44:36 am
Hi Steve, Yes this is a different approach to cleaning solar panels and would of course be much slower and more costly than cleaning with wfp system, but its all about offering choices to your clients. There are many features and benefits to this method, using Beyond-Kleen to clean solar panels will leave behind an ultra hydrophobic protective coating so when it rains the water will bead off the surface taking away soils in the droplets or to explain it another way, Beyond-Kleen cleaner and protectant technology will deeply clean any hard surface and as an additional bonus it will provide long lasting protection by virtually duplicating the self cleaning hydrophobic properties of the lotus leaf commonly known as the lotus effect. so for owners of large solar panel farms this approach offers many benefits as it means the panels don't need to be cleaned as often and include the increased efficiency of power production as the panels will always be much cleaner, there are other features and benefits which I wont go into here, but im sure you get the picture, again its just another method that gives the owner a choice and when the features and benefits are explained its then up to them to make an informed decision when all the facts are provided. this concept is being very well received in the USA and many believe it works out more cost effective in the longterm because of the many features and benefits.
I understand the technology perfectly Tadgh. I have spent hours researching various brands and how the tech works. I've had a few brands sent to me to test and I've been underwhelmed by them all so far. What I have been surprised about is the price of this kind of stuff.

How many panels could I coat with 5 litres of the product and how long would that take? Thanks.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Alex Wingrove on January 01, 2014, 01:07:49 pm
I recon 16 panels for 5l
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: PoleKing on January 01, 2014, 01:57:27 pm
Tadgh-while I doubt your kit for panels, what's your best stuff for waxing the car?
Fancy some nano-tech kit for high shine on the car.
None of the waterless cleaning-I'll never be persuaded on that.
Just once clay barred, cleaned, t-cut ( :o  :o :o) perhaps an autoglym then some of your nanotech...
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: andyM on January 01, 2014, 02:06:22 pm
Tadgh-while I doubt your kit for panels, what's your best stuff for waxing the car?
Fancy some nano-tech kit for high shine on the car.
None of the waterless cleaning-I'll never be persuaded on that.
Just once clay barred, cleaned, t-cut ( :o  :o :o) perhaps an autoglym then some of your nanotech...

Dunno if it's got any of that nano-tech rollocks in it? But I use AutoGlym Super Resin Polish and think it's good.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: PoleKing on January 01, 2014, 02:36:05 pm
Tadgh-while I doubt your kit for panels, what's your best stuff for waxing the car?
Fancy some nano-tech kit for high shine on the car.
None of the waterless cleaning-I'll never be persuaded on that.
Just once clay barred, cleaned, t-cut ( :o  :o :o) perhaps an autoglym then some of your nanotech...

Dunno if it's got any of that nano-tech rollocks in it? But I use AutoGlym Super Resin Polish and think it's good.

Got  Autoglym now. Used Maguiars (sic) and pretty much all the other off the shelf products but they're all much of a muchness to my eye.
Autoglym & Mags-yes they're better but I wonder if the nano-tech would be the difference between VHS & Blu Ray if you know what I mean.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Jonny 87 on January 01, 2014, 06:28:24 pm
Has this been tested on solar panels?

Hi Tadgh,

Part of the problem with a previous product that had the same principal was that yes it made everything super waterproof, but it made everything opaque. So glass became almost misted, hence it couldn't be used on windows. (Plus it was extortionately expensive and would need re applied every year or so.)

So on solar panels does it reduce efficiency as less sun light gets through to the panels?

Just wondering if this has been tested, I,e two panels side by side, one coated and one with out, and the kilowatts measured.

Jonny.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: dazmond on January 01, 2014, 06:42:26 pm
solar panel cleaning is just another add on job to go along with conny roof,fascia,soffit and outside gutter cleaning for me.

i just clean them as and when when asked. ;) :)
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Tadgh O Shea on January 01, 2014, 11:28:09 pm
Hi Guys, Beyond-Kleen is a proprietary water based Nano-technology so its safe and can be used to clean and protect the following solar energy producing technologies.
Polycrystalline solar cells
Monocrystalline solar cells
cdte solar modules
Heliostat mirrors
Flexible thin film photovoltaic cells
lpt high-temperature linear Fresnel system
concentrated photovoltaics (CPV)
high gain solar (HGS)
Micro csp solar
Tubular solar panels

Clean solar panels will produce more energy so this technology will increase throughput and reduce cleaning times required this is dependent on the contractor and the owners mutual agreement. 5 ltr Beyond-Kleen will treat between 6500 and 8000sq ft depending on how soiled the panels are. it costs €48.00 per 5 ltr of ready to use solution.
Remember Guys I am sharing this technology under no obligation but it blows me away when you are cleaning and protecting hard surfaces, go on Google to do some research for yourselves as there are many companies now promoting this type of technology as I think I have shared enough, one of the reasons I said to Dave was that some people don't see the bigger picture is because this technology goes far beyond just cleaning solar panels, it can and will put traditional cleaners,sealers,polishes, to shame as its so far advanced and can replace a multitude of these traditional type products.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Tadgh O Shea on January 01, 2014, 11:46:51 pm
Hi Guys, just to the question on wax, I have been detailing vehicles for over 30 years now and realised many years ago why wax of whatever type is not the best material to protect a vehicle long term as one of the biggest problems with using traditional wax is that they soften dramatically when heated and only provide short term protection.
This was one of the reasons we went looking at other technologies and were introduced to Nano-technology six years ago on a trip to the States, Beyond-Kleen is an ideal product for vehicle protection as it can be applied to paintwork of any type including matt finishes,glass,plastics,vinyl,rubber,chrome,alloy wheels etc.
once you apply Beyond-Kleen to your alloy wheels you never again have to use traditional corrosive based wheel cleaners to clean them, as the protective strength of Beyond-Kleen allows you to clean your alloys with just water. again guys it just having more choices to provide your clients with and again if you do your research on google there are many companies promoting similar type technologies.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: telfordwindowclnr on January 02, 2014, 11:08:48 am
Hi Tadgh.

Is this the same product that you have sent me samples of? If so, come March, I hope to be testing it and will monitor its performance for a season.

Another company in America sent me some stuff to test which made EXACTLY the same claims as your product. I watched their clips on YouTube and it is an astounding product, until I come to test it. It is a two-coat application. It did the job, but only to a degree. Plus and it's a big plus, their product costs £900.00 for 5 litres, yours is about £45.00. What would be the difference between their product and yours?
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: p1w1 on January 02, 2014, 12:20:55 pm
Hi Tadgh.

Is this the same product that you have sent me samples of? If so, come March, I hope to be testing it and will monitor its performance for a season.

Another company in America sent me some stuff to test which made EXACTLY the same claims as your product. I watched their clips on YouTube and it is an astounding product, until I come to test it. It is a two-coat application. It did the job, but only to a degree. Plus and it's a big plus, their product costs £900.00 for 5 litres, yours is about £45.00. What would be the difference between their product and yours?
about £855 by the looks of it...sorry couldn't resit i'll get my coat.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: telfordwindowclnr on January 02, 2014, 01:14:08 pm
Hi Tadgh.

Is this the same product that you have sent me samples of? If so, come March, I hope to be testing it and will monitor its performance for a season.

Another company in America sent me some stuff to test which made EXACTLY the same claims as your product. I watched their clips on YouTube and it is an astounding product, until I come to test it. It is a two-coat application. It did the job, but only to a degree. Plus and it's a big plus, their product costs £900.00 for 5 litres, yours is about £45.00. What would be the difference between their product and yours?
about £855 by the looks of it...sorry couldn't resit i'll get my coat.
;D Wouldn't I just love to have you working for me?!  ;D Thanks for the input! :D
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Tadgh O Shea on January 02, 2014, 10:26:45 pm
Hi Steve, If its the product I think it might be which is also Nano based but requires a primer then followed by a top coat but they are chemical based and yes very expensive, this technology leaves behind a super hydrophobic coating on the surface which is very hard wearing and durable can be very beneficial for specific surfaces. Beyond-Kleen is a water based Nano product derived from botanicals and leaves behind an ultra hydrophobic coating which would not be as hard wearing and durable as the product you have seen on youtube.
The samples I sent you on are highly recommended for use on solar panels plus many other hard surfaces.  Regards Tadgh
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: telfordwindowclnr on January 02, 2014, 11:16:48 pm
Hi Steve, If its the product I think it might be which is also Nano based but requires a primer then followed by a top coat but they are chemical based and yes very expensive, this technology leaves behind a super hydrophobic coating on the surface which is very hard wearing and durable can be very beneficial for specific surfaces. Beyond-Kleen is a water based Nano product derived from botanicals and leaves behind an ultra hydrophobic coating which would not be as hard wearing and durable as the product you have seen on youtube.
The samples I sent you on are highly recommended for use on solar panels plus many other hard surfaces.  Regards Tadgh
It is the chemical based product I was referring to. I have watched a video of the water based product today. I understand the principle better now and am trying to find a use for this in my business, but I'm struggling.  We clean a lot of panels all over the UK on lots of different size and shaped installs. However, the application of this product on solar panels is very difficult in my mind. Of all the jobs we do, the only one I can think of where I could make sure I applied the product in a thorough way is this: http://www.solar-panel-cleaners.com/solar-panel-cleaning-staples-northamptonshire

It's very rare to get a layout like this though. My other main concern is selling this invisible coating product to Joe Public who knows next to nothing about it, on panels on their roof that they cannot access, physically check to see if it's working, or monitor to see if there is an increased output on the panels. These are all jobs they cannot likely do themselves. Not just that, but I'm asking top dollar from them for the privilege. People are already wrongly sceptical about the benefits of solar panels as a whole and solar panel cleaning, let alone trying to sell them an invisible coating.

I can definitely see benefits and uses for the product on car alloy wheels and many other applications. The tech works, no doubt. But the public are not yet aware of it broadly and therefore will likely not spend their hard earned cash on it. You have said in previous posts that people do not see the bigger picture, but with solar panel cleaning, I see the bigger picture more than most. For me to offer it as an option to clients now would be more damaging to my brand than bring benefits. I've worked on and honed my pitch and got good at it. It is relatively simple and does not need a hard sell. I just feel that this product would and that's not my style, sorry.  :(
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: rosskesava on January 02, 2014, 11:46:44 pm
Hi Steve, If its the product I think it might be which is also Nano based but requires a primer then followed by a top coat but they are chemical based and yes very expensive, this technology leaves behind a super hydrophobic coating on the surface which is very hard wearing and durable can be very beneficial for specific surfaces. Beyond-Kleen is a water based Nano product derived from botanicals and leaves behind an ultra hydrophobic coating which would not be as hard wearing and durable as the product you have seen on youtube.
The samples I sent you on are highly recommended for use on solar panels plus many other hard surfaces.  Regards Tadgh

I just love it when sales people use the latest buzz words.

Nano product = waffle.

Derived = made from

Botanical = to do with plants, trees, etc.

And what the hell is an 'ultra hydrophofic coating' in simple plain English?

Highly recommended by who exactly?
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Dave Willis on January 03, 2014, 09:30:01 am
Ultra Hydrophobic means very hydrophobic (water repellent)
The thing is the magic coating won't produce any more electricity than a clean one. All it does is try and keep it cleaner for longer.

I'm always skeptical of the benefits of these wonder products. When you buy a new vehicle they offer a similar sevice. The sales rep must be on commission to push it, same as the GAP insurance. Once the car is coated and the upholstery sprayed how many of us can see the difference? They tell you it will add to the resale value of your car. Can't see it myself.

The product could be applied after the manufacturing process but they don't - why?
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: 8weekly on January 03, 2014, 10:25:01 am
Hi Steve, If its the product I think it might be which is also Nano based but requires a primer then followed by a top coat but they are chemical based and yes very expensive, this technology leaves behind a super hydrophobic coating on the surface which is very hard wearing and durable can be very beneficial for specific surfaces. Beyond-Kleen is a water based Nano product derived from botanicals and leaves behind an ultra hydrophobic coating which would not be as hard wearing and durable as the product you have seen on youtube.
The samples I sent you on are highly recommended for use on solar panels plus many other hard surfaces.  Regards Tadgh

I just love it when sales people use the latest buzz words.

Nano product = waffle.


WRONG! He's been selling little waffle cloths for ages.  ;D
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: robert mitchell on January 03, 2014, 12:53:02 pm
Ultra Hydrophobic means very hydrophobic (water repellent)
The thing is the magic coating won't produce any more electricity than a clean one. All it does is try and keep it cleaner for longer.

I'm always skeptical of the benefits of these wonder products. When you buy a new vehicle they offer a similar sevice. The sales rep must be on commission to push it, same as the GAP insurance. Once the car is coated and the upholstery sprayed how many of us can see the difference? They tell you it will add to the resale value of your car. Can't see it myself.

The product could be applied after the manufacturing process but they don't - why?

I know somebody who used to work for a secondhand car dealer (nearly new cars) and they used to offer a paintwork sealant product applied for £200 quid , they would also sell a double application for £350 ...........they rarely actually applied it  , just took the sticker out of the box to put in the windscreen to say it had been done.

A friend of mine brought a kit to apply himself for £40 ,nice and shiny but didn't really last any longer than a normal wax.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Tadgh O Shea on January 04, 2014, 05:11:53 pm
Hi Dave, I agree with you i am a skeptic myself about all the new and different technologies which are available today, but like i said i am sharing this info under no obligation to anyone, i did recommend for people to google the information as there are many companies promoting similar technology to Beyond-Kleen, as for people seeing the bigger picture i was referring to all the other uses for this technology as its use for cleaning and protecting solar panels would only be a tiny % of the many uses it has, again i wont go into the many uses as it might upset to many people. After all this is a forum for members to share and exchange ideas and experience or so i thought.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: andyM on January 04, 2014, 06:46:08 pm
Hi Dave, I agree with you i am a skeptic myself about all the new and different technologies which are available today, but like i said i am sharing this info under no obligation to anyone, i did recommend for people to google the information as there are many companies promoting similar technology to Beyond-Kleen, as for people seeing the bigger picture i was referring to all the other uses for this technology as its use for cleaning and protecting solar panels would only be a tiny % of the many uses it has, again i wont go into the many uses as it might upset to many people. After all this is a forum for members to share and exchange ideas and experience or so i thought.

You are "sharing this info"?
Pull the other one.
You are plugging one of your products which you seem to do on a regular basis.  ::)roll
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Tadgh O Shea on January 04, 2014, 07:36:28 pm
Well andyM, hope you have gained some knowledge from the topic, and you might share some ideas on other new technologies when you come across them, i for one am always open to new ways of cleaning and will always check them out and make an informed decision before i share my thoughts on them.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: telfordwindowclnr on January 04, 2014, 10:05:23 pm
Well andyM, hope you have gained some knowledge from the topic, and you might share some ideas on other new technologies when you come across them, i for one am always open to new ways of cleaning and will always check them out and make an informed decision before i share my thoughts on them.
Any thoughts on my post above Tadgh? I think its tough to apply on solar, if it could be sprayed onto clean panels at height though......
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: Tadgh O Shea on January 04, 2014, 10:53:04 pm
Hi Steve, I will give you a call during the week, as its time to park this one.
Title: Re: Top 8 Solar Panel Cleaning Facts
Post by: telfordwindowclnr on January 05, 2014, 08:06:36 am
Hi Steve, I will give you a call during the week, as its time to park this one.
Ok