SMALL REPAIRS GUIDE

SOLA-TECS Solar Panel Cleaning Equipment Repairs Guide

The SOLA-TECS solar panel cleaning equipment is built of high quality, however it does require occasional maintenance and repairs to ensure optimal performance and longevity. With the right knowledge and tools at your disposal, you can effectively troubleshoot issues, perform routine maintenance, and address any repairs that may arise.  The information and video content below should be helpful for any maintenance and repairs that you may need to carry out on  your SOLA-TECS system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Soiling Really Decrease the Performance of the Solar Modules?

Yes, the power loss due to soiling is often overlooked and underestimated. These losses are around 10% - 30% of the power generation. All solar panels need to be cleaned at least once a year to ensure optimal performance of your solar modules. You can use a white cloth to rub on the solar panel to assess the degree of soiling and dirt on the panel; as you can see in the video below, sometimes the dirt and soiling is not visible to the naked eye.

What Causes Soiling On The Solar Panels?

Low Roof Pitch: A low roof pitch not only means the rain washes the panels off, but it usually causes a film to build up at the lower edge.

Agricultural Operations: Agricultural operations are more prone to more soiling from heavy machinery and more dust build-up.

Bird Droppings: Bird droppings are usually the most stubborn on solar panels and start to accumulate, often leading to etching of the modules.

Other Environmental Factors: Pollen, soot, vehicle exhaust fumes, leaves, tree needles, moss, algae, lichen, lime scale and much more. If your system is located under trees, leaves and tree needles are prone to falling on the panels. Over time, if moss starts to build up on the solar panels, they can slowly start to grow into the edges of the panels.

Is Regular Cleaning of Solar Panels Worthwhile?

Yes, you can easily calculate the loss and profits of your system, and you want your solar system to be an investment for you. With a 30% decrease in solar energy generation, you will not be paying off your system effectively; therefore, cleaning is essential. This 30% less also means 30% less feed-in remuneration. Only clean panels maximize performance and yield. Ensuring optimal performance of your solar system is essential to pay back your investment.

How Do You Know When Your Solar Panels Need To Be Cleaned

Does Solar Cleaning With SOLA-TECS Damage the Modules?

No, the SOLA-TECS Solar Cleaning Equipment was designed purposely for the cleaning of solar modules and do not damage the panels. It is important to use demineralised water, this prevents limescale stains. With the use of DI Resin filters and using demineralised water, cleaning detergents are not required in the process of cleaning the panels.

How Often Should a Solar System Be Cleaned?

There is no specific answer to this, as the frequency depends on the degree of soiling that the solar panels are exposed to. Generally, industrial and agricultural areas need to be cleaned twice per year and residential systems once per year, as these are not exposed to alot of soiling.

Can I Use Any Water To Clean Solar Panels?

Professional solar panel cleaners typically make use of demineralised water using a DI resin filter as this will remove impurities that can leave streaks or spots on the panels, ensuring a clean and clear surface for optimal sunlight absorption.  Demineralised water is water that no longer contains any salts, ions or minerals. 

How To Open The SOLA-TECS C

How To Remove The Gear Set and Deep Groove Ball Bearings from SOLA-TECS C

How To Fit the Deep Groove Ball Bearings in The Gearbox Cover of the SOLA-TECS C?

How To Fit the Gearbox Discs, Axle Discs and Gear Wheels of the SOLA-TECS C?

How to Mount The Gear Shafts with Planetary Gearbox in the Gearbox Housing of SOLA-TECS C?

How To Dismantle The Brush Set of The SOLA-TECS C?

How To Dismantle a Stuck Brush Set Segments of the SOLA-TECS C Using a Tool?

How To Dismantle and Clean the High-Pressure Filter of the Sola-Tecs C?

How To Install The SOLA-TECS C Splash Guard and Splash Guard Protection?

Troubleshooting: Service & Repairs

My SOLA-TECS C solar cleaning brush is spinning slow

  1.  Check your filters: Check the filters inside the neck of the brush, remove the filter with the tool provided. Making sure that you hold the neck down while checking this as dirt can fall inside the transmission and clog it even worse if you are holding the neck up.
  2. Check all other filters and water hose pipes: Checking your high pressure cleaner filter and pressure to see if it is operating at optimal pressure, as this may reduce the speed of your brush.
  3. Check water hose if you dont have a leakage or kink in the hose causing a loss of pressure.
  4. Check that there is no dirt blocking the opening of the jet nozzle in the "jet pin" of the brush neck.

Only One Side Is Spinning On My SOLA-TECS C?

The main cause of this issue is that you have dropped your SOLA-TECS brush. The transmission is susceptible to damage when the brush is dropped over the edge of the panels.

A damaged transmission is the main system that fails on the brush. Other causes for a damaged transmission can be:

  1. Dirt stuck in the gears
  2. Cleaning too quickly over panel obstacles like standing bolts
  3. Not using filtered water which causes mineral build up.

SOLA-TECS C solar cleaning brush transmission diagram

Diagram of SOLA-TECS C AL2 solar cleaning brush transmission

Spare Parts and Servicing SOLA-TECS Solar Cleaning System

Kranzle South Africa are authorised distributors of the SOLA-TECS range and carry all necessary spare parts to repair and service your SOLA-TECS products.

To service or get spare parts contact us directly.

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