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Prometheus Solar

A Solar Electric Company Serving Northern Arizona

You are here: Home » Solar » Cleaning Your Solar Array

Cleaning Your Solar Array

June 9, 2021

Care & Cleaning

Solar panels, for the most part are self-cleaning and only in very rare instances will you need to clean them. However, in especially dry areas or on some rooftops where panel tilt is minimal, dust and other substances can build up over time and have an impact on the amount of electricity generated by a system. Grime and other debris don’t need to cover an entire panel or system to have an effect.

Safety comes first when cleaning and shutting down your system – follow the procedure explained in the section entitled “Turning Your System On & Off”

For safety reasons, it’s always a good idea to clean your panels from the ground (if this is possible). A quality soft brush and/or squeegee with a plastic blade on one side and a long extension can make for the perfect tool allowing you to stay put on the ground. Most times, you can just use a hose with an appropriate nozzle to allow the stream of water to reach and wash off the panels.

If you are experiencing large quantities of snow on your panels, a simple brushing will do the trick. The same goes for tree debris build up. Using a broom is the perfect tool for a job like this.

Turning Your System On & Off

Though you shouldn’t need to, we think it’s important that you know how to shut your system down. There are two steps to shutting down your system.

The first is the main system disconnect switch labeled  “PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM UTILITY DISCONNECT SWITCH.” This can usually be found on the wall by your breaker panel.

The second switch is in the main breaker panel. It will be located at the very bottom of  the panel on either the right or left side. It should be easy to see because it is marked by a black and orange label.

Should you have any questions or concerns about cleaning your panels, do not hesitate to contact us any time! CONTACT US HERE!

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Ryan Holtz

Owner & Off-Grid Specialist

Ryan graduated from West Point with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Ryan got started by studying with Solar Energy International and the Solar Living Institute. He loves developing and sharing solar technology. Ryan has taught solar energy classes at Coconino Community College, Willow Bend Environmental Center and all around Arizona. Some of Ryan’s favorite moments in solar work are watching a solar customer’s meter spin backward for the first time, and providing solar power to Navajo and Hopi families living off-grid who have never had electricity in their homes.

One of Ryan’s main goals is to make solar energy accessible to everyone by offering solar options that are affordable and easy to use. He acknowledges there are some hurdles to widespread solar energy use, but believes that with a little ingenuity like the Plug and Play Solar Kits, it will soon become a normal part of everyone’s daily life.

In his free time, Ryan is often outdoors. He enjoys mountain biking, running, disc golf, hiking and camping.  His favorite thing to do is sit around a campfire with his wife, Carolyn, and their dog Tully.

ryan@prometheussolar.com

Kelly Paduchowski

Grid-tied Solar Specialist

Kelly Paduchowski, a woman of many hats, is likely the first person you will reach when calling us. She will design a quality grid-tied PV system for you and will help install it too.Kelly began installing solar in 2007 and became a PV designer in 2009. She received her NABCEP certification in 2010. Kelly has taught Photovoltaic courses through Coconino Community College and for the National Park Service.Kelly’s other interests include mountain biking, camping, nutrition and well-being, and spending time with her husband and toddler.

kelly@prometheussolar.com

Jim Corning

Founder

Jim Corning’s professional life revolves around aviation, energy, and engineering. He was a student at MIT in the 1970s, and saw firsthand how the oil shortages of the ‘70s plunged our country into a place of scarcity. Since then, he has worked in the oil industry on the Arctic coast, built electric motorcycles, organized sustainable living fairs, taught classes on solar electric systems, and helped Ryan Holtz start up Prometheus Renewables. Jim’s goal is to help Americans find a way to energy abundance, and it gives him great pleasure to see Prometheus’ clients harvesting their own clean solar power, right at home.

When Jim charges his Chevy Volt with solar power, he enjoys the abundance of driving on sunshine. It’s very liberating.

When he’s not working, Jim loves hiking, mountain biking, flying and backpacking around the beautiful mountain west with his wife Holly.