R. Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro
Zona Industrial de Bouro - Letra C
4740-010 Esposende, Portugal
Top professional tools to optimize solar cleaning
– there is more to it than just a good brush!
In the field of professional cleaning and maintenance, the search for the best performance, quality and efficiency is a permanent concern. Whether you're dealing with stubborn soiling on solar panels, such as lichen or paint overspray, or administering precise doses of cleaning solutions for effective cleaning, having the right equipment can make all the difference. In this complementary article to the Top Brushes for Professional Solar Panel Cleaning article, we dive into the world of the best professional manual cleaning support equipment, discovering a range of innovative tools designed to take the cleaning process to the next level.
From the versatile Tucker® Alpha Scrubber, a bristle-free scrubbing pad that can help you deal with the harsher contaminants such as lichen, to Dosatron’s dosing pumps that offer precise dosage of chemicals in real time, we explore the equipment that speeds up cleaning tasks while maintaining high quality results. In addition, we present the Samouraï electric sprayers, which offer cordless spraying autonomy, and the Ultimate Foamer and Nito Foamer, designed to produce dry, compact foam for various applications.
Whether you're a professional cleaner or simply looking for the right tools to improve your solar cleaning routine, join us as we navigate the world of cutting-edge cleaning equipment that promises excellence, convenience and long-lasting results.
Scrub pads
Srub pads are quite common in the window cleaning industry, and they have transitioned to the solar cleaning industry has an alternative, to the traditional brush, that can help deal with harsher soiling such as lichens, fungi and paint overspray. Walnut scrub pads seem to gather to most consensus between professional cleaners as the most effective for solar soiling, although the standard pads for window cleaning are the ones made of nylon.
Below is the scrubber from Tucker:
“The Tucker® Alpha Scrubber is the ultimate commercial grade polyester scrubbing pad for jobs requiring heavy cleaning to remove dried, caked on dirt and grime from any window.
This innovative scrubbing pad, designed for removing tough dirt and grime, features a unique, bristle-free design that efficiently traps and removes debris from glass surfaces. The Alpha Scrubber's "over the top" rinse bar ensures a quick and effortless rinsing process, reducing fatigue during cleaning. Its swiveling gooseneck allows for smooth, continuous cleaning without lifting the brush from the glass. This kit includes 10 replacement scrubbing pads, extending the brush's lifespan. Available in standard (11"W x 3"H) and extra-large (17"W x 3"H) sizes, the Tucker® Alpha Scrubber is a Made in the USA product that offers convenience, efficiency, and durability for all your window cleaning needs.”
Dosing Pumps
As the solar cleaning industry matures, the use of chemicals is being demystified and the industry is searching for the right tools to make their use easier and more efficient. The use of a dosing pump allows a perfect dilution in real time and avoids the need of a water tank on site. The dosing pump is placed in line with the water supply and adds the correct amount of product according to the water flow. Below are the models suited for our products and what the manufacturer says about them.
- Dosatron D25RE2VF 0,2% - 2,0% (1:50 to 1:500) pump – suitable for the Solar Wash Protect 50
“Dosatron D25RE2VF 0.2% - 2.0% Pump, a versatile dispensing solution designed for accurately adding medicines, vitamins, and more to drinking water. This innovative pump operates with pressurized water, eliminating the need for electric power.
Has the ability to efficiently mix chemical substances within the pump body, ensuring a consistent and thorough blend. Importantly, the product being dosed never comes into direct contact with the impulsion parts, preserving the integrity of the substances.
With the Dosatron pump, adjusting the desired dosage is a breeze, with a dosage range spanning from 0.2% to 2.0%. It offers versatility in ratios, ranging from 1:20 to 1:4, to meet various dosing requirements.
This pump is highly adaptable, working effectively within a pressure range of 0.3 to 6 bar, making it suitable for different water systems and pressures. It can handle variable water flows, ranging from 10 to 2,500 liters per hour, ensuring compatibility with a wide array of water supply setups. Installation is straightforward, thanks to the 3/4" male thread connection. Furthermore, the Dosatron pump is equipped with self-aspiration capabilities, capable of drawing concentrate from a tank positioned up to a maximum height of 4 meters, enhancing convenience.
The Dosatron pump is installed directly in the water supply pipe, and it operates seamlessly with the flow of water. As water flows through the system, the pump activates, efficiently drawing the required percentage of concentrate from the tank and injecting it into the water.”
- Dosatron D25RE1500VF 0.07% - 0.2% (1:1500 – 1:500) pump – suitable for the coatings Antistatic Solar Armor and D-Solar Defendor
“One of the standout features of this pump is its ability to provide precise dosage control. Users can easily adjust the dosage within a range of 0.07% to 0.2%, allowing for accurate customization of chemical concentration to suit specific needs.
In addition to its dosage flexibility, the Dosatron pump offers a wide ratio range, spanning from 1:1400 to 1:500. This versatility accommodates a variety of mixing requirements, making it suitable for a range of applications.
Operating within a working pressure range of 0.3 to 6 bar, this pump is adaptable to different water systems and pressures. Its variable water flow capacity, ranging from 10 to 2,500 liters per hour, ensures compatibility with a wide array of water supply setups.
Installation is a breeze, thanks to the 3/4" male thread connection, allowing for straightforward integration into your water supply pipe. Additionally, the pump is equipped with self-aspiration capabilities, capable of drawing concentrate from a tank positioned up to a maximum height of 4 meters.
The Dosatron pump is installed directly in the water supply pipe, and it is operated by the water flow, that activates it so it sucks in the required percentage of the concentrate directly from the tank and injects it in the water.”
- Dosatron D25RE10AFBP 3% - 10% (1:33 – 1:10) – suitable for the Lichen Removal Agent
The D25 standard dosing range is a versatile system designed to cater to a wide range of dosing needs, spanning from 10 liters per hour to 2 cubic meters. Notable features of this system include its ability to offer proportional dosing without the requirement of electricity. The proportionality of dosing is intricately linked to the flow of water, ensuring consistent and homogeneous dosing. This makes it an ideal choice for ensuring the solubility of oral powders.
The D25 dosing system offers a flexible injection range, spanning from 3% to 10% (in ratios from 1:33 to 1:10). Its water flow capacity ranges from 10 liters per hour to 2 cubic meters per hour, making it suitable for various applications. The system can operate effectively within a water pressure range of 0.3 to 4 bar.
For applications requiring the injection of concentrated additives, the D25 system is capable of precise dosing, ranging from 0.3 liters per hour to 200 liters per hour. Its stroke volume is approximately 0.45 liters, and it features NPT-BSP 3/4'' M connections with a diameter of 20x27mm, ensuring compatibility with standard fittings.
Sprayers
When using chemicals, the use of dosing pump may not the best solution for all plant sizes and cleaning methods. As an alternative and complementary method, a sprayer is the go to tool. The dilution can be made directly in the sprayer and there are several models and sizes to fit your needs. Below are presented the Samourai sprayers, a brand that several of our clients use daily, and what the manufacturer says about the different models.
“The Samouraï is a powerful electric sprayer that works on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This allows the user to spray autonomously and non-stop for 2 hours. The Samouraï has a 30 litre tank with wheels and an integrated diaphragm pump, making it a highly mobile device. When using the red pin stream nozzle the Samouraï can spray up to 13 meters wide and 10 meters high.
This sprayer includes three quick-coupling nozzles: a flat jet nozzle for even coverage (green), a pin stream nozzle for impressive reach (red), and a mist nozzle for fine misting (white).
Whether you're tackling living areas, hygiene and food spaces, gardens, or automotive tasks, the Samouraï is your go-to solution for efficient, cord-free spraying.
With a new lithium-ion rechargeable battery design, Samourai is designed to be highly versatile, with
multifunctionality that adapts to various needs. What sets it apart is its total autonomy, since it doesn't need a connection to water, electricity or air pressure to work, giving you maximum convenience. What's more, with its speed control function, you have precise control at your fingertips.”
“The Samouraï is a powerful electric sprayer with a 15 L tank capacity. And this backpack model ensures ergonomic ease of use. Thanks to the rechargeable lithium-ion battery, with a capacity of 2200 mAH, you can work autonomously and continuously for up to 2 hours. The backpack sprayer is fully mobile: no water supply, electricity or air pressure are needed, and it has a range of up to 8 m.
The Samouraï includes three quick-coupling nozzles: green for a flat jet, red for a pin stream, and white for misting.
These nozzles are compatible with both the supplied lance and the gun. The base model comes with one battery, but you have the option to choose the version with two batteries for extended use.
This versatile sprayer finds applications in various areas, such as living areas (roofs, facades, terraces), hygiene and food (kitchens, floors, sanitary areas), gardens (flower beds, hedges, insecticides), and automotive tasks (bodywork, windows).
Additionally, we offer the Solo Sprayer EPDM 7L, featuring a large piston pump, a convenient filling aperture, safety features like a pressure release valve, and a robust yet lightweight design. Its ergonomic hand valve and reinforced delivery hose make it a practical choice for various tasks.”
Foam cannons
The foam cannons are a common sighting the car washing industry, but they can also be very helpful in the solar cleaning industry. When the chemicals require a residence time (e.g. Paint Removal Agent) using a foam cannon will allow the product to stay active for longer before drying. Also, on PV plants with high tilts, the product is able to stick more to the module and take longer to run off thus making more efficient. Below are some the options available in the market, for manual, low pressure and high pressure, and what their manufacturers say about them.
“The Ultimate Foamer is the first portable and autonomous device that produces a dry and compact foam and with which it is possible to foam large surfaces of 10 to 20 m² without having to add pressure. Perfect for the automotive and food industry.
This versatile foam generator has a total content capacity of 12.2 liters and weighs just 2 kilograms when empty. It can reach a maximum pressure of 3 bar and handle temperatures up to 40°C. Constructed from durable materials like polyethylene for the tank, polypropylene for the pump, and FKM for seals, it's built to last. The 110° flat jet nozzle provides precision, and you can achieve pressurization using either a hand pump or compressor. Plus, three foam controllers—blue for liquid foam, red for medium foam, and grey for compact foam—give you full control over foam density. Experience the future of foam production with the Ultimate Foamer 8L, your versatile, portable solution for a range of foam-intensive tasks.”
“The nickel-plated fittings and robust pistol make our NITO range ideal for professional use. The sprayer is easily connected to a water hose and automatically mixes the product with water.
Adjustable concentration levels can be achieved using the provided tips. For a quick rinse, connect your gun to the rinse nozzles and experience surface cleaning twice as fast with the wide flat jet. Whether it's intense car soaping or hassle-free shower and kitchen cleaning, the Nito Foamer makes it a breeze.
Plus, it's perfect for applying cleaning products and disinfectants, operates without electricity being easy to attach to a water hose, and allows for custom tank logo imprints.”
“The Turbo Foam HP works according to the venturi effect, meaning that the cleaning product is aspirated from the 1 liter bottle.
It produces a robust and dry foam that adheres effectively to surfaces. You have the flexibility to adjust both the foam jet and the thickness of the foam to suit your needs.
This versatile tool is ideal for cleaning various surfaces, including cars, floors, equipment, facades, patios, and even greenhouses. It's designed to accommodate various high-pressure cleaner brands, making it a versatile choice for your cleaning needs.”
Do you have any suggestions or topics about the solar universe you would like to read here? Reach us byemail!
