In the rapidly growing solar industry, solar asset management has traditionally focused on the electrical maintenance of solar installations. However, one critical area that has often been overlooked or oversimplified is the cleaning of solar panels. While solar panel cleaning is typically viewed as a “non-electrical” task, it is far more complex and carries substantial safety risks that must be carefully managed.

Reclassifying Solar Panel Cleaning: Quasi-Electrical Work

Although solar panel cleaning is often categorized as a maintenance job that does not directly involve electricity, a more accurate classification would be “quasi-electrical.” This designation acknowledges the hidden risks associated with cleaning solar panels, which are often installed near electrical components like DC connectors, inverters, and combiner boxes. These components can pose significant electrical hazards, especially when cleaners are working in wet conditions.

During the standard cleaning process, which involves the use of water and brushes—sometimes with specialized machinery—technicians frequently find themselves working with wet panels and wet ground surfaces. The combination of water and electricity in these environments raises critical safety concerns: Could a damaged electrical connection or wet panel create a hazardous situation for the cleaner?

Risk Scenarios: Understanding the Dangers

Consider these real-world scenarios that highlight the potential risks:

1. A solar panel cleaner operates a robot on a metal roof, spraying water onto panels that have electrical wiring or broken glass. The combination of water and exposed electrical components could lead to dangerous situations.
2. Another scenario involves a technician standing on a wet concrete rooftop, using a conductive water-fed pole without the proper dielectric boots or gloves. This lack of protective equipment increases the risk of electrical shock.

These examples underscore the importance of understanding the safety hazards inherent in solar panel cleaning and the need for proper safety protocols.

New Safety Standards and Training Initiatives

Recognizing the critical need for safer cleaning practices, the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) introduced specialized solar panel cleaning safety courses in 2024. These courses offer certification credits for solar professionals, including:

• Solar Panel Cleaning Safety (2 credits)
• Solar Panel Cleaning Safety for Residential Installations (4 credits)
• Solar Panel Cleaning Safety for Commercial and Utility-Scale Solar Installations (9 credits)

The inclusion of these safety training courses represents a significant step toward formalizing solar panel cleaning safety in the industry. Furthermore, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) incorporated cleaning safety into various committees in 2024, with support from organizations like the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). ASTM has already developed safety work items, such as:

• Testing procedures for solar panel cleaning robots
• A Solar Panel Cleaning Safety Guide

The Importance of Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs)

Patrick Dennis Reeves, a certified PV electrician from New Jersey, emphasizes that safety in solar panel cleaning is a field that is still developing but is vital to the overall health of the industry. He stresses that thorough site inspections and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) are critical before any cleaning work begins. These analyses should consider the following hazards:

Non-Electrical Hazards:

• Accessibility issues
• Fall hazards
• Falling objects
• Chemical exposure
• Ergonomic challenges
• Weather-related risks
• Wildlife encounters

Electrical and Fire Hazards:

• Ground faults: Unintended electrical currents flowing through damaged insulation or loose connections.
• Short circuits: Direct contact between conductors, leading to excessive current flow.
• Arc faults: Electrical currents jumping between conductors, potentially igniting nearby materials.
  • Causes include corroded connections, overheating wires, damaged insulation, and more.

Additional concerns include leakage currents, overheating, equipment failure, and the risk of fires.

Improving Safety for Solar Panel Cleaners

To enhance the safety of solar panel cleaning professionals, several key practices must be followed:

• Education: Comprehensive training on cleaning safety.
• Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs): Site-specific hazard assessments to identify risks before work begins.
• Best Practices: Implementation of industry standards and safety protocols.
• Technology: Adoption of safer tools and cleaning methodologies.

By focusing on these elements, solar panel cleaners can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and improve the overall safety of their work environments.

The Role of Equipment and Methodology

Each solar installation site presents unique challenges that influence the hazards cleaners may face. The type of installation and the tools used are key factors in determining the safety risks associated with a particular cleaning job. Chris Vergin, president of SPCFonline.com, points out a gap in current safety standards for solar panel cleaning equipment. He advocates for manufacturers to design equipment with built-in safety features, such as non-conductive water-fed poles tested at specific voltage levels to prevent accidents.

Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Practices

As solar energy technology continues to grow, environmental, health, and safety (EHS) practices are becoming increasingly common for solar installers. However, these practices are still underdeveloped for solar operations and maintenance (O&M) technicians, including solar panel cleaners. Organizations like ASTM, NABCEP, and SEIA are slowly addressing this gap, but the industry as a whole has much work to do to ensure a safer working environment for all solar professionals.

The Road Ahead: A Safer Industry

As solar panel cleaning continues to evolve, it is crucial for the industry to recognize the risks associated with this essential maintenance task and take proactive steps to ensure the safety of workers. By developing comprehensive training, establishing strict safety standards, and advancing the technologies used for cleaning, the solar industry can set a new standard for worker safety in the renewable energy sector.

Carla Dawson, a leading expert in solar panel cleaning safety and product development at Sol Clarity, is committed to driving these changes. As an advisor to key organizations like SEIA, NABCEP, and ASTM, she plays an instrumental role in shaping the future of solar panel cleaning safety. The industry’s focus on safety is still in its infancy, but with ongoing efforts, it will undoubtedly continue to mature and contribute to the growth of the solar energy sector.