[telfordwindowclnr]

Hi Everyone.

Just to let you briefly know of an issue that has arisen and this is for information purposes only.

A roofer has spilled some cement on to someone's solar panels, just one week after installation.  The homeowner went to their installer for advice.  The installer sought the advice of Rexel Energy Solutions who recommended Clean Solar Solutions for the cleaning of the panels.

We carried out a clean and after inspection, the cement or remnants thereof was still present.  The roofer is refusing to attend meetings he is invited to and is not forthcoming with his insurance details.  The issue is now going to court.

I have been asked to provide evidence based on my experience of trying to clean cement from solar panels and the subsequent effect that the remaining cement is likely to have on the system as a whole.

Representatives from LG, the panel manufacturers (who were on site when we carried out the clean) are also likely to be called to give their opinion on our methodology of cleaning and why it was safe and within their warranty.

I mention all of this because should you have a similar issue where you are accused of damaging panels through your cleaning methods, I may be able to provide an insight and help you out.

This is also the first instance that I know of where a panel manufacturer in the UK has been called in to inspect the panels and also specifically the methodology of cleaning as it was carried out.  Then if they are asked to provide their opinion in court, I feel they will play a big part in assigning liability in this case.

This will be reported on no doubt among panel manufacturers, so they may well now begin to take more of an interest into who is cleaning their panels and how they are cleaning them.

This is a new thing that some of you may or may not face in the future, so please bear it in mind. 

I apologise if some of you clicked on this thread with glee in your heart hoping I was specifically being taken to court.  I estimate the page views and subsequent heartbreaks on this thread to be a record breaker on CIU!   

[deeege]

Cool story.

[Smurf]

That's a whole new meaning to builders cleans 
I take it the roofer chap was not insured properly then hence why has not provided his insurance details so they are trying to put the blame on you now.  I'm thinking a Solar Panel Cleaning Waiver springs to mind on that one Steve and I'm sure you got them to sign one.

[SeanK]

That's a whole new meaning to builders cleans 
I take it the roofer chap was not insured properly then hence why has not provided his insurance details so they are trying to put the blame on you now.  I'm thinking a Solar Panel Cleaning Waiver springs to mind on that one Steve and I'm sure you got them to sign one.

There's more to this story than meets the eye, Smurf a cleaning waiver has about as much legal value as a car parking waiver
in other words none, they're only there to deter a customer claim.

[dave f]

food for thought  I think going to  remove the add from the side of my van for solar panel cleaning until I contact my insurance company to see if I am coverd

[Rich Wilts]

food for thought  I think going to  remove the add from the side of my van for solar panel cleaning until I contact my insurance company to see if I am coverd

Just do the course - you'll be fine then 

[ChumBucket]

Good luck, I can't see you having any problems with this.

[Clever Forum Name]

What no link 

 

[8weekly]

Cool story.

...bro. 

[Dave Willis]

Long story isn't it? Builder dollops cement on a solar panel - can't wash it off. End of story really - problem lies with the builder. Buggered if I'd go to court for that crap.   .......................... unless of course it makes the news and you can plaster your name everywhere. Have you been reading Rhino's marketing books?

[andyM]

Long story isn't it? Builder dollops cement on a solar panel - can't wash it off. End of story really - problem lies with the builder. Buggered if I'd go to court for that crap.  .......................... unless of course it makes the news and you can plaster your name everywhere. Have you been reading Rhino's marketing books?

Exactly.
I'm sure a written statement/report would be sufficient enough. 
It's a civil matter not criminal. 
But hey ho it is pantomime season after all.....

[CleanClear]

This will be reported on no doubt among panel manufacturers, so they may well now begin to take more of an interest into who is cleaning their panels and how they are cleaning them.

Yeah, this is rife in the window manufacturing industry. Have you seen just how many manufacturers are taking an interest in who is cleaning them and how they are cleaning them everytime there's a cement spill on them ? I'm getting fed up having to explain my methods all the time.

[andyM]

Your Honor I call to the witness stand "Solar Steve of Clean Solar Solutions."

Judge: So Solar Steve you were called in to clean and remove cement blobs from Mrs Christmas's brand new solar panels after Lofty the roofer had dropped his muck mix. Is that correct?

Solar: Yes Ma'am 

Judge: And as the no.1 solar panel cleaning company in the UK how did you clean the panels?

Solar: Erm with a brush on a stick with magic water!

Judge: And was this sufficient to remove the muck from the solar panels?

Solar: Er no?

Judge: Shut the door on your way out......

[Smurf]

Long story isn't it? Builder dollops cement on a solar panel - can't wash it off. End of story really - problem lies with the builder. Buggered if I'd go to court for that crap.   .......................... unless of course it makes the news and you can plaster your name everywhere. Have you been reading Rhino's marketing books?

I think the moto of the story is it's not what you know but who you know.

The lg guy should have just said no the damaged panels have to be replaced due to the cement eating into the coating on the glass, frames and cabling. So to be honest I don't understand why steve got involved in the first place. Anyone with half a brain would have said NO to attempt try cleaning them. I take it all was being used was just with pure water as I assume that would not invalidate the guarantee.

[Dave Willis]

Long story isn't it? Builder dollops cement on a solar panel - can't wash it off. End of story really - problem lies with the builder. Buggered if I'd go to court for that crap.  .......................... unless of course it makes the news and you can plaster your name everywhere. Have you been reading Rhino's marketing books?

Exactly.
I'm sure a written statement/report would be sufficient enough. 
It's a civil matter not criminal. 
But hey ho it is pantomime season after all.....

Oh no it isn't!

[Smurf]

Your Honor I call to the witness stand "Solar Steve of Clean Solar Solutions."

Judge: So Solar Steve you were called in to clean and remove cement blobs from Mrs Christmas's brand new solar panels after Lofty the roofer had dropped his muck mix. Is that correct?

Solar: Yes Ma'am 

Judge: And as the no.1 solar panel cleaning company in the UK how did you clean the panels?

Solar: Erm with a brush on a stick with magic water!

Judge: And was this sufficient to remove the muck from the solar panels?

Solar: Er no?

Judge: Shut the door on your way out......

pmsl 

[tlwcs]

Hi Everyone.

Just to let you briefly know of an issue that has arisen and this is for information purposes only.

A roofer has spilled some cement on to someone's solar panels, just one week after installation.  The homeowner went to their installer for advice.  The installer sought the advice of Rexel Energy Solutions who recommended Clean Solar Solutions for the cleaning of the panels.

We carried out a clean and after inspection, the cement or remnants thereof was still present.  The roofer is refusing to attend meetings he is invited to and is not forthcoming with his insurance details.  The issue is now going to court.

I have been asked to provide evidence based on my experience of trying to clean cement from solar panels and the subsequent effect that the remaining cement is likely to have on the system as a whole.

Representatives from LG, the panel manufacturers (who were on site when we carried out the clean) are also likely to be called to give their opinion on our methodology of cleaning and why it was safe and within their warranty.

I mention all of this because should you have a similar issue where you are accused of damaging panels through your cleaning methods, I may be able to provide an insight and help you out.

This is also the first instance that I know of where a panel manufacturer in the UK has been called in to inspect the panels and also specifically the methodology of cleaning as it was carried out.  Then if they are asked to provide their opinion in court, I feel they will play a big part in assigning liability in this case.

This will be reported on no doubt among panel manufacturers, so they may well now begin to take more of an interest into who is cleaning their panels and how they are cleaning them.

This is a new thing that some of you may or may not face in the future, so please bear it in mind. 

I apologise if some of you clicked on this thread with glee in your heart hoping I was specifically being taken to court.  I estimate the page views and subsequent heartbreaks on this thread to be a record breaker on CIU!   

Apology accepted.
Good sence of humour.
Underlined the help bit, are you not well?
Tony

[Rich Wilts]

Judge: Shut the door on your way out......

But hey ho it is pantomime season after all.....

You gotta laugh! 

[Smudger]

Your Honor I call to the witness stand "Solar Steve of Clean Solar Solutions."

Judge: So Solar Steve you were called in to clean and remove cement blobs from Mrs Christmas's brand new solar panels after Lofty the roofer had dropped his muck mix. Is that correct?

Solar: Yes Ma'am 

Judge: And as the no.1 solar panel cleaning company in the UK how did you clean the panels?

Solar: Erm with a brush on a stick with magic water!

Judge: And was this sufficient to remove the muck from the solar panels?

Solar: Er no?

Judge: Shut the door on your way out......

Fantastic post !

So, you failed to clean a panel, and that's going to get around the solar panel community - and you think that's good news ?

I've been in close contact with a solar panel installation company, and have learnt a good few things, one of which these are pretty indestructible they have even set some up and driven a four by four over them, no cracking no scratching, so if you used the correct chemical I think you could have got them 100% clean, just depends how long the 'muck' had been on there.

I do like the subtle inference that the solar panel community will all come rushing to you as the only approved cleaner of solar panels in the world - nice one 👍

Darran

[Jamie Thomas]

From the first post it doesn't say your going to court because the cleaning has damaged them, and you never help anyone for free.
Im assuming you have realy posted this in a attempt to show the rest of CIU how your realy johnny big bo**oc*s of the solar panel cleaning world and the only one in the southern hemisphere that could be an expert witness. Dont worry all its just another ego boost.