This year, I had the honor of speaking at the inaugural ISCA Convention in Henderson, NV, on November 14th, 2024. It was a milestone event that not only celebrated the growing field of solar panel cleaning but also highlighted the immense dedication within our community. As a speaker, I had the privilege of sharing my insights on the evolving industry, and the experience left me more motivated than ever to continue making an impact.

A Gathering of Solar Panel Cleaning Professionals

The convention drew around 50-75 solar panel cleaners from across the globe, all coming together to discuss the future of solar panel cleaning, share experiences, and build connections. The event was full of energy, and it was truly humbling to meet so many industry leaders and fellow professionals. Among the people I had the pleasure of meeting were Steve Williams, the founder of the ISCA, Kim Verduyckt of Solar Cleaners Network, Josh Laine of Solar Shine LLC, and many others who have played key roles in shaping our industry.

My Role: Sharing the Untold Story of Solar Panel Cleaning

At 9:25 AM on November 14th, I had the privilege of taking the stage to deliver my talk, Rise and Shine: The Untold Story of Solar Panel Cleaning. My goal was to shine a light on what most don’t see behind the scenes of our work—what it truly means to be a solar panel cleaner. I shared my passion for the industry and recognized the hard work and dedication of those who have helped shape it. While I didn’t use slides or multimedia, I relied on the power of spoken word to convey my message, and the response from the audience was incredibly positive, culminating in a standing ovation.

The most significant takeaway I wanted to leave the audience with was that we are no longer just a niche category in the service industry. We have become a recognized sector with various specialties and experts, and that’s something we should all take pride in.

Networking, Collaboration, and Inspiration

One of the most rewarding aspects of the convention was the chance to network with so many remarkable people. I had the opportunity to meet industry leaders like Josh Laine, who won the Youngest Solar Panel Cleaner of the Year award, and Stefan Throm, who shared fascinating insights on solar panel cleaning robotics. The networking session was an eye-opener, with a wealth of new knowledge about safety practices, innovative tools, and industry trends.

One of the highlights of the evening was the awards ceremony at Tom’s Watch Bar in the New York NY Casino. It was inspiring to witness Josh Laine’s recognition and to chat with fellow cleaners like Jersey from WCR and Kevin Hargis, whose contributions to the industry have made a lasting impact. I also had the chance to meet many cleaners who had been inspired by my videos and work, making the experience even more rewarding.

Industry Trends and Key Takeaways

The convention featured talks on a range of topics, but one major highlight was the insightful discussions on solar panel cleaning robotics and new safety technologies. These innovations represent the direction the industry is heading in terms of automation, efficiency, and worker safety.

Another key theme was safety. Many of us were introduced to new non-conductive safety gear, such as boots, gloves, and harnesses, which are essential when working with solar panels. I believe that these safety measures will become standard practice as more cleaners adopt them in their day-to-day work.

Building a Stronger Industry Through Collaboration

Steve Williams and the ISCA Convention have set a new standard for collaboration within the solar panel cleaning community. Meeting in person creates an atmosphere of unity that’s hard to replicate online, where conversations can sometimes turn negative or dismissive. By coming together, we strengthen the industry, share best practices, and inspire the next generation of cleaners.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Solar Panel Cleaning Industry

Reflecting on the convention, I’m proud to be part of an industry that’s growing both in size and professionalism. The educational value provided at this event was unmatched, and I’m excited to take what I’ve learned and apply it to my business and work. The sense of community was palpable, and I’m eager to continue contributing to the growth of solar panel cleaning, not just as a business, but as a community of dedicated professionals.

As for the future, I’m already looking forward to next year’s ISCA Convention. I hope to be even more involved and once again contribute to the discussions that will shape the future of our industry. If you’re in the solar panel cleaning business, I highly recommend attending. The opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow is invaluable, and I can’t wait for the next one.