Maximize your solar panel's capacity!

How does the Heliotex system work?

Heliotex Automatic Solar Panel Cleaning Systems use low-volume spray nozzles, connected to each panel, an existing water supply such as an outdoor water faucet and a programmable controller (which runs on a 110 volt power supply). The systems use a specially-formulated, biodegradable soap concentrate that is mixed into the water line during wash cycles. A second rinse follows the wash cycle.

How often does it run?

It is fully programmable to wash and rinse, or rinse only as frequently as your environment requires. Normally, we recommend that you wash your panels every one to two weeks and rinse every two or three days to help minimize the buildup of dirt and other debris.

For example, our patent-pending system could be programed to rinse at 5:00 a.m. so as not to interfere with normal household water needs, but it will leave your panels sparkling clean to greet the sun.

What kind of soap does a Heliotex system use?

The systems use a specially-formulated, biodegradable soap concentrate that is mixed into the water line during wash cycles. A second rinse follows the wash cycle. The soap is biodegradable over time, has no toxic buildup with a neutral Ph level.

I have hard water? How does a Heliotex system deal with that?

There are two filters in a Heliotex system; one uses siliphos, a scale inhibitor which prevents calcium/magnesium from adhering to the surface inside the tubes. The other filters out particulates, such as sand, etc.

What is siliphos and will it harm my roof or plants? Siliphos is made from extracts of milk thistle and 100% pure food grade materials. It is completely safe for roofs, plants and animals.

How often do I have to maintain the filters? Normally the lifespan of the filters run approximately 6 months.

Why can't I just let the rain clean them for me?

Rain cannot sufficiently clean the built up dirt and dust off your panels any more than it will get your car squeaky clean.

Can I install it myself?

A professional installation is required for the automatic cleaning system, but it requires little attention from homeowners and operators once it's in place, other than an occasional soap concentrate refill and water filter replacement.

If you live in California's Central Valley, you know how dusty it is. If you have a solar power system, layers of airborne dust build up on your panels, reducing the ability of your system to perform at full capacity.

When the panels are dirty, less sunlight is able to be absorbed into the cells and less electricity is generated. The potential energy loss can range as high as a 25%.

Each solar panel is only as effective as the weakest panel on its string which means that if one part of one panel is dirty, then the output of the entire string is reduced. In dollars and cents, this means that every day the condition persists, countless hours of solar energy cannot be harnessed by your system, costing you a significant amount of money.

It is possible to clean your panels manually with warm water and mild soap. However, if you have a roof mount system, considered the logistics of manual cleaning:

• efficiency factor: climbing up to the roof with a bucket and long-handled brush. which may, or may not, reach all your panels. If your water is hard and you don't use softened water, you may end up with permanent calcium spots which further reduce the panel's efficicency.
  

• time and money factor: you either spend your Saturday mornings rinsing off your panels to keep them at their peak, or hire someone to do it for you.
  

• the risk factor: consider the potential physical risks for damage to your roof, your panels and mostly, yourself!
  

Now there's an easier way! Not only easier, but highly efficient. The Heliotex Automatic Solar Panel Cleaning System was created. to eliminate all the problems associated with cleaning and gaining higher production.

All Solar Electric

Authorized Heliotex Dealer

530-671-6702

Yuba City, CA 95993

Solar Power Installations for Yuba/Sutter and Northern California

Read the FAQs.

What size system will Heliotex be able to handle?

Our automated washing systems are designed for any size photovoltaic system, from small residential to supersized industrial.

What is the return on my investment with a Heliotex solar panel cleaning system?

First, consider the investment you have already made, or are considering making in a solar system.

The return on investment from the Heliotex Automatic Solar Panel Cleaning System compared to the cost of manually cleaning panels is outstanding.

The ROI encompasses three factors:

• Output gain achieved by maintaining a clean panel everyday. 
  

• Installing the cleaning system on the front end of your install. The initial installation qualifies it and any security fasteners for the 30% tax credit or in the case of commercial power providers, the tax grant. 
  

• It takes the cleaning issue out of the backside costs of O&M budgets to a capital budget item on the front thus a tax credit rather than just an annual deduction for maintenance.  (Note: contact your tax advisor to verify tax information.)
  

• Also, the installation of a Heliotex Automatic Solar Panel Cleaning System eliminates liability issues as walking on the roof and physically touching panels is no longer necessary. 
  

• Very low maintenance. The programmable system on an average residential home can run for approximately 6 months before needing soap refill and filter change.  We can accommodate any size installation and any solar technology on up to large scale utility projects.
  

What is the output gain by keeping my panels clean?

For example, a 5 kw (kilowatt or one thousand watts) solar panel system generates an average of 8000 kw hours in a year.

Improper care can decrease that output of power by 25% so instead of generating an average of 8000 kw hours in a year, it will generate 6000 kw hours or 2000 fewer kW hours a year!

If you break this down in terms of months and you are losing 25% of your energy output per year, that is equal to losing 3 months worth of sunshine. Three more months of zero or low electricity cost.

Shouldn't you start taking the care and maintenance of your solar system more seriously?

Call now for a Heliotex estimate. 530-671-6702

Call now for more information:

530-671-6702