Years ago, we saw the first autonomous robotic vacuum cleaners hit the market with plenty of buzz. While early models tended to be more of a toy than something that could clean anything particularly well, they have definitely come a long way. Recent versions use smart phone apps, can be controlled by Alexa and other smart home technology, have fully integrated mapping systems and cameras, and can clean more surfaces than ever before. So it kind of makes sense that their next foray has entered the solar market!
While the utility scale market has seen the integration of drones and special cleaning machines, it seems the residential market was left holding the squeegee. Until now. Historically, residential solar systems have never really had cleaning services or “maintenance” work performed. While solar panel cleaning services do exist, they typically have had a higher cost than benefit, and the usual industry advice was to let the rains clean them, or to take what you can from a quick clean with the garden hose.
That might all be changing. This new Roomba ESK machine can clean solar panels mounted on steep inclines 30+ degrees, has an app that lets the user know when it’s low on batteries, and cleaning solution that can be modularly replaced, so it can get back to work within minutes. Sensors identify heavy soiling so it can spend a little extra time and effort where it’s needed the most, and it works in wet conditions so a technician can do some pre-cleaning before sending in the machine to mop up.
This little device might just be the answer to creating a whole new segment for all the residential solar systems in hard to reach two-story homes that are just begging for a bath!
Recent Comments