Re: [RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules

[Wayne Irwin]

I did a little case study on an array (10kw Sanyo) in which the upper half was 
washed with softened water only, and the lower half was/is washed with softened 
water and rainx solution.

The results of over a 12 year period have been zero difference in output 
between the two halves, but the upper half starts to show a soiling build up 
about 6 months earlier than the bottom.

Rainx had (possibly still does) a statement recommending against using the 
product to clean modules. With no explanation why.

I'm not necessarily recommending rainx, but that's my experience.

W

From: RE-wrenches  on behalf of 
Corey Shalanski 
Sent: Sunday, August 16, 2020 7:43 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules

Greetings Wrenches,

I posed this question to the group a number of years ago and would like to ask 
it again, in case any new members have new ideas or any elders have adjusted 
their approach.

I am wondering if anyone can offer tried-and-true tips for cleaning modules: 
tools, materials, methods? I am particularly interested in cleaning solutions 
for large commercial flat-roof installations.

I have always had success using a mild soap solution to help loosen 
dirt/pollen, but I recently read an article specifically advising against this: 
https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/05/pro-tip-never-use-soap-to-clean-dirty-solar-panels/
Any reactions?

--
Corey Shalanski
Jah Light Solar
Portland, Jamaica
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[RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules

[Corey Shalanski]

Greetings Wrenches,

I posed this question to the group a number of years ago and would like to
ask it again, in case any new members have new ideas or any elders have
adjusted their approach.

I am wondering if anyone can offer tried-and-true tips for cleaning
modules: tools, materials, methods? I am particularly interested in
cleaning solutions for large commercial flat-roof installations.

I have always had success using a mild soap solution to help loosen
dirt/pollen, but I recently read an article specifically advising against
this:
https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/05/pro-tip-never-use-soap-to-clean-dirty-solar-panels/
Any reactions?

--
Corey Shalanski
Jah Light Solar
Portland, Jamaica
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules

[Bill Hoffer]

Bill

Kids do not try this one at home!  Which of course will make the kids want
to do it even more.

I would say it is a bit risky to chance using hot water to clear snow.
Every time you do this is putting stress on the components and increasing
the risk of delamination issues down the road.  Water working it's way into
cavities and refreezing can lift sidewalks and destroy foundations.
Delamination can cause a fire by allowing current leakage through the
frame, so it can be worse than just having to replace your modules.
Granted the modules already see a lot of thermal stresses and have been
tested for it (UL listing is no indication of the ability to last 20 years
in the field) , but there is no reason to place more stress than needed on
them.  IMHO  modules still cost too much to use as a disposable science
project, although I would love to have some donated for a long term study!

On another extreme note, I was once involved in a solar drag race using
straight PV power to run a motor, no storage devices allowed.  One of the
crews used a fire extinguisher to cool off the modules to get more power
out of them.  I cringed because they were using very expensive modules with
the maximum efficiency and I expected the glass to shatter.  It did not,
but who knows how the movement of different materials did for the
longeviity of the project.  By they way they lost the race to a high school
team that engineered a better motor drive system!  I wonder who is using
those modules right now.

Bill




On Thu, Apr 18, 2013 at 10:23 PM, frenergy  wrote:

> **
> benn and interested others,
>
> Just a side note due to benn's comment about cold water on a hot
> panel possibly resulting in cracked glass.
>
> My 45 degree tilt, roof mounted shop array (5KW, Solarworlds) gets
> covered with snow in the winter at times...when I need the power the most
> (off-grid).  Even at that tilt, there are times when it takes a few days to
> slide.  I have a 50 Gal tank of hot water in the shop heated from the
> woodstove often that time of year.  The temptation was great, should I do
> it??
>
> I just happen to have a failed Kyocera 80-85W mod so I covered it
> with a foot of snow, air temp at about 15 degrees F, connected the hose to
> my hot water supply bib, turned on the too-hot-to-touch hot water (got it
> running hot off to the side of the mod first) and when the water started to
> steam I pointed it at the snow covered module from about 4 feet.  It took
> about 1-2 seconds for that hot water to penetrate the snow and hit the
> glass...I spiraled out from that point until most of the snow was gone.
> Result: glass AOK.
>
> Yes, I then proceeded to clear my entire array of snow to collect
> many ground-covered-snow-reflected KWhrs that day.  The array looks fine.
> My only concern since, has been maybe having compromised the frame/glass
> interface/seal in some way that may not show any visual impact, yet.
> Though it was a different scenario in that I was squirting hot water from
> the ground below the array resulting in a pretty diffuse spray with
> virtually no force to it by the time it reached it's target.
>
> Jeez, the things we do for a winter off-grid KW.
>
> Bill
> Feather River Solar Electric
>
>
> - Original Message -
> *From:* Benn Kilburn - DayStar Renewable Energy 
> *To:* RE-wrenches 
> *Sent:* Thursday, April 18, 2013 10:05 AM
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules
>
>  Corey,
> If rain water isn't doing good enough, which it usually does depending on
> angle and other factors…..
>
> -pick up a window washing squeegee (like at a gas station) that you can
> add a longer, maybe telescopic handle.  That works great.
> -Just use water, it works fine.  There is no need for additional chemicals
> or cleaners.  If bird crap or dirt is particularly stubborn just wet it,
> scrub it, wet it again and let it soak a few minutes, then it should wipe
> right off.  Keep in mind most module mfgrs recommend nothing more than a
> mild detergent added to water (read the specific module instructions).
> -Be wary of temp differences between water and module glass.  Cold water
> on hot glass can cause the glass to crack.  Best to wash in the morning
> before the glass heats up.
>
> I've seen a few module washing products (automatic sprayers) advertised,
> but have no first hand experience with any.
>
> Good luck,
> benn
>
> From: Corey Shalanski 
> Reply-To: RE-wrenches 
> Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2013 7:20 PM
> To: RE-wrenches 
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules
>
> Greetings Wrenches,
>
> I am wondering if anyone can offer tried-and-true tips for cleaning
> modules: tools, materials, methods?
>
> --
> Corey Shalans

Re: [RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules

[frenergy]

benn and interested others,

Just a side note due to benn's comment about cold water on a hot panel 
possibly resulting in cracked glass.  

My 45 degree tilt, roof mounted shop array (5KW, Solarworlds) gets 
covered with snow in the winter at times...when I need the power the most 
(off-grid).  Even at that tilt, there are times when it takes a few days to 
slide.  I have a 50 Gal tank of hot water in the shop heated from the woodstove 
often that time of year.  The temptation was great, should I do it??

I just happen to have a failed Kyocera 80-85W mod so I covered it with 
a foot of snow, air temp at about 15 degrees F, connected the hose to my hot 
water supply bib, turned on the too-hot-to-touch hot water (got it running hot 
off to the side of the mod first) and when the water started to steam I pointed 
it at the snow covered module from about 4 feet.  It took about 1-2 seconds for 
that hot water to penetrate the snow and hit the glass...I spiraled out from 
that point until most of the snow was gone.  Result: glass AOK.

Yes, I then proceeded to clear my entire array of snow to collect many 
ground-covered-snow-reflected KWhrs that day.  The array looks fine.  My only 
concern since, has been maybe having compromised the frame/glass interface/seal 
in some way that may not show any visual impact, yet.  Though it was a 
different scenario in that I was squirting hot water from the ground below the 
array resulting in a pretty diffuse spray with virtually no force to it by the 
time it reached it's target.

Jeez, the things we do for a winter off-grid KW.

Bill
Feather River Solar Electric

  - Original Message - 
  From: Benn Kilburn - DayStar Renewable Energy 
  To: RE-wrenches 
  Sent: Thursday, April 18, 2013 10:05 AM
  Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules


  Corey,
  If rain water isn't doing good enough, which it usually does depending on 
angle and other factors...


  -pick up a window washing squeegee (like at a gas station) that you can add a 
longer, maybe telescopic handle.  That works great.
  -Just use water, it works fine.  There is no need for additional chemicals or 
cleaners.  If bird crap or dirt is particularly stubborn just wet it, scrub it, 
wet it again and let it soak a few minutes, then it should wipe right off.  
Keep in mind most module mfgrs recommend nothing more than a mild detergent 
added to water (read the specific module instructions).  
  -Be wary of temp differences between water and module glass.  Cold water on 
hot glass can cause the glass to crack.  Best to wash in the morning before the 
glass heats up.


  I've seen a few module washing products (automatic sprayers) advertised, but 
have no first hand experience with any.


  Good luck,
  benn


  From: Corey Shalanski 
  Reply-To: RE-wrenches 
  Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2013 7:20 PM
  To: RE-wrenches 
  Subject: [RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules



Greetings Wrenches,


I am wondering if anyone can offer tried-and-true tips for cleaning 
modules: tools, materials, methods?


--
Corey Shalanski
Joule Energy
New Orleans, LA
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules

[Max Balchowsky]

I cleaned my system in Palm Springs with rain-ex every 4 months. It did a great 
job and left a coating that keep the dust from sticking to the modules
I probably didn't need to clean it that often, but it was easily accessible. I 
put a garden sprayer on a hose to coat the panels after I cleaned them using
 a dust mop on an extension handle to remove any dirt. Each time they needed 
less cleaning. Rain-ex keeps the dirt from sticking.

Max Balchowsky
Design Engineer
SEE Systems
1048 Irvine Ave Suite 217
Newport Beach, Ca. 92660
760-403-6810
"Building a Better Future For The Next Generation"




 From: Solar Energy Solutions 
To: RE-wrenches  
Sent: Thursday, April 18, 2013 10:09 AM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules
 


We use a mild solution of Cascade dishwashing soap and a car wash brush.  We 
have been tempted by a product call "Power Boost".
 
Andrew Koyaanisqatsi
President
Solar Energy Solutions, Inc.
Since 1987,
Moving Portland and Beyond 
to an Environmentally Sustainable Future.
503-238-4502
http://www.solarenergyoregon.com/ 
 
"Better one's House too little one day
than too big all the Year after."
  

From: Benn Kilburn - DayStar Renewable Energy 
To: RE-wrenches  
Sent: Thursday, April 18, 2013 10:05 AM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules
 


Corey,
If rain water isn't doing good enough, which it usually does depending on angle 
and other factors…..

-pick up a window washing squeegee (like at a gas station) that you can add a 
longer, maybe telescopic handle.  That works great.
-Just use water, it works fine.  There is no need for additional chemicals or 
cleaners.  If bird crap or dirt is particularly stubborn just wet it, scrub it, 
wet it again and let it soak a few minutes, then it should wipe right off.  
Keep in mind most module mfgrs recommend nothing more than a mild detergent 
added to water (read the specific module instructions).  
-Be wary of temp differences between water and module glass.  Cold water on hot 
glass can cause the glass to crack.  Best to wash in the morning before the 
glass heats up.

I've seen a few module washing products (automatic sprayers) advertised, but 
have no first hand experience with any.

Good luck,
benn
From:  Corey Shalanski 
Reply-To:  RE-wrenches 
Date:  Wednesday, April 17, 2013 7:20 PM
To:  RE-wrenches 
Subject:  [RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules


Greetings Wrenches,
>
>
>I am wondering if anyone can offer tried-and-true tips for cleaning modules: 
>tools, materials, methods?
>
>
>--
>Corey Shalanski
>Joule Energy
>New Orleans, LA
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules

[Karl Jaeger]

Hi Corey,

Schletter has a device called the PvSpin which is especially useful for 
cleaning large, roofmount arrays. Expensive but effective.
http://www.schletter.us/pvspin.html

Karl Jaeger
LightWave Solar Electric
Nashville, TN

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Corey Shalanski
Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2013 8:21 PM
To: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules

Greetings Wrenches,

I am wondering if anyone can offer tried-and-true tips for cleaning modules: 
tools, materials, methods?

--
Corey Shalanski
Joule Energy<http://joule-energy.com/>
New Orleans, LA
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules

[Solar Energy Solutions]

We use a mild solution of Cascade dishwashing soap and a car wash brush.  We 
have been tempted by a product call "Power Boost".
 
Andrew Koyaanisqatsi 
President 
Solar Energy Solutions, Inc. 
Since 1987, 
Moving Portland and Beyond  
to an Environmentally Sustainable Future.  
503-238-4502 
http://www.solarenergyoregon.com/  
  
"Better one's House too little one day 
than too big all the Year after." 
  
 


 From: Benn Kilburn - DayStar Renewable Energy 
To: RE-wrenches  
Sent: Thursday, April 18, 2013 10:05 AM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules
  


Corey,
If rain water isn't doing good enough, which it usually does depending on angle 
and other factors…..

-pick up a window washing squeegee (like at a gas station) that you can add a 
longer, maybe telescopic handle.  That works great.
-Just use water, it works fine.  There is no need for additional chemicals or 
cleaners.  If bird crap or dirt is particularly stubborn just wet it, scrub it, 
wet it again and let it soak a few minutes, then it should wipe right off.  
Keep in mind most module mfgrs recommend nothing more than a mild detergent 
added to water (read the specific module instructions).  
-Be wary of temp differences between water and module glass.  Cold water on hot 
glass can cause the glass to crack.  Best to wash in the morning before the 
glass heats up.

I've seen a few module washing products (automatic sprayers) advertised, but 
have no first hand experience with any.

Good luck,
benn
From:  Corey Shalanski 
Reply-To:  RE-wrenches 
Date:  Wednesday, April 17, 2013 7:20 PM
To:  RE-wrenches 
Subject:  [RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules


Greetings Wrenches,
>
>
>I am wondering if anyone can offer tried-and-true tips for cleaning modules: 
>tools, materials, methods?
>
>
>--
>Corey Shalanski
>Joule Energy
>New Orleans, LA
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules

[Benn Kilburn - DayStar Renewable Energy]

Corey,
If rain water isn't doing good enough, which it usually does depending on
angle and other factorsŠ..

-pick up a window washing squeegee (like at a gas station) that you can add
a longer, maybe telescopic handle.  That works great.
-Just use water, it works fine.  There is no need for additional chemicals
or cleaners.  If bird crap or dirt is particularly stubborn just wet it,
scrub it, wet it again and let it soak a few minutes, then it should wipe
right off.  Keep in mind most module mfgrs recommend nothing more than a
mild detergent added to water (read the specific module instructions).
-Be wary of temp differences between water and module glass.  Cold water on
hot glass can cause the glass to crack.  Best to wash in the morning before
the glass heats up.

I've seen a few module washing products (automatic sprayers) advertised, but
have no first hand experience with any.

Good luck,
benn

From:  Corey Shalanski 
Reply-To:  RE-wrenches 
Date:  Wednesday, April 17, 2013 7:20 PM
To:  RE-wrenches 
Subject:  [RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules

> Greetings Wrenches,
> 
> I am wondering if anyone can offer tried-and-true tips for cleaning modules:
> tools, materials, methods?
> 
> --
> Corey Shalanski
> Joule Energy <http://joule-energy.com/>
> New Orleans, LA
> ___ List sponsored by Home Power
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[RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules

[Corey Shalanski]

Greetings Wrenches,

I am wondering if anyone can offer tried-and-true tips for cleaning
modules: tools, materials, methods?

--
Corey Shalanski
Joule Energy 
New Orleans, LA
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[RE-wrenches] Cleaning Modules - results

[Tom DeBates]

hello Wrenches,
  Thanks to all for the tips. The cleaning is complete. Did not have a chance 
to try WD-40, but that would have been interesting. I wonder why they don't 
include the original intent in applicationswater displacement, especially 
for locks. I forgot to do it this Fall and am "paying the price"frozen 
locks. At any rate, here is the method we use with good success:
-  wash with dish soap (Dawn) and rinse to remove bulk grit
- wipe face dry with towel
- apply Krud Kutter to face with scrubee (the kitchen all-surface type, blue in 
this case with Scotch Brite one side, sponge other side). I applied the KK to 
the sponge directly to avoid spray waste. In this way, a 16 oz. bottle cleaned 
70+ modules.
- allow the KK to work for ~ 5 minutes. Be careful as KK contains phosphoric 
acid.  
- wash entire module with Dawn, rinse and dry.
  Vinegar could probably have been substituted as a "safer" alternative to KK, 
but in order to work on the most rust-coated modules, it would have taken more 
soaking time and multiple applications. 
  I have before-and-after photos if anyone is interested.
  My main concern was that this method did not compromise any coatings on the 
glass. It appears that it did not as the glass still has the matte finish that 
is typical. But I have no definitive way of telling. We tested Voc and Isc and 
the modules test very well. But it got me to thinking that it would be nice to 
know actual power rating. I took a look at the Soometric PVA as it will do 
individual modules and strings. But in order to determine rated output, you 
need to input irradiance and cell temp either with their sensor kit or other 
means. I see that there was a thread on this instrument in late Sept. 2010. Any 
feedback since then?
thanks again,
tom
  

Tom DeBates

Habi-Tek

524 Summit St.

Geneva,IL. 60134

630-262-8193

fax 630-262-1343


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[RE-wrenches] cleaning modules

[Dana Orzel]

Tom,

I owned a window tinting business in N. AZ for 4 years. I cleaned acres of
glass before I sold the biz.

We cleaned all kinds of glass with first - white scotch bright pads, not
green of red only white. 

Then using one capful of liquid Joy dish washing soap to 3 gallons of water
in a spray bottle, we had big spray tanks.

Use only fresh single edged razor blades to take off the chunks. A razor
blade is considered dull when you place fingers on both sides of the blade
and pull gently away, if you feel burrs dispose of it and get out a fresh
replacement blade. The soap acts as a surfactant and extends the life of the
razor edge.

 

Spray the glass with the very lightly soapy water, then scrub with the white
scotch-brite pad. While you have a soapy film razor the glass, edges first
then the mid section.

 

Acid helps with rust. White vinegar, diluted  muriatic acid, or CLR a boiler
cleaner all may work.

I would do a test section to be sure you are not going to scratch the glass.

 

Good luck and careful with the razor blades they can be dangerous.

 

Dana Orzel

Great Solar works, Inc.

E - d...@solarwork.com

V - 970.626.5253

F - 970.626.414

C - 970.209.4076

 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Tom DeBates
Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2010 9:30 AM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] cleaning modules

 


hello Wrenches,
  I recently purchased some used modules. Unfortunately, they were mounted
near a railroad track and many have a film of rust on the front surface. I
have tried a few products; Dawn, Simple Green, vinegar (5% acidity),  and
Krud Kutter to safely remove the rust. So far the vinegar seems to be best
when considering cost, disposal ,etc. But it still takes a good amount of
time and "elbow grease". Today I will try CLR.  Has anyone else run into a
similar situation? If so, what products and/or methods did you use to remove
rust stains?
  Awhile back I had to remove some urethane caulk from the face of module
and had to resort to a solvent-based chemical (acetoneyes, acetone) with
disastrous results.
thanks,
tom 

Tom DeBates
Habi-Tek
524 Summit St.
Geneva,IL. 60134
630-262-8193
fax 630-262-1343

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] cleaning modules

[Carl Emerson]

Tom,

 

I would also try Kerosene which is also a mild abrasive.

 

Happy New Year.

 

Carl Emerson

Free Power Co.

Land line +64 9 473 4286

Mobile +64 22 630 9689

Email   emer...@freepower.co.nz

Web   www.freepower.co.nz

 

  _  

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Tom DeBates
Sent: 31 December 2010 5:30 a.m.
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] cleaning modules

 


hello Wrenches,
  I recently purchased some used modules. Unfortunately, they were mounted
near a railroad track and many have a film of rust on the front surface. I
have tried a few products; Dawn, Simple Green, vinegar (5% acidity),  and
Krud Kutter to safely remove the rust. So far the vinegar seems to be best
when considering cost, disposal ,etc. But it still takes a good amount of
time and "elbow grease". Today I will try CLR.  Has anyone else run into a
similar situation? If so, what products and/or methods did you use to remove
rust stains?
  Awhile back I had to remove some urethane caulk from the face of module
and had to resort to a solvent-based chemical (acetoneyes, acetone) with
disastrous results.
thanks,
tom 

Tom DeBates
Habi-Tek
524 Summit St.
Geneva,IL. 60134
630-262-8193
fax 630-262-1343

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] cleaning modules

[Bruce]

Have you heard of using wood ashes?  Seriously :o)  The combination of 
the mild abrasive and potash in the ash make it a good rust remover 
(it's also great for dirty pots too).  You need dry ashes, though.  Rain 
will wash the potash away.


Bruce

On 12/30/2010 8:29 AM, Tom DeBates wrote:

hello Wrenches,
  I recently purchased some used modules. Unfortunately, they were 
mounted near a railroad track and many have a film of rust on the 
front surface. I have tried a few products; Dawn, Simple Green, 
vinegar (5% acidity),  and Krud Kutter to safely remove the rust. So 
far the vinegar seems to be best when considering cost, disposal ,etc. 
But it still takes a good amount of time and "elbow grease". Today I 
will try CLR.  Has anyone else run into a similar situation? If so, 
what products and/or methods did you use to remove rust stains?
  Awhile back I had to remove some urethane caulk from the face of 
module and had to resort to a solvent-based chemical (acetoneyes, 
acetone) with disastrous results.

thanks,
tom

Tom DeBates
Habi-Tek
524 Summit St.
Geneva,IL. 60134
630-262-8193
fax 630-262-1343



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Re: [RE-wrenches] cleaning modules

[Peter Parrish]

If your rust (iron oxide) problem is a tough one, I have a great “rust
remover”. It’s called “Naval Jelly” and its pretty powerful stuff (contains
phosphoric acid). Use rubber gloves, and in the case of a thin layer of
rust, you could dilute it with water. It will attack paint and probably
anodized Al frames as well.

Undiluted, the stuff is a gel so it can be applied to a sloping surface.

The iron oxide gets converted to iron phosphate which is water soluble and
washes off.

The nice thing about Nava Jelly is it is non-abrasive and it removes the
iron oxide via a chemical process. In other words it doesn't affect glass,
which leads me to my next point.

Over the past ten years there has been a series of manufacturing
improvements to PV modules. Fairly recently, PV module manufacturers have
been applying a very thin dielectric layer to the top surface of the
tempered, low-iron glass. This anti-reflective (AR) layer is extremely thin
and some cleaning solutions and mild abrasives will attack the layer. Even
fingerprints can attack the layer. I suspect that Naval Jelly will attack
the AR coating.

I haven’t researched any of the “cleaning agents” that are on the market
that are supposed to be used with PV modules, but I would be very cautious
of using anything but a very mild detergent with PV modules with an AR
coating.

In the case of Tom DeBates situation, the modules probably don’t have an AR
coating and either naval Jelly or a mild abrasive (that doesn’t scratch
glass) should work.

- Peter

Peter T. Parrish, Ph.D., President
California Solar Engineering, Inc.
820 Cynthia Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90065
CA Lic. 854779, NABCEP Cert. 031806-26
peter.parr...@calsolareng.com  
Ph 323-258-8883, Mobile 323-839-6108, Fax 323-258-8885

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jason
Szumlanski
Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2010 9:38 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] cleaning modules

Yup – soft scrub works great in my experience. Rinse well. Never had a
problem. Although, never took a microscope to the glass surface after use…

Disclaimer – I’m not buying you a new panel in the event of damage!

Jason Szumlanski
Fafco Solar

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Kent
Osterberg
Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2010 12:27 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] cleaning modules

Tom,

Textured glass would complicate matters, but I'd try ceramic stove top
cleaner.  The fine abrasive partials might be just the ticket.  

Kent Osterberg
Blue Mountain Solar, Inc.


Tom DeBates wrote: 
hello Wrenches,
  I recently purchased some used modules. Unfortunately, they were mounted
near a railroad track and many have a film of rust on the front surface. I
have tried a few products; Dawn, Simple Green, vinegar (5% acidity),  and
Krud Kutter to safely remove the rust. So far the vinegar seems to be best
when considering cost, disposal ,etc. But it still takes a good amount of
time and "elbow grease". Today I will try CLR.  Has anyone else run into a
similar situation? If so, what products and/or methods did you use to remove
rust stains?
  Awhile back I had to remove some urethane caulk from the face of module
and had to resort to a solvent-based chemical (acetoneyes, acetone) with
disastrous results.
thanks,
tom 

Tom DeBates
Habi-Tek
524 Summit St.
Geneva,IL. 60134
630-262-8193
fax 630-262-1343




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Re: [RE-wrenches] cleaning modules

[Jason Szumlanski]

Yup - soft scrub works great in my experience. Rinse well. Never had a
problem. Although, never took a microscope to the glass surface after
use...

 

Disclaimer - I'm not buying you a new panel in the event of damage!

 

Jason Szumlanski

Fafco Solar

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Kent
Osterberg
Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2010 12:27 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] cleaning modules

 

Tom,

Textured glass would complicate matters, but I'd try ceramic stove top
cleaner.  The fine abrasive partials might be just the ticket.  

Kent Osterberg
Blue Mountain Solar, Inc.


Tom DeBates wrote: 

hello Wrenches,
  I recently purchased some used modules. Unfortunately, they were
mounted near a railroad track and many have a film of rust on the front
surface. I have tried a few products; Dawn, Simple Green, vinegar (5%
acidity),  and Krud Kutter to safely remove the rust. So far the vinegar
seems to be best when considering cost, disposal ,etc. But it still
takes a good amount of time and "elbow grease". Today I will try CLR.
Has anyone else run into a similar situation? If so, what products
and/or methods did you use to remove rust stains?
  Awhile back I had to remove some urethane caulk from the face of
module and had to resort to a solvent-based chemical (acetoneyes,
acetone) with disastrous results.
thanks,
tom 

Tom DeBates
Habi-Tek
524 Summit St.
Geneva,IL. 60134
630-262-8193
fax 630-262-1343





 


 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] cleaning modules

[Kent Osterberg]

Tom,

Textured glass would complicate matters, but I'd try ceramic stove top
cleaner.  The fine abrasive partials might be just the ticket.  

Kent Osterberg
Blue Mountain Solar, Inc.


Tom DeBates wrote:

  

  
hello Wrenches,
  I recently purchased some used modules. Unfortunately, they were
mounted near a railroad track and many have a film of rust on the front
surface. I have tried a few products; Dawn, Simple Green, vinegar (5%
acidity),  and Krud Kutter to safely remove the rust. So far the
vinegar seems to be best when considering cost, disposal ,etc. But it
still takes a good amount of time and "elbow grease". Today I will try
CLR.  Has anyone else run into a similar situation? If so, what
products and/or methods did you use to remove rust stains?
  Awhile back I had to remove some urethane caulk from the face of
module and had to resort to a solvent-based chemical (acetoneyes,
acetone) with disastrous results.
thanks,
tom 

Tom DeBates
Habi-Tek
524 Summit St.
Geneva,IL. 60134
630-262-8193
fax 630-262-1343
  

  
  
  

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Re: [RE-wrenches] cleaning modules

[Kirpal Khalsa]

did u try a good sharp razor scraping across the surface in combination with
vinegarlet the vinegar soak for a bit on the surface before trying..this
may work if the module glass is not micro textured.
good luck.

-- 
Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-592-3958 o

On Thu, Dec 30, 2010 at 8:29 AM, Tom DeBates  wrote:

> hello Wrenches,
>   I recently purchased some used modules. Unfortunately, they were mounted
> near a railroad track and many have a film of rust on the front surface. I
> have tried a few products; Dawn, Simple Green, vinegar (5% acidity),  and
> Krud Kutter to safely remove the rust. So far the vinegar seems to be best
> when considering cost, disposal ,etc. But it still takes a good amount of
> time and "elbow grease". Today I will try CLR.  Has anyone else run into a
> similar situation? If so, what products and/or methods did you use to remove
> rust stains?
>   Awhile back I had to remove some urethane caulk from the face of module
> and had to resort to a solvent-based chemical (acetoneyes, acetone) with
> disastrous results.
> thanks,
> tom
>
> Tom DeBates
> Habi-Tek
> 524 Summit St.
> Geneva,IL. 60134
> 630-262-8193
> fax 630-262-1343
>
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>
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>
>
>
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[RE-wrenches] cleaning modules

[Tom DeBates]

hello Wrenches,
  I recently purchased some used modules. Unfortunately, they were mounted near 
a railroad track and many have a film of rust on the front surface. I have 
tried a few products; Dawn, Simple Green, vinegar (5% acidity),  and Krud 
Kutter to safely remove the rust. So far the vinegar seems to be best when 
considering cost, disposal ,etc. But it still takes a good amount of time and 
"elbow grease". Today I will try CLR.  Has anyone else run into a similar 
situation? If so, what products and/or methods did you use to remove rust 
stains?
  Awhile back I had to remove some urethane caulk from the face of module and 
had to resort to a solvent-based chemical (acetoneyes, acetone) with 
disastrous results.
thanks,
tom 

Tom DeBates

Habi-Tek

524 Summit St.

Geneva,IL. 60134

630-262-8193

fax 630-262-1343


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