new panel hydrophobic coating.

[Gareth J]

See attached picture. Top left panel was replaced end of the summer. The only other difference between it and the others, new in march, were that the others were cleaned a couple of times, as the window cleaner passed.

Conclusions;
-Panels must be coated with something water repellant from the factory.
-whatever it is on there is capable of withstanding a winter, including snow, but not a washing by whatever the window cleaner used.

Ponderings;
-does the water beading off help? Or maybe even hinder?
-maybe it's not deliberate but something manufacturing related.
-does anyone apply anything to previously cleaned panels? There are some shower door protective coatings that would do similar.



Apologies for the rubbish picture

[dan_b]

Maybe next time wash them with some car shampoo with a wax additive

[Thebeeman]

A search for Rain-X may be the answer to what you are looking for.

[Swwils]

Newer panels can have an anti fogging additive that slowly leeches out and it serves to maximise the surface energy of the panel to help with condensation effects.

[Gareth J]

https://solvoltaics.com/use-rain-x-solar-panels/

Meh, can't say I'm really that bothered. In the drizzle days we do regularly get here, what's marginally better - a thin film of water all over? Or a load of droplets? And what dries quicker? My panels are too shallow to shed water well.

Just thought it interesting

[Joeboy]

https://solvoltaics.com/use-rain-x-solar-panels/

Meh, can't say I'm really that bothered. In the drizzle days we do regularly get here, what's marginally better - a thin film of water all over? Or a load of droplets? And what dries quicker? My panels are too shallow to shed water well.

Just thought it interesting

I'd have thought rain x would be worth a test? Or even a spray silicone but maybe not? I used RS spray silicone offshore and always impressed with its incidental hydrophobic qualities. In saying that, I'd not try either myself.

[Gareth J]

I'd have thought rain x would be worth a test? Or even a spray silicone but maybe not? I used RS spray silicone offshore and always impressed with its incidental hydrophobic qualities. In saying that, I'd not try either myself.
[/quote]

I guess you'd be pretty unlucky if some of the solvents in rainx were both attacking whatever glue is used between panel and glass AND around in sufficient quantities to do any meaningful damage. Either way, I'm not scrabbling around up there attempting to rub rainx about. They can get a wipe over if they look grotty when the window cleaners are around.

[Joeboy]

I'd have thought rain x would be worth a test? Or even a spray silicone but maybe not? I used RS spray silicone offshore and always impressed with its incidental hydrophobic qualities. In saying that, I'd not try either myself.

I guess you'd be pretty unlucky if some of the solvents in rainx were both attacking whatever glue is used between panel and glass AND around in sufficient quantities to do any meaningful damage. Either way, I'm not scrabbling around up there attempting to rub rainx about. They can get a wipe over if they look grotty when the window cleaners are around.
[/quote]


I said this last year. No touch bilt hamber snowfoam fairly strips the biological off.

Takes care of that edge build up. Beyond that potential infraction I don't worry.

[Mr Gus]

Well, there is a potentially small but growing market hole for "specialist" cleaning product there then boys! . .or look over the pond at germany who will have that slot filled "generally" if not specifically.

Seeing as their uptake of solar outstrips ours, that's where I'd google & translate, plus peruse data sheets

[Mr Gus]

https://ratedpower.com/blog/clean-solar-panels/

"Solar maintenance companies like US-based Bland Company and Premier Solar Cleaning have found that using deionized water with a rolling or vehicle-mounted brush allows them to clean panels without using soap, which leaves a residue that not only shades panels but attracts dirt.

Lubricant manufacturer Polywater produces a Solar Panel Wash to help water lift off grime without leaving a film behind. SunSystem Technology uses a blend of diluted vinegar and hydrogen peroxide to remove dirt"