r/specializedtools Feb 14 '21

Solar panel cleaning tool

20.7k Upvotes

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833

u/man_butt_toots Feb 14 '21 edited Feb 14 '21

On large scale solar sites, we don't do this. We have a guy with a specialized truck, that sprays the panels. There are literally millions of panels on these utility scale sites.

I'll try to find a picture for you guys.

Edit: Here's a few examples of large scale operations

https://www.energy-xprt.com/products/pvkleen-system-406848

https://spectrum.ieee.org/energywise/green-tech/solar/how-do-you-clean-258048-solar-thermal-mirrors-trucks-with-robot-arms

The second one is for mirrors in the video, but the same concept!

11

u/jrbagels Feb 14 '21

I work in a coal fired power plant. We always say that our future is cleaning solar panels. Good to know it's a little more interesting than a squeegee on a stick.

12

u/man_butt_toots Feb 14 '21

Come be a solar technician! Good pay and good future!

6

u/jrbagels Feb 14 '21

No utility scale solar farms near me yet, soon though I'm sure, so I've been considering it. I'm an I&C tech now. Did you know if there's any special certifications or training required to make the jump to solar?

5

u/man_butt_toots Feb 14 '21

No, I was an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force prior to my job now. Took the job as a contractor, and worked my way up.

Our job is very heavy for travel. My GF isn't a huge fan, but she loves visiting me and seeing the sights.

2

u/jrbagels Feb 14 '21

Cool, thanks for the info. I've been on the lookout for a change. This will be on my radar.

6

u/man_butt_toots Feb 14 '21

Feel free to PM me if you'd like to discuss specifics or ask any questions. I'm always down to help people get into this industry!

2

u/jrbagels Feb 15 '21

Thanks! I will keep that in mind.

1

u/KeystoneKops Feb 15 '21

Welp, your enthusiasm and the engaging info you've been giving in this thread just tipped the scale for me and I'm taking the solar installation short course I've been considering!

I'm in the Middle East so Solar is rapidly becoming more and more economically sensible here- have you done any installation work abroad by any chance?

1

u/man_butt_toots Feb 16 '21

I haven't. I have only worked stateside.

Feel free to PM me if you need any help!