I'm still mulling over offering this but have a few questions for those who offer it:
1) Do you actively advertise it on your van, website and leaflets , or do you just do them if approached?
2) After answering 1), how many, on average, would you say you do a month?
3) What length of pole do you use and have you come across any you can't do?
Re safety, for those interested I contacted the Renewable Energy Assoc and the Solar Trade Association to enquire about safety issues as this is a concern. Neither replied, so I phoned the REA and spoke to Frank Gordon. He wasn't very helpful and said that his colleagues at the STA would be the ones to speak to, but they were all out or busy (they share the same office...). A reply finally came saying,
"The STA (and the REA) are policy focussed organisations, rather than technical experts.
The initial reaction however is that cleaning solar panels should not be a problem at all as they are built to withstand outdoor conditions and tested in all weather conditions.
A large scale installer (there are several listed by postcode on their website here:
http://www.solar-trade.org.uk/findamember.cfm) should be able to provide more detailed information if there are problems with wiring.
As non-engineers, they cannot comment on the possibility of completely isolating solar panels, but believe a specialist electrician may be able to assist.
They advise cleaning in the most overcast conditions possible as one way to minimise this danger.".
In the meantime i'd also spoken to Viridian Energy, a manufacturer of PV panels, who said that there should be no risk as all electrics were shielded, but advised insulating gloves and boots. Mind you, if the electrics were faulty and the pole touches your damp T.shirt it could be good night Vienna.
Back to the original question let me know your answers.
Cheers