Top 5 Myths About Solar Panel Cleaning: What Window Cleaners Need to Know

The solar industry is booming, and many window cleaners are eager to expand their services to include solar panel cleaning. However, misconceptions abound, and without proper knowledge and training, window cleaners may inadvertently put themselves and others at risk. This article dives into the most common myths and misconceptions about solar panel cleaning, highlighting the critical differences between window and solar panel cleaning, and the steps window cleaners must take to safely and effectively transition into this specialized field.

Myth 1: Solar Panels Can Be Turned Off to Make Them Safe

One of the most dangerous myths is the belief that solar panels can simply be “turned off,” rendering them safe for cleaning. This is entirely false. Many window cleaners think that by turning off the isolators, that they are turning off the solar panels, making them safe to clean.  This isn’t true.  There is still an electrocution risk, even from an isolated system.  As long as there is daylight, solar panels are live electrical devices, continuously generating electricity.

The voltages they produce are not negligible—even on residential systems, the voltage can reach up to 600 volts DC (VDC). On commercial or industrial systems, this increases to 900VDC, and ground-mounted utility-scale systems can produce up to a staggering 1,500VDC.

Working around these voltages without understanding the associated risks is equivalent to handling live electrical wiring without any training. The risk of electrocution is significant, and there are documented cases of window cleaners being electrocuted while attempting to clean solar panels.

READ MORE:  Can Solar Panels Be Turned Off?  Understanding The Risks & Complexities

Myth 2: Solar Panel Cleaning is Just Like Window Cleaning

Another common misconception is that solar panel cleaning is no different from window cleaning. After all, both use similar tools, such as water-fed poles, right? This is as flawed as assuming that a plumber can re-wire a house because they both use screwdrivers.

While window cleaning typically involves minimal risk, solar panel cleaning introduces a unique set of hazards, primarily due to the constant presence of live electricity. Spraying water onto electricity-generating devices creates a clear electrocution risk if proper precautions are not followed. Additionally, solar panels are delicate and can be damaged if not cleaned using manufacturer-recommended methods. Missteps can void warranties and lead to expensive replacements for the client.

Myth 3: Rubber Gloves Provide Sufficient Protection

A particularly dangerous misconception is that wearing household rubber gloves provides protection against electrocution. This is completely false. Household rubber gloves are not designed to withstand the high voltages present in solar panel systems. To ensure safety, cleaners must wear correctly rated insulated gloves specifically designed for electrical work, along with other personal protective equipment (PPE). The International Solar Cleaning Academy (ISCA) training covers the correct rating of all necessary PPE, ensuring that cleaners are adequately protected when working with live electricity.

Myth 4: Water-Fed Poles Are Electrically Insulated

Many window cleaners believe that water-fed poles are electrically insulated and therefore safe to use around solar panels. While some poles feature an “insulated” section at the base, the voltage resistance of this insulation is often unknown—even to the manufacturer. This creates a false sense of security. Furthermore, even if the base section of the pole is insulated, the second section (and beyond) is unlikely to be.  It is more likely in the case of solar panel cleaning and window cleaning that top sections of the pole will come into contact with electricity, rather than the base section, making the pole conductive.

During operation, especially when extending the pole, it is inevitable that the cleaner will come into contact with these uninsulated sections. This means the risk of electrical shock remains significant, even when using so-called “electrically insulated” poles. Proper training is essential to understand the limitations of equipment and how to mitigate risks effectively.

Myth 5: Any Cleaning Chemical Can Be Used to Clean Solar Panels

A widespread misconception is that any cleaning chemical can be used for solar panels. This is incorrect and potentially damaging. Chemicals such as Traffic Film Remover and many others are unsuitable for solar panel cleaning. Even if a product is branded as a “solar panel cleaning chemical,” this does not guarantee its suitability. Many can damage the anti-reflective coating (ARC) and if you do this, it can lead to a costly claim against your business insurance.  Currently, there are only two brands of chemicals approved for solar panel cleaning, with Chemitek being the largest supplier globally of approved solar panel cleaning products. Using the wrong chemicals can cause irreparable damage to the panels, void warranties, and lead to costly replacements. ISCA training emphasizes the importance of selecting the correct chemicals and following manufacturer guidelines to ensure safe and effective cleaning.

A Sobering Example: The Risks of Underestimating Electricity

A tragic and harrowing incident highlights the dangers of underestimating electrical risks. Jason Knight, a 34-year-old window cleaner, suffered catastrophic injuries when a 33,000-volt electrical current jumped from an overhead power cable to his cleaning pole. The force of the shock catapulted him through the air, leaving severe burns and injuries that resulted in the loss of his left forearm, several toes, and a significant portion of both feet. He has undergone at least 20 operations, and despite doctors’ best efforts, faces the possibility of losing both legs below the knee.

While this incident involved an overhead power line, it underscores the life-altering consequences of electrical accidents. Solar panel systems, with voltages reaching up to 1,500VDC, pose enough risk to cause fatal electrocution. The lesson is clear: electricity must be treated with the utmost respect, and proper training and equipment are non-negotiable.

The High Stakes of Solar Panel Cleaning

Let’s put the risks into perspective. A water-fed pole, while innocuous during window cleaning, becomes a potential conductor when used on a live solar panel system. The combination of high voltages and water—a known conductor of electricity—can be lethal. Without proper training, window cleaners may not understand how to ground themselves, avoid damaged panels, connectors, wiring, or use equipment designed to mitigate electrical risks.

Every health and safety authority worldwide mandates training for tasks involving live electricity. Solar panel cleaning is no exception. It’s not just about avoiding injury or death; it’s also about legal and financial responsibility. Should a window cleaner suffer an electrocution incident, it’s highly likely that their insurance policies—whether business liability or personal injury—will not cover the damages if they lack proper training and certification. Furthermore, local health and safety bodies may impose significant fines for non-compliance with safety regulations.

Country-Specific Training from ISCA

The International Solar Cleaning Academy (ISCA) offers country-specific and unique solar panel cleaning health and safety training courses. This training equips window cleaners and others with the knowledge and skills to:

• Safely clean solar panels without risking electrocution.
• Understand and mitigate the risks associated with high-voltage systems.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines to avoid panel damage.
• Comply with local health and safety regulations.

Without this training, window cleaners are not only endangering themselves but also risking their businesses’ reputations and financial stability.

Acknowledge the Differences: Training is Essential

Unlike electricians, who must undergo rigorous training and certification, window cleaning requires no formal training. Anyone can start a window cleaning business, which is why many window cleaners underestimate the complexity of solar panel cleaning. However, this mindset is dangerous. The risks associated with solar panel cleaning are vastly greater, and without proper training, window cleaners are simply not qualified to perform this task safely.

The Bottom Line

Expanding into solar panel cleaning can be a lucrative opportunity for window cleaners, but it is not a simple add-on service. The risks are real and substantial. Window cleaners must dispel the myths and misconceptions surrounding solar panel cleaning and take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their clients. This starts with proper training and certification through programs like those offered by ISCA.

Remember, just because you have the tools doesn’t mean you have the expertise. Treat solar panel cleaning with the respect it demands, and you’ll not only enhance your services but also ensure the safety and longevity of your business.