Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Tom.m on January 02, 2016, 05:54:27 pm
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Evening chaps.
Been asked to quote for a full cleaning of 45000 solar panels on a local farm.
Does anyone know how long roughly it'd take for a two man team? Also what would be a good rate per panel. ???
Cheers
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Sorry, your not allowed to clean them unless wearing a solar Steve tee shirt and passed his health and safety test ;D
Darran
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Listen to Darran ......... There's been looooooooong discussions on this ;D
I think it's an estimation more than anything and upto you were you want to go in at price wise.
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20p per panel 8)
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Depends how dirty they are. I've been caught out before. And how fast you work? Should do a hundred an hour. That includes ping about.
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I take it you will be wanting to use wfp method?
If so 45,000 panels sounds a logistical nightmare to me so good luck with that one. Even more so if they don't have a mains water supply nearby to produce purified water on demand onsite.
20p a panel my arse shrek as at that price including all overheads and labour costs you would be loosing money not making it surely?
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Always wondered why they never make them out of self cleaning glass. Good downpour sort them out. Just need someone to go round "spotting" for bird craps then . With a bucket of warm soapy water ;D
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I've installed solar in the past so I think I'll be ok.
Not to sure on the going rate that's all.
20p a panel would be 8800? That'd be nice! :D
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I'm just guessing to be honest but if you go off susan deans figures - 2 men- 22 days work . I'm thinking £200 each a day x 22= £8800 (20p per panel)
I don't think you would lose any money?
Iv not actually seen anyone saying any prices for solar on here ..... Have you any ideas smurf?
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I would imagine the weather would play an important part too as if the ground is waterlogged you could spend more time trying to unbog vehicles even using 4x4's than actually clean any solar panels.
Price wise it's up to you how much you think the job is worth.
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Tom don't worry your not going to get it,there just going through the motion's of getting tenders only one man is going to get that job he is not a meer mortal and electricity can not harm him.
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Well apparently they've been using a company based up north that didn't pay they're hotel bill last time.
They'd like to use us because we're ten minutes down the road.
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Anyone want to be subbed for solar panel cleaning?... 10p a panel? ;D
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I've installed solar in the past so I think I'll be ok.
Not to sure on the going rate that's all.
20p a panel would be 8800? That'd be nice! :D
Really ?!🤔
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If you can make it pay put a price in, I would be more the 50p - 80p which would push me out the reaches of anyone around the lower mark
Cover any unexpected costs you may incur
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You first need to determine where the panels are located before you can even begin to put a price on the job. Are they roof or floor mounted? If roof mounted can you reach them all from the ground or will you need power lifts etc?
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And..... are you sure it's 45000 and not 4,500?? I very much doubt it's 45000 on a farm! ;D ;D ;D
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Matt - that's about the mark you realistically need to be at
Og I believe has experience of solar farms so going on his figures 2 men will be tied up for 28 days eight hours a day.
At 20p a panel brings in far less than regular window cleaning for the month, but it is a nice lump if you haven't got other work on.
Happy new year Matt !! - rubbish result today, one step forward, 2 back I think !! Roll on the transfers 😃
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I've installed solar in the past so I think I'll be ok.
Not to sure on the going rate that's all.
20p a panel would be 8800? That'd be nice! :D
Really ?!🤔
Thats what I thought. Half way through you might be thinking a little differently.
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Yes chummy, these things also need to be looked at but local farm is unlikely to mean they are sitting on a high rise block of flats, op stated 45k so that's what we are debating....
Darran
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Yes chummy, these things also need to be looked at but local farm is unlikely to mean they are sitting on a high rise block of flats, op stated 45k so that's what we are debating....
Darran
No disrespect Darren but do you think a local farm can accommodate 45000 panels? ;D
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It's ground mounted, southwest mind you...fields after fields after field
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5 mw is approx 20k of panels I have a farm 3 miles down the road that is 25 mw nod you wouldn't even know it was there...
Darran
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Now this would be the ideal thread for a certain someone to participate in......
Darran
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Yes chummy, these things also need to be looked at but local farm is unlikely to mean they are sitting on a high rise block of flats, op stated 45k so that's what we are debating....
Darran
No disrespect Darren but do you think a local farm can accommodate 45000 panels? ;D
Why not, a farm is a big place. So are the fields. They're the big greeny coloured things.
Darren lives in Norfolk, where it's flat, and the fields are even bigger, where they grow orangey things, called carrots.
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Haha love it!!
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Yes chummy, these things also need to be looked at but local farm is unlikely to mean they are sitting on a high rise block of flats, op stated 45k so that's what we are debating....
Darran
No disrespect Darren but do you think a local farm can accommodate 45000 panels? ;D
Why not, a farm is a big place. So are the fields. They're the big greeny coloured things.
Darren lives in Norfolk, where it's flat, and the fields are even bigger, where they grow orangey things, called carrots.
I happen to live on a farm Richard cranium. 45000 panels is a solar farm and not a normal "local farm" installation. I would have assumed the operators of such a plant would have the reason of "they want to use us because we're 10 minutes down the road" way down their list of criteria!! ;D ;D
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Yes chummy, these things also need to be looked at but local farm is unlikely to mean they are sitting on a high rise block of flats, op stated 45k so that's what we are debating....
Darran
No disrespect Darren but do you think a local farm can accommodate 45000 panels? ;D
Why not, a farm is a big place. So are the fields. They're the big greeny coloured things.
Darren lives in Norfolk, where it's flat, and the fields are even bigger, where they grow orangey things, called carrots.
I happen to live on a farm Richard cranium. 45000 panels is a solar farm and not a normal "local farm" installation. I would have assumed the operators of such a plant would have the reason of "they want to use us because we're 10 minutes down the road" way down their list of criteria!! ;D ;D
Look out someone drank too much new year ;D
Ooh, yer a farma then?
Never, ever, ever, ever assume anything, ever. Never. Never. Ever. It makes you look stupid ;D
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Yes chummy, these things also need to be looked at but local farm is unlikely to mean they are sitting on a high rise block of flats, op stated 45k so that's what we are debating....
Darran
No disrespect Darren but do you think a local farm can accommodate 45000 panels? ;D
Why not, a farm is a big place. So are the fields. They're the big greeny coloured things.
Darren lives in Norfolk, where it's flat, and the fields are even bigger, where they grow orangey things, called carrots.
I happen to live on a farm Richard cranium. 45000 panels is a solar farm and not a normal "local farm" installation. I would have assumed the operators of such a plant would have the reason of "they want to use us because we're 10 minutes down the road" way down their list of criteria!! ;D ;D
Look out someone drank too much new year ;D
Never, ever, ever, ever assume anything, ever. Never. Never. Ever. It makes you look stupid ;D
You can assume certain things from the information provided, some things add up and some don't but that's not for now!! ;D
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Whatever you say Wurzel. Or is it Aunt Sally?
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I'm betting solar steve is p***ing himself laughing right now. ;D
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Might just have to sub some of the romainians at the local car wash. Cash in hand?
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Lots of farmers treat it as a ' crop'.
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Might just have to sub some of the romainians at the local car wash. Cash in hand?
You say that but I'm surprised these large solar farms don't just get in seasonal casual labour to keep em clean.
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Or invest in kit like this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BWFYomiGBs
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I'm betting solar steve is p***ing himself laughing right now. ;D
Aye, along with most others!! ;D
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This will make you laugh too ;D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76YKEK9mJpA
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I can't see why UK firms still throw wfp labour at those sorts of jobs myself when there is a much more productive and profitable way of cleaning them surely?
To be honest I'm surprised that the money solar steve has earned of the backs of subbies he has not bought a fleet of tracked vehicle systems yet for large solar farm contracts.
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You need something like this. ::)roll
Start video at the two minute mark.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=QzL00Y2THoU#t=122
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22 days worth of work for two men I would allow
1000 panels each per day - need more than 20p a panel to get a decent turnover. What's that ...... £25 an hour each with no breaks for eight hours solid each day for a month. I suppose if you can get good access you could work during any weather. Wouldn't fancy it myself to be honest.
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Going by Dave Willis calculations and I'm assuming they are right Solars subbies can't be making any where near as much money as they could window cleaning.
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I just went by Susans quote (she's one of the subbies) maths isn't my strongest subject nor Susans. ;D
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You need something like this. ::)roll
Start video at the two minute mark.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=QzL00Y2THoU#t=122
I like the concept of that system H-Man as using steam (water vapour) has to be more efficient surely?
Not so sure about the size of the vehicle though as I would imagine would be too big to use on some solar farms with panels set closer together.
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I couldn't understand what she was saying. Someone must've given her a thesaurus for Christmas.
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I couldn't understand what she was saying. Someone must've given her a thesaurus for Christmas.
In layman terms it apparently can clean solar panels without fooking them up. That's if the proximity system don't fail ;D
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I couldn't understand what she was saying. Someone must've given her a thesaurus for Christmas.
I reckon it's been translated word for word from another language with some automated program like Google's translate facility. There are some very stupid people in that industry. ;D
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Speaking of which it was as we bit better than a rhinoman voiceover but not by much.
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I thought The Flowerpot Men were better than both.
https://youtu.be/hcF9JSxkUSE?t=177
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I just went by Susans quote (she's one of the subbies) maths isn't my strongest subject nor Susans. ;D
what you trying to say david ? lol bet nobody robs a penny from you
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I just went by Susans quote (she's one of the subbies) maths isn't my strongest subject nor Susans. ;D
this was base on our own job david , thing is with the farm we did it was great , they were set out real nice , the roads were all stone chipped however you could add 4 days easy on this if its boggy , with no roads on it ect ect 45000 is a lot and theres no way I would take a job on this size trying up two vans for say 14/15 days
that two weeks behind in normal work throw in three days of rain and both teams being tried from working flat out you will be 3 weeks behind befoure you know it which will take all the profit out of the farm clean yes it nice to get a lump of cash but its not nice being three weeks behind in work and rushing around like a fool
I think that's what you get if you sub these type of jobs though. Unless you focus on big one off type jobs, what normal regular business running at a good capacity could just absorb this type of job?
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I just went by Susans quote (she's one of the subbies) maths isn't my strongest subject nor Susans. ;D
this was base on our own job david , thing is with the farm we did it was great , they were set out real nice , the roads were all stone chipped however you could add 4 days easy on this if its boggy , with no roads on it ect ect 45000 is a lot and theres no way I would take a job on this size trying up two vans for say 14/15 days
that two weeks behind in normal work throw in three days of rain and both teams being tried from working flat out you will be 3 weeks behind befoure you know it which will take all the profit out of the farm clean yes it nice to get a lump of cash but its not nice being three weeks behind in work and rushing around like a fool
I think that's what you get if you sub these type of jobs though. Unless you focus on big one off type jobs, what normal regular business running at a good capacity could just absorb this type of job?
yes your right if your only gearing up for these big jobs you will be fine and just move on the next when finshed however this alone causes problems ,
waiting around for next job and earning northing if your not a year pre booked , if you lose a job that could be 8k ayear down the drain not just 12 pounds every 4weeks which is hard to replace
we run to be busy with normal work and try to get the odd big job in as I want my guys out earning from the off , ok theres always alittle wiggle room , by moving jobs to sunday and freeing up the odd few days ect ect
get the lads to work over time but to pull two vans off the road for half a month soild isn't what we want
its down to your market place and wear you want to go in the trade ,
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I just went by Susans quote (she's one of the subbies) maths isn't my strongest subject nor Susans. ;D
this was base on our own job david , thing is with the farm we did it was great , they were set out real nice , the roads were all stone chipped however you could add 4 days easy on this if its boggy , with no roads on it ect ect 45000 is a lot and theres no way I would take a job on this size trying up two vans for say 14/15 days
that two weeks behind in normal work throw in three days of rain and both teams being tried from working flat out you will be 3 weeks behind befoure you know it which will take all the profit out of the farm clean yes it nice to get a lump of cash but its not nice being three weeks behind in work and rushing around like a fool
The idea would be to price it so that is was more than worth your while- you lose nothing, you gain. Your normal work will still be there after you've earned more on the panels!! If you don't get the job at your price you've still lost nothing.
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https://youtu.be/7m8qYK61KbI
Never seen this item before wonder who will be impressing there client's with this safety feature. Shame more people don't share.
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https://youtu.be/7m8qYK61KbI
Never seen this item before wonder who will be impressing there client's with this safety feature. Shame more people don't share.
nothing to do about solar panel cleaning,is it?
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Luckily I've been trading for about 4 months so we're not flat out as it is and this could be our big break.
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I don't do this type of work and have no intention .
But when pricing large jobs like this I always look at do I have time to fit it in?
Like Susan said unless you specialise in this who has a van free for a month or two vans free for two weeks.
On a job like this where access can add a day or two to a job and the fact your only going to clean them once a year how low are you willing to go.
Fatigue is also a big part doing jobs like this where you don't move the van and stop often.
Cleaning all day for two weeks soon takes it out of you.
It all depends how much you want it and are prepared to do it for.I have priced some jobs lately which have shocked me at how low some people are working for on commercial window cleaning.
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Ben m just to get you up to speed a solar panel produces electricity so as a safety issue yes it does.
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Ben m just to get you up to speed a solar panel produces electricity so as a safety issue yes it does.
they are switch off when you clean them!
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If you can make it pay put a price in, I would be more the 50p - 80p which would push me out the reaches of anyone around the lower mark
so you looking at nearly £ 45.000 thats bit ott dont you think so/
Cover any unexpected costs you may incur
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Ben m just to get you up to speed a solar panel produces electricity so as a safety issue yes it does.
they are switch off when you clean them!
;D
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I just tried to order fourskins. ::)roll What a nob.
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You won't need any skins iv been informed by Ben M that they are turned off when we clean them. Won't need to do a solar panel cleaning course now.
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Ben m just to get you up to speed a solar panel produces electricity so as a safety issue yes it does.
they are switch off when you clean them!
;D
Does he think that - seriously? ;D
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Clean them at night!
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I'm betting solar steve is p***ing himself laughing right now. ;D
True story.
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I'm betting solar steve is p***ing himself laughing right now. ;D
True story.
Perhaps that's part of the reason your threads get locked. :)
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NEWS FLASH part of the country will be plunged in to darkness to day as Ben M cleans solar panel farm.
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I'm betting solar steve is p***ing himself laughing right now. ;D
True story.
Perhaps that's part of the reason your threads get locked. :)
We are in talks with the company in question and have quoted for this job too, so I'm saying nowt.
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I'm betting solar steve is p***ing himself laughing right now. ;D
True story.
Perhaps that's part of the reason your threads get locked. :)
We are in talks with the company in question and have quoted for this job too, so I'm saying nowt.
It's interesting though because looking at the scale of that job I can see why you need subbies. I'd have thought that that scale of work is only going to suit those short of work and I'd hazard a guess they are likely to be cheap and like Susan later regret taking on the job (reading between the lines). Therefore you need an ongoing source of cheap and usually new window cleaning subbies.
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That will all change in the near future in the UK when firms start offering spc with a mechanised fleet of vehicles. Or when sp farm owners realise the cost savings and start buying their own specialised sp cleaning vehicles and start doing it in house themselves. Either way manual labour using wfp to clean solar farms will be a thing of the past and I’m sure solar steve knows this.
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I'm betting solar steve is p***ing himself laughing right now. ;D
True story.
Perhaps that's part of the reason your threads get locked. :)
We are in talks with the company in question and have quoted for this job too, so I'm saying nowt.
It's interesting though because looking at the scale of that job I can see why you need subbies. I'd have thought that that scale of work is only going to suit those short of work and I'd hazard a guess they are likely to be cheap and like Susan later regret taking on the job (reading between the lines). Therefore you need an ongoing source of cheap and usually new window cleaning subbies.
Your point about needing subcontractors is correct. The scale of one job is huge and we have multiple opportunities on the go at once. We have one site in East England to start on 4th April with 110,000 panels on. We likely will be cleaning about 180,000 in the South West simultaneously. We just can't manage all of it in house.
We don't need an ongoing source of cheap subcontractors though. Our Approved Contractors are very loyal because we pay well. Without paying well, I have no business.
If we get this 45,000 panel site, I'd look a right clown if I couldn't deliver it because I couldn't get men on it because the rate of pay was low. Plus, a novice will very likely come unstuck on a job of this scale. I mean no disrespect to the OP, but he said it could be the break he needed. It could also prove to be something that breaks him too. They are not as easy to handle as people may think.
We were called in twice towards the end of 2015 to finish jobs other people thought they could complete, but couldn't. OP, just be VERY SURE you can tackle it. :)
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With respect Steve you are just what they call in the building trade a “ganger”. That meaning organising & providing labour with certain skill sets so nothing new there really Steve is it. You also have mentioned in the past when starting out you have actually lost money on jobs. We all have to start somewhere and it don't mean you are the only one that can build a solar panel cleaning business from nothing and learn by your mistakes along the way.
Like I have already mentioned before it only takes one firm to invest in a fleet of mechanised vehicles and start to tender for these large solar farm contract as they do in other countries then your enterprise will start going tits up. After all you are just a sub contractor yourself are you not? ;D
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All these 180,000 and 110,000 panel jobs you shout about then the next thread is about not being able to get some cement off Doreen at number 48's new solar panel. You must be a very busy man Steve!
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With respect Steve you are just what they call in the building trade a “ganger”. That meaning organising & providing labour with certain skill sets so nothing new there really Steve is it. You also have mentioned in the past when starting out you have actually lost money on jobs. We all have to start somewhere and it don't mean you are the only one that can build a solar panel cleaning business from nothing and learn by your mistakes along the way.
Like I have already mentioned before it only takes one firm to invest in a fleet of mechanised vehicles and start to tender for these large solar farm contract as they do in other countries then your enterprise will start going tits up. After all you are just a sub contractor yourself are you not? ;D
"There is nothing new under the sun" a wiseman once said.
I agree wholeheartedly that we all must start somewhere. Yes, I did lose SMALL amounts of money on jobs along the way. But I had experience behind me to mitigate the potential losses. They were calculated risks based on my previous experience. I was fortunate enough also to have another business which provided my living whilst I took these risks.
It is obvious to all reading that the OP and others on here would have a go at the job and fair play to them. But for most it would be a finger in the air job. They have no real idea how long it would take or how much to charge.
A relatively new window cleaner landing the window cleaning at the Gerkin may think it's the break he needs. But it may also be a crippler for him. That's all I'm saying.
Regarding the autonomic cleaning of panels, that is some way off yet.
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Are you sure it's the same company Steve?
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All these 180,000 and 110,000 panel jobs you shout about then the next thread is about not being able to get some cement off Doreen at number 48's new solar panel. You must be a very busy man Steve!
Absolutely. 2 years ago there was just me, now there's 8 of us and number 9 looks like she will start on 1st February. 5 on tools, 4 in the office.
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If it was my 45000 panel enterprise and I had the choice of someone with 4 months window cleaning experience who's best credential appears to be that he lives 10 minutes up the road or Solar Clean Solutions.... I know which I'd choose!! ;D ;D
If I was seeking advice on solar panel cleaning I also know who I'd look to for it, rather than the usual "CIU residential experts"! ;)
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Are you sure it's the same company Steve?
There are a couple of clues in this thread that lead me to believe so, yes. I'm 90% sure.
You and I seem to have been contacted within 24 hours of each other with the same number of panels at a time when most companies were shut down for Christmas.
Up there for thinking. Down there for dancing. ;D ;)
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If it was my 45000 panel enterprise and I had the choice of someone with 4 months window cleaning experience who's best credential appears to be that he lives 10 minutes up the road or Solar Clean Solutions.... I know which I'd choose!! ;D ;D
If I was seeking advice on solar panel cleaning I also know who I'd look to for it, rather than the usual "CIU residential experts"! ;)
Wow! Support for us on CIU? Never thought I'd see the day!
Careful Chum Bucket. You may be ostracised and sent outside the city gates to sit in ashes with the rabid dogs! ;D
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If it was my 45000 panel enterprise and I had the choice of someone with 4 months window cleaning experience who's best credential appears to be that he lives 10 minutes up the road or Solar Clean Solutions.... I know which I'd choose!! ;D ;D
If I was seeking advice on solar panel cleaning I also know who I'd look to for it, rather than the usual "CIU residential experts"! ;)
Wow! Support for us on CIU? Never thought I'd see the day!
Careful Chum Bucket. You may be ostracised and sent outside the city gates to sit in ashes with the rabid dogs! ;D
Well he has a valid point I suppose as what the fook do I know about spc anyway ;D
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Isn't really 45000 panels, I'm not that silly. ::)roll
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You little devil ;D
Anyhow I'm sure solar steve will give you loads of good advice if you pay to attend his course.
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Isn't really 45000 panels, I'm not that silly. ::)roll
;D ;D
Brilliant!
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CHUM BUCKET the reason people have to rely on the usual ciu the ones your having a dig at is because solar Steve never gives advice to help any one else accept to say how dangerous they are and we all need to do his course, or in this thread how good he is and the only guy in the country that can clean them. Steve i think you will find most people on here are no aggroed at what you have or are trying to achieve but your attitude to the rest of the human race.
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CHUM BUCKET the reason people have to rely on the usual ciu the ones your having a dig at is because solar Steve never gives advice to help any one else accept to say how dangerous they are and we all need to do his course, or in this thread how good he is and the only guy in the country that can clean them. Steve i think you will find most people on here are no aggroed at what you have or are trying to achieve but your attitude to the rest of the human race.
Jamie (lad)
I've been on here over 10 years mate, I also wouldn't be handing out free advice in Solar Steve's position either- It's business and not in his best interest business wise to hand out that info which he has spent hundreds of hours researching and compiling.
Most, including myself, will hand over advice willingly to anyone who needs it regarding general window cleaning issues but if I was in Steve's shoes I'd be doing just as he does also and so would anyone else with half a brain. If you genuinely don't understand why this is fair enough but if you're on the band wagon of the "green with envy crew" then you really should take a step back. ;)
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CHUM BUCKET the reason people have to rely on the usual ciu the ones your having a dig at is because solar Steve never gives advice to help any one else accept to say how dangerous they are and we all need to do his course, or in this thread how good he is and the only guy in the country that can clean them. Steve i think you will find most people on here are no aggroed at what you have or are trying to achieve but your attitude to the rest of the human race.
Jamie (lad)
I've been on here over 10 years mate, I also wouldn't be handing out free advice in Solar Steve's position either- It's business and not in his best interest business wise to hand out that info which he has spent hundreds of hours researching and compiling.
Most, including myself, will hand over advice willingly to anyone who needs it regarding general window cleaning issues but if I was in Steve's shoes I'd be doing just as he does also and so would anyone else with half a brain. If you genuinely don't understand why this is fair enough but if you're on the band wagon of the "green with envy crew" then you really should take a step back. ;)
got to agree here ,
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Some are just not willing to give there trade secrets away when they can still make money off the backs of others you mean?
Well they might give some secrets away at a price ;D
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Chum bucket iv got gran kid going to secondary this year so I'm a bit old to be a lad. As for Steve I don't care about him getting on. Iv seen people on here asking basic questions about safety and he never pipe's up all it ever is is how good am I. I'm sure with his wealth of knowledge some of that must have come from free advice.
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Well apparently they've been using a company based up north that didn't pay they're hotel bill last time.
They'd like to use us because we're ten minutes down the road.
This is the biggest reason that this thread is not a wind up. Quarter light and Smurf, don't be guillible guys! This was a genuine enquiry from Tom.
Why make this up about another company if his enquiry was just a wind up?
Tom, I found you out mate. I know too many people in this industry, so today I made one single call and I know your enquiry is genuine. You know it as well as I.
So you seem to have done of two things here:
1. You lied and wasted genuine people's time. (I don't believe this is true.)
2. You made a genuine thread and realised it was not going as you hoped. It was going fine until I piped up and said I had been asked to price the same job. Then you realised you were getting advice from me and a number of others which made you reconsider. The best thing to do in your mind is to say it was a wind up. WRONG! I am 90% sure from my phone call today that you have had the enquiry and this thread was set up as a result.
Either way, it doesn't paint you in the best light mate.
Cue the fireworks. :D
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Chum bucket I rest my case read Steve's post above this leader in the industry only got to make one call
wasting peoples time I and others giving you advice iv read the whole thread from beginning to end he gave no advice just blowing his on trumpet in every post.
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I just love reading solar panel cleaning threads on any forums as seems to always ends up in an argument and people getting pis8ed off with solar steve for some strange reason. I wonder why that is? ;D
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Chum bucket I rest my case read Steve's post above this leader in the industry only got to make one call
wasting peoples time I and others giving you advice iv read the whole thread from beginning to end he gave no advice just blowing his on trumpet in every post.
What advice would you want me to have provided?
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I just love reading solar panel cleaning threads on any forums as seems to always ends up in an argument and people getting pis8ed off with solar steve for some strange reason. I wonder why that is? ;D
I've no idea! I'd love to know the webpage stats for this website. What is the average thread views for window cleaning topics as opposed to solar ones? Someone out there on admin must know.
Most of the threads get blocked too. It's bonkers to block the threads which bring the most repeat traffic.
I don't know what I do to annoy people except not provide free advice. I'm a businessman, not the Citizens Advice Bureau of the solar world. ;D
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CHUM BUCKET the reason people have to rely on the usual ciu the ones your having a dig at is because solar Steve never gives advice to help any one else accept to say how dangerous they are and we all need to do his course, or in this thread how good he is and the only guy in the country that can clean them. Steve i think you will find most people on here are no aggroed at what you have or are trying to achieve but your attitude to the rest of the human race.
Jamie (lad)
I've been on here over 10 years mate, I also wouldn't be handing out free advice in Solar Steve's position either- It's business and not in his best interest business wise to hand out that info which he has spent hundreds of hours researching and compiling.
Most, including myself, will hand over advice willingly to anyone who needs it regarding general window cleaning issues but if I was in Steve's shoes I'd be doing just as he does also and so would anyone else with half a brain. If you genuinely don't understand why this is fair enough but if you're on the band wagon of the "green with envy crew" then you really should take a step back. ;)
Except that he claims that there are serious H&S issues around solar panels yet two years ago or less he uploaded a video of him cleaning solar panels in trainers & jeans and no gloves. It's just a quick scrub with a water fed pole. No "black art" involved.
Fair play to him for his website though which obviously generates lots of solid enquiries. It's well put together and professional.
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Anyway, why has this thread turned to me and not the guy who, by his own admission, lied to everyone in the first place?
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Well apparently they've been using a company based up north that didn't pay they're hotel bill last time.
They'd like to use us because we're ten minutes down the road.
This is the biggest reason that this thread is not a wind up. Quarter light and Smurf, don't be guillible guys! This was a genuine enquiry from Tom.
Why make this up about another company if his enquiry was just a wind up?
Tom, I found you out mate. I know too many people in this industry, so today I made one single call and I know your enquiry is genuine. You know it as well as I.
So you seem to have done of two things here:
1. You lied and wasted genuine people's time. (I don't believe this is true.)
2. You made a genuine thread and realised it was not going as you hoped. It was going fine until I piped up and said I had been asked to price the same job. Then you realised you were getting advice from me and a number of others which made you reconsider. The best thing to do in your mind is to say it was a wind up. WRONG! I am 90% sure from my phone call today that you have had the enquiry and this thread was set up as a result.
Either way, it doesn't paint you in the best light mate.
Cue the fireworks. :D
How does it not paint him in the best light? I have read the thread and what I get from it is that he has been asked to quote for a solar panel job, he has seeked advice on here which he has got, then you come on and say you have been asked to quote the same job, he then kids on it isn't 45 000 panels to try to keep you of the scent. The only mistake he has made is forgetting you are mr big balls and just a phone call from you as you know it all, is all it takes for you to find out what is happening in the solar panel cleaning sector.
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I had read that when he (Tom.M) had posted..
'Isn't really 45,000 panels, I'm not that silly'
He was joking? I may have got it completely wrong but it just sounded to me as if he realised theres a few other quotes and he may not get it and so made a joke of it?
Just my reading into it.
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Well apparently they've been using a company based up north that didn't pay they're hotel bill last time.
They'd like to use us because we're ten minutes down the road.
This is the biggest reason that this thread is not a wind up. Quarter light and Smurf, don't be guillible guys! This was a genuine enquiry from Tom.
Why make this up about another company if his enquiry was just a wind up?
Tom, I found you out mate. I know too many people in this industry, so today I made one single call and I know your enquiry is genuine. You know it as well as I.
So you seem to have done of two things here:
1. You lied and wasted genuine people's time. (I don't believe this is true.)
2. You made a genuine thread and realised it was not going as you hoped. It was going fine until I piped up and said I had been asked to price the same job. Then you realised you were getting advice from me and a number of others which made you reconsider. The best thing to do in your mind is to say it was a wind up. WRONG! I am 90% sure from my phone call today that you have had the enquiry and this thread was set up as a result.
Either way, it doesn't paint you in the best light mate.
Cue the fireworks. :D
How does it not paint him in the best light? I have read the thread and what I get from it is that he has been asked to quote for a solar panel job, he has seeked advice on here which he has got, then you come on and say you have been asked to quote the same job, he then kids on it isn't 45 000 panels to try to keep you of the scent. The only mistake he has made is forgetting you are mr big balls and just a phone call from you as you know it all, is all it takes for you to find out what is happening in the solar panel cleaning sector.
Love it
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I just love reading solar panel cleaning threads on any forums as seems to always ends up in an argument and people getting pis8ed off with solar steve for some strange reason. I wonder why that is? ;D
I've no idea! I'd love to know the webpage stats for this website. What is the average thread views for window cleaning topics as opposed to solar ones? Someone out there on admin must know.
Most of the threads get blocked too. It's bonkers to block the threads which bring the most repeat traffic.
I don't know what I do to annoy people except not provide free advice. I'm a businessman, not the Citizens Advice Bureau of the solar world. ;D
Before you start tickling your balls I think you'll find a solar thread will get traffic as theres probably one solar thread every few weeks and window cleaning thread every day...
You'll also find it turned into a 'solar steve' post as you only ever post about your 'achievements' on these every so often threads so it kind if goes hand in hand...
(btw, other people have staff mate, not actually sure why you found the need to post about it...)
Before you start with 'why does no one love me?',I actually have no gripe with you solar steve as I have no interest in sloar panel cleaning (windows just abouts pays my bills)
I was just making a point
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Haha, this is funny. Not sure how this makes me such a villian.
I was asking a genuine question. Just fabricated the amount of panels as a few guys on here might be chucking in a quote.
Keeping my cards a little close to chest. 8)
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Good for you Tom ;)
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Haha, this is funny. Not sure how this makes me such a villian.
I was asking a genuine question. Just fabricated the amount of panels as a few guys on here might be chucking in a quote.
Keeping my cards a little close to chest. 8)
But if it's ten minutes away even I could work it out ;)
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I always knew there were muppets a plenty on here, just not SO many!! All the "top resident business men" seemingly don't understand the basics of business.
The OP hasn't a clue.. that is manifestly evident.
The Solar Steve bashers.. open your eyes.
The advice the OP has been given is laughable to say the least.
;D ;D ;D ;D
However, I wouldn't have it any other way, better than Netflix this site at times!! LOL ;D
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Some of you would be surprised the amount of large companies that lurk on this forum hardly ever posting or giving advice.
If a job came up that I was looking at and another company came on here asking how much should I charge I don't think I would be voulentiering advice on how to do it and what to charge.
You have to be very careful what you give away on this forum.
About 6 months ago some one asked or mentioned about a chain of retail units they were quoting for on this forum.A company lurking on the forum who viewed the topic then contacted the retail chain to try and quote the job.
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I always knew there were muppets a plenty on here, just not SO many!! All the "top resident business men" seemingly don't understand the basics of business.
However, I wouldn't have it any other way, better than Netflix this site at times!! LOL ;D
What, like a 50:50 split between office staff and operatives in a labour intensive business? All operating out of SS's house. ;)
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I always knew there were muppets a plenty on here, just not SO many!! All the "top resident business men" seemingly don't understand the basics of business.
The OP hasn't a clue.. that is manifestly evident.
The Solar Steve bashers.. open your eyes.
The advice the OP has been given is laughable to say the least.
;D ;D ;D ;D
L
However, I wouldn't have it any other way, better than Netflix this site at times!! LOL ;D
I don't know who you are mate, but I like you. You're my favourite!
In a way, I wish I'd not touched this thread for even longer and just let it roll to see what other drivel came out. But there again, I'm glad I did get involved too. ;D
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Some of you would be surprised the amount of large companies that lurk on this forum hardly ever posting or giving advice.
If a job came up that I was looking at and another company came on here asking how much should I charge I don't think I would be voulentiering advice on how to do it and what to charge.
You have to be very careful what you give away on this forum.
About 6 months ago some one asked or mentioned about a chain of retail units they were quoting for on this forum.A company lurking on the forum who viewed the topic then contacted the retail chain to try and quote the job.
I agree wholeheartedly. I have even provided advice over the phone and subbed work out to some guys who now berate me. I won't name them (But I'm looking at you Quarterlight.) because it wouldn't be fair.
This is a public forum. The whole world can access it. I'll be damned if I will be posting the wrong information on here.
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I always knew there were muppets a plenty on here, just not SO many!! All the "top resident business men" seemingly don't understand the basics of business.
However, I wouldn't have it any other way, better than Netflix this site at times!! LOL ;D
What, like a 50:50 split between office staff and operatives in a labour intensive business? All operating out of SS's house. ;)
That my friend, IS clever business. Low cost, high profit.
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But getting back to the subject at hand, Tom, are you any closer to putting your quote together after all the sage advice these knowledgable people have given you?
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I always knew there were muppets a plenty on here, just not SO many!! All the "top resident business men" seemingly don't understand the basics of business.
However, I wouldn't have it any other way, better than Netflix this site at times!! LOL ;D
What, like a 50:50 split between office staff and operatives in a labour intensive business? All operating out of SS's house. ;)
That my friend, IS clever business. Low cost, high profit.
Er, that is high cost, low profit. It's a ridiculous overhead.
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I always knew there were muppets a plenty on here, just not SO many!! All the "top resident business men" seemingly don't understand the basics of business.
However, I wouldn't have it any other way, better than Netflix this site at times!! LOL ;D
What, like a 50:50 split between office staff and operatives in a labour intensive business? All operating out of SS's house. ;)
That my friend, IS clever business. Low cost, high profit.
Er, that is high cost, low profit. It's a ridiculous overhead.
;D ;D ;D
You couldn't make that up.
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I always knew there were muppets a plenty on here, just not SO many!! All the "top resident business men" seemingly don't understand the basics of business.
However, I wouldn't have it any other way, better than Netflix this site at times!! LOL ;D
What, like a 50:50 split between office staff and operatives in a labour intensive business? All operating out of SS's house. ;)
That my friend, IS clever business. Low cost, high profit.
Er, that is high cost, low profit. It's a ridiculous overhead.
How have you reached that conclusion?
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Something to do with this Steve?
5 on tools, 4 in the office.
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Something to do with this Steve?
5 on tools, 4 in the office.
;D ;D ;D
Another "top resident business man" classic!!
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Something to do with this Steve?
5 on tools, 4 in the office.
That's the one. I know he has subbies as well, but one person surely could deal with the admin that would be generated - two at most. But four people in a home/office?
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Something to do with this Steve?
5 on tools, 4 in the office.
That's the one. I know he has subbies as well, but one person surely could deal with the admin that would be generated - two at most. But four people in a home/office?
One person? You got a be kidding me! It's perfectly justified and more to the point, profitable. We are busier than you give us credit for. There are over 60 Approved Contractors to look after too. I also have further expansion plans for the solar company too which I am currently working on. I do nothing these days but plan and implement our next moves. The girls do the rest admin-wise and the boys do the work. It's a slick operation.
I have a full time window cleaning company that I took over last year and a property cleaning company that I've had for nearly 20 years too don't forget.
I do know what I'm doing. To think that I'm running a high cost, low profit business that can be managed by one person in an office is totally absurd and shows that you obviously have no idea what I'm doing.
Tom has gone rather quiet in all of this don't you think? 😆
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Something to do with this Steve?
5 on tools, 4 in the office.
That's the one. I know he has subbies as well, but one person surely could deal with the admin that would be generated - two at most. But four people in a home/office?
One person? You got a be kidding me! It's perfectly justified and more to the point, profitable. We are busier than you give us credit for. There are over 60 Approved Contractors to look after too. I also have further expansion plans for the solar company too which I am currently working on. I do nothing these days but plan and implement our next moves. The girls do the rest admin-wise and the boys do the work. It's a slick operation.
I have a full time window cleaning company that I took over last year and a property cleaning company that I've had for nearly 20 years too don't forget.
I do know what I'm doing. To think that I'm running a high cost, low profit business that can be managed by one person in an office is totally absurd and shows that you obviously have no idea what I'm doing.
Tom has gone rather quiet in all of this don't you think? 😆
I really don't understand why you are trying to belittle Tom, the guy is just starting out and was merely looking for advice to price up a job, unfortunately that job involved solar panels and right on cue you see an opportunity to get on your high horse and imply that no one apart from yourself is qualified to comment on anything solar panel related.
Good luck with expanding your company, but remember not to tread on people as you go, it might just come back to bite you.
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Here is my take on the meaning of “a good businessman”
Talk bullcrap all day long so in the end people start to believe you
Charge a poop load of dosh for something anyone could do for next to nothing
Get as rich as you can for doing next to bugger all
Never give away trade secrets
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Don't go picking on solar or you will up set his his Chum.
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Don't go picking on solar or you will up set his his Chum.
What made you think I was having a go at solar steve ;D
I will have you know that business model has work well for me for years. :D
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Something to do with this Steve?
5 on tools, 4 in the office.
That's the one. I know he has subbies as well, but one person surely could deal with the admin that would be generated - two at most. But four people in a home/office?
One person? You got a be kidding me! It's perfectly justified and more to the point, profitable. We are busier than you give us credit for. There are over 60 Approved Contractors to look after too. I also have further expansion plans for the solar company too which I am currently working on. I do nothing these days but plan and implement our next moves. The girls do the rest admin-wise and the boys do the work. It's a slick operation.
I have a full time window cleaning company that I took over last year and a property cleaning company that I've had for nearly 20 years too don't forget.
I do know what I'm doing. To think that I'm running a high cost, low profit business that can be managed by one person in an office is totally absurd and shows that you obviously have no idea what I'm doing.
Tom has gone rather quiet in all of this don't you think? 😆
I think you are now beyond the scope of comprehension of the resident CIU Dragons. Breath, wasting an' all that!!
Ya gorra laugh though!! ;D ;D
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Something to do with this Steve?
5 on tools, 4 in the office.
That's the one. I know he has subbies as well, but one person surely could deal with the admin that would be generated - two at most. But four people in a home/office?
One person? You got a be kidding me! It's perfectly justified and more to the point, profitable. We are busier than you give us credit for. There are over 60 Approved Contractors to look after too. I also have further expansion plans for the solar company too which I am currently working on. I do nothing these days but plan and implement our next moves. The girls do the rest admin-wise and the boys do the work. It's a slick operation.
I have a full time window cleaning company that I took over last year and a property cleaning company that I've had for nearly 20 years too don't forget.
I do know what I'm doing. To think that I'm running a high cost, low profit business that can be managed by one person in an office is totally absurd and shows that you obviously have no idea what I'm doing.
Tom has gone rather quiet in all of this don't you think? 😆
No one asked you but you told us all your headcount. So is it not 5 on tools and 4 in the office? All these businesses but only (currently) 4 on the tools. That's what you said, but now you're wriggling because you can see it makes no sense. Are they still all in your house working?
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Something to do with this Steve?
5 on tools, 4 in the office.
That's the one. I know he has subbies as well, but one person surely could deal with the admin that would be generated - two at most. But four people in a home/office?
One person? You got a be kidding me! It's perfectly justified and more to the point, profitable. We are busier than you give us credit for. There are over 60 Approved Contractors to look after too. I also have further expansion plans for the solar company too which I am currently working on. I do nothing these days but plan and implement our next moves. The girls do the rest admin-wise and the boys do the work. It's a slick operation.
I have a full time window cleaning company that I took over last year and a property cleaning company that I've had for nearly 20 years too don't forget.
I do know what I'm doing. To think that I'm running a high cost, low profit business that can be managed by one person in an office is totally absurd and shows that you obviously have no idea what I'm doing.
Tom has gone rather quiet in all of this don't you think? 😆
No one asked you but you told us all your headcount. So is it not 5 on tools and 4 in the office? All these businesses but only (currently) 4 on the tools. That's what you said, but now you're wriggling because you can see it makes no sense. Are they still all in your house working?
Imagine, 9 staff all turning up to work in different vehicles at Steves 3 bed semi, cars and vans parked all over the street. Bet your neighbours love you Steve.
Where do you hold your weekly sales meeting? In the kitchen?
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Contractors anyone? ::)roll
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Contractors anyone? ::)roll
Yes, he has "60 approved contractors" to look after. The 9 people must be in addition.
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Contractors anyone? ::)roll
Yes, he has "60 approved contractors" to look after. The 9 people must be in addition.
So if you understand that then why do you come to the conclusion that his "employment" stats are uneconomical for his business?
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This is hilarious. Solar Steve thinks he's the godfather of solar. 8)
Sorry chaps, must go....panels to clean. ;D
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Contractors anyone? ::)roll
Keep up Chummy. He has 9 staff aswell as his 60 or so approved contractors.
::)roll indeed
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ok guys let sort this out once and for all pics of willys next to your sign wrote van then we will see whos the daddy
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ok guys let sort this out once and for all pics of willys next to your sign wrote van then we will see whos the daddy
I think Steve's already down as saying its not what you've got but the way you use it !! ;D
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ok guys let sort this out once and for all pics of willys next to your sign wrote van then we will see whos the daddy
That's me out straight away then as I don't have one ;D
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Contractors anyone? ::)roll
Keep up Chummy. He has 9 staff aswell as his 60 or so approved contractors.
::)roll indeed
I'm fully aware of this.... so your point being?????
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Why is this thread still going on and on beats me. ???
Can admin lock it down now please before it ends in tears. Ta very much
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Why is this thread still going on and on beats me. ???
Can admin lock it down now please before it ends in tears. Ta very much
I think it's important that some of the "big hitters" explain why they arrive at the conclusion that Solar Steve's employment stat's are uneconomical. Shouldn't be too hard a task, it is after all, a very simple question. Maybe I was correct all along and more people than we give credit for really do not understand basic business? If you're gonna slam the guy down, at least give a credible explanation of your comments.
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Why is this thread still going on and on beats me. ???
Can admin lock it down now please before it ends in tears. Ta very much
I think it's important that some of the "big hitters" explain why they arrive at the conclusion that Solar Steve's employment stat's are uneconomical. Shouldn't be too hard a task, it is after all, a very simple question. Maybe I was correct all along and more people than we give credit for really do not understand basic business? If you're gonna slam the guy down, at least give a credible explanation of your comments.
I'm not a "big hitter", but it' simple really. He's got 4 people running an office and 4 people generating revenue (allegedly). In my case we have two full time vans and one person able in 1-2 hours a week take care of payroll for 3, credit control, banking and so on. SS never mentioned the "approved contractors" until after I pointed out that it was ludicrous to have 4 in the office. But, if we include those contractors, let's say each of them does two large jobs a year (unlikely but for the sake of argument) that means someone has to book them in and pay their invoice. So 120 invoices to pay and some admin to schedule the work. I'd suggest that the one person currently doing 2 hours a week may now need to do 3 hours a week. But let's be generous and say it's 8 hours a week instead of 3. SS actually has 160 hours available in office resource if they are full time or 80 if part time. So he's paying somewhere between 10 & 20 times more than he needs to.
Add to that the obvious impracticality of having FOUR people working in a domestic residence w=every day then 4 (soon to be 5) people in and out through the day and you start to realise that it just doesn't add up.
And there I will leave it. ;)
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Lets not forget them 60 Approved contractors will have undergone the training course , £200 each was it ? Can't remember the price. That must want some "Administering" ;D
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Contractors anyone? ::)roll
Keep up Chummy. He has 9 staff aswell as his 60 or so approved contractors.
::)roll indeed
I'm fully aware of this.... so your point being?????
My point being that you tried to belittle me (rolly eyes) inferring that he won't have 9 staff in his house office because they are contractors when Steve himself says different.
If you're going to defend him and his silly exaggerations at least keep upto date with his latest tales.
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Why is this thread still going on and on beats me. ???
Can admin lock it down now please before it ends in tears. Ta very much
I think it's important that some of the "big hitters" explain why they arrive at the conclusion that Solar Steve's employment stat's are uneconomical. Shouldn't be too hard a task, it is after all, a very simple question. Maybe I was correct all along and more people than we give credit for really do not understand basic business? If you're gonna slam the guy down, at least give a credible explanation of your comments.
I'm not a "big hitter", but it' simple really. He's got 4 people running an office and 4 people generating revenue (allegedly). In my case we have two full time vans and one person able in 1-2 hours a week take care of payroll for 3, credit control, banking and so on. SS never mentioned the "approved contractors" until after I pointed out that it was ludicrous to have 4 in the office. But, if we include those contractors, let's say each of them does two large jobs a year (unlikely but for the sake of argument) that means someone has to book them in and pay their invoice. So 120 invoices to pay and some admin to schedule the work. I'd suggest that the one person currently doing 2 hours a week may now need to do 3 hours a week. But let's be generous and say it's 8 hours a week instead of 3. SS actually has 160 hours available in office resource if they are full time or 80 if part time. So he's paying somewhere between 10 & 20 times more than he needs to.
Add to that the obvious impracticality of having FOUR people working in a domestic residence w=every day then 4 (soon to be 5) people in and out through the day and you start to realise that it just doesn't add up.
And there I will leave it. ;)
maybe there ringing around getting work this seems likely now your going to say three is to many because your staff this your staff that
look at oakpark cleaning or oakpark security here in Essex these guys a five permernt staff just sat in a office ringing around building there business one is for night time , yes you can ring them up 24 hours aday a book a window clean even at 3am
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This is my last post in this thread. I have not knocked solar steves business sense of that I don't care. The feller comes on here belittles people tells everyone he is the chosen one. Helps no one as stated early people have asked basic safety issues and he never replys, which says to me a person would let someone fry rather than tell them the right way that's not giving away a major business seret thats just being desent. Thats what a forum of this type is about surely. If any one wants to jump to defend that type of attitude Then post away but if your a guy and shave in the morning remember you got to look at your self in the mirror.
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Contractors anyone? ::)roll
Keep up Chummy. He has 9 staff aswell as his 60 or so approved contractors.
::)roll indeed
I'm fully aware of this.... so your point being?????
My point being that you tried to belittle me (rolly eyes) inferring that he won't have 9 staff in his house office because they are contractors when Steve himself says different.
If you're going to defend him and his silly exaggerations at least keep upto date with his latest tales.
I'm not belittling you, you "clearly" still don't get it. I suggest that you yourself may wish to "catch up". ;D
You all "think" you know how to run someone else's business better than they do- it's blatantly clear however that none of you do! ;)
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This is my last post in this thread. I have not knocked solar steves business sense of that I don't care. The feller comes on here belittles people tells everyone he is the chosen one. Helps no one as stated early people have asked basic safety issues and he never replys, which says to me a person would let someone fry rather than tell them the right way that's not giving away a major business seret thats just being desent. Thats what a forum of this type is about surely. If any one wants to jump to defend that type of attitude Then post away but if your a guy and shave in the morning remember you got to look at your self in the mirror.
mr tesgo
mr asda
h ford
Richard branson
mr trump
mr banertine
are just a few people that dont help people and never worked again after they got to the top , they all got there by stepping on people and not helping them , do they sleep well at night ? you bet they do .
what do they see in the mirror when they shave ? not much because there to much shine from there 24crt solid gold shaver
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Jamie with regards to the risks of electrocution when asked to clean solar panels it's always wise to use the correct ppe no matter what type of wfp you decide to use as solar panels can and do fail. The individual panels are also permanently producing a dc current in any kind of daylight so can't be switched off as we know it.
First visually check for any obvious signs of damage to the panels
(If you happen to own a thermal imaging camera check for hotspots etc)
Do not continue with the clean if any faults are found and report back to the owner that it is unsafe to do so.
Wear Electricians Glove
Wear Electricians Safety Footwear
Avoid water running down the outside of the pole.
Best you don't clean solar panels when it's raining.
When attempting to clean roof top arrays from the ground/cherry picker etc with long poles be very aware of any overhead high voltage cables.
The likely hood of getting a belt off solar panels is very small but as the panels get older and/or start to fail the risk will becomes greater.
Hope this helps?
P.S the people that have attended a spc training day for steve on here you will not get any help from them either as I'm betting knowing steve they have had to signed a none discloser agreement. Bless him ;D
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can i ask for help?????????
i have 0ne panel to clean and i have no idea how to clean it ;)
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If it's got cement on it you'll end up in court!
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can i ask for help?????????
i have 0ne panel to clean and i have know idea how to clean it ;)
Try yer tongue maybe. That way you will soon know if it's faulty or not ;D