Do you need to clean your solar panels?
Cleaning your solar panels can increase your production up to 30%. Unfortunately, manual cleaning will increase production temporarily until panels are dirty again which can happen as quickly as 2 or 3 weeks later. As a result, many people don’t see a reason to clean their panels. Our technology finally provides a solution. RST cleaning system will allow you to clean your panels as much as you want to help realize the full production of your solar installation.
How much does it cost to clean your solar panels?
The RST system is a one-time install that attaches to your solar panels. As a result, your cleaning costs for the next 25 years are tied up into the material and installation cost. RST systems typically see payback less than 3 years for 5% soiling conditions and closer to 2 years for 10% soiling conditions. If your CPA says it qualifies for the Investment Tax Credit, the payback is 30% shorter than the above.
What is the best way to clean your solar panels?
Panels need to be cleaned so they don’t void your panel warranty. This means cleaning at night or early morning when temperatures are lower. Thermal stress of cold water on hot panel glass could cause cracking which will void your panel warranty. Panels also need to be cleaned with either soap or calcium-free water. The RST systems used advanced filtering systems that provide calcium-free water. We also clean the panels at night to avoid any warranty issues with thermal stresses.
Can you you use a pressure washer to clean your panels?
Pressure washers can damage your solar panel and void the warranty. RST cleaning systems do not require high pressure washing as panel cleaning happens at least once a week – not even bird excrement can cake onto the panels for long.
How much water does the RST system use?
Between 1 an 1.5 quarts of water per cleaning. Rates in California for 1 HCF (748 gallons) range up to $10/HCF. The cost of cleaning 100 panels at this highest rate using 1.5 quarts/panel would be $0.50. This is $26 for an entire year washing 100 panels once a week.
How much electricity does the RST system use?
The RST system runs off of water pressure so very little electricity is needed. The residential system uses a battery. The commerical system uses about 100kWh/year which is generally less than $20/year. A booster pump would require another 100kWh/year if needed.
Won't dirt build up at the bottom of the panel using the RST system?
The RST system provides sufficient water flow so that water flows over the lip edge of the panel.
Does the RST system clean the entire panel?
The RST proprietary nozzle evenly distributes water across the entire panel.
Will the RST Cleaning System void the panel warranty?
The RST Cleaning system has cleaned over 100,000,000 panels without a single panel warranty issue. The system uses patented clips to the solar panel edge similar to how an iphone cover attaches to an iphone. These clips do not react to the aluminum solar panel frame. The system sprays soft water similar to rain on the panels. Panel manufacturers have reviewed the technology and they perceive no panel warranty issues with the RST technology.
Don't you need higher pressure or scrubbing to clean the panels?
Because the RST cleaning system washes once or twice a week, no additional pressure or scrubbing is necessary. The RST system will even clean off bird excrement.
How do you time your cleanings?
The residential system can be controlled manually. The commercial system can be controlled by your smartphone or computer via a cell phone package and the number of cleanings can be scheduled on a weekly basis.