Comparing Solmaks solutions for solar panel cleaning : Efficiency, Mobility, and Productivity

Solar panel cleaning solutions since 2012

www.integrag.com

Solar power plant layouts and array configurations vary significantly from site to site, depending on factors such as solar panel manufacturers and specifications, installation methods, spacing between panels, tilt angles, and on-site access routes.

For professional solar panel cleaning service providers, it can be challenging to operate efficiently across all sites using only basic cleaning tools or a single type of equipment. Different plant sizes and site conditions often require different approaches and equipment configurations.

To address these challenges, Solmaks offers two equipment models with distinct strengths and capabilities: the crawler Solmaks FS and the modular, detachable Solmaks M. By choosing the right equipment for each site's specific conditions, operators can optimize cleaning efficiency, mobility, and overall productivity.

The Crawler Solmaks F series and Crawler Solmaks F each offer distinct advantages and limitations.

	Crawler Solmaks F	Modular Solmaks M
Type	Crawler	Modular
Key Strengths	Vehicle Loading, Maneuverability & On-Site Mobility	Cleaning Efficiency, Adaptability to Variable Array Widths & On-Site Mobility
Cleaning Width per Pass	Narrow	Full Array Width, Depending on Module Configuration
Adaptability to Different Array Widths	Adaptability to Different Array Widths	Adjustable Cleaning Width Through Modular Section Configuration
Cleaning Capability	Requires Multiple Passes	Covers a Wide Area in a Single Pass
Vehicle Loading	Transportable by Van or 1-Ton Truck	Transportable by Van or 1-Ton Truck
High-Tilt Capability	Requires Operational Assessment and Potential Auxiliary Equipment for High-Tilt Applications	Capable of Operating on Panel Tilt Angles of Up to 34°
Cleaning Time	Longer	Shorter
Suitable Site Conditions	Sites with Limited Space, Varied Array Layouts, or Wide Array Configurations	Sites Requiring Efficient Cleaning of Variable or Standardized Array Layouts
uitable Solar Power Plant Locations	Ground-Mounted / Rooftop	Ground-Mounted / Rooftop
Suitable Solar Power Plant Sizes	Small- and Medium-Sized Solar Power Plants	Small- and Medium-Sized Solar Power Plants
Brush Configuration	Single or Dual Brushes	Dual Brushes

Crawler Solmaks F series

One of the key features of the modular Solmaks M is its adjustable cleaning width.

The Solmaks M is not a machine with a single, fixed width. Its modular design allows operators to combine sections to match the width of the solar panel arrays at each site.

• 1 section : Cleans approximately 1 m wide

• 2 sections : Cleans approximately 2 m wide

• 3 sections : Cleans approximately 3 m wide

• 4 sections : Cleans approximately 4 m wide

The length of each individual section can also be customized upon request. When required, additional sections can be added to the standard configuration to accommodate even wider solar panel arrays.

The drive wheels can be repositioned for each section, allowing them to be arranged in suitable positions according to the site requirements. Rather than purchasing multiple machines for different array widths, operators can configure a single modular platform to suit the specific conditions of each site.

Fewer passes, Greater productivity

The number of passes required to clean the same area is another important factor in overall productivity.

Let's consider a solar panel array approximately 4 m wide.

With the crawler-type Solmaks FS, multiple passes may be required to cover the entire width, depending on the machine's cleaning width and site conditions. In contrast, the Solmaks M configured with a 4 m cleaning width can cover the same width in a single pass.

By matching the equipment's cleaning width to the array width, operators can reduce repetitive back-and-forth passes. This can help improve work efficiency and overall productivity, particularly at sites with wide solar panel arrays.

Actual cleaning time will vary depending on site conditions, panel contamination levels, turning maneuvers, equipment setup, and operating methods. The key advantage is the potential to reduce repeated passes and increase cleaning productivity across wider arrays.

So, Is the modular Solmaks M always better than the crawler Solmaks FS ?

Not necessarily.

The greatest advantage of the crawler-type Solmaks FS lies in its on-site mobility and maneuverability, thanks to its crawler-based design. This can be particularly beneficial at rooftop solar power plants, where equipment may need to move between work areas or navigate complex site layouts.

Rather than viewing these two machines as different ways to perform the same task, it is more useful to see them as products designed to excel under different site conditions.

The modular Solmaks M does not sacrifice mobility

At first glance, the modular Solmaks M may appear less convenient to move when fully assembled. However, its key advantage is its ability to be disassembled.

When necessary, the machine can be separated into individual sections for transportation and on-site movement, then reassembled to achieve the required cleaning width.

Unlike the integrated Solmaks SE, the Solmaks M can be broken down into individual sections, offering greater flexibility in vehicle loading, transportation, and moving the equipment onto the work site.

Why solar cleaning service providers should consider both models

Wouldn't owning just one machine, either the crawler-type Solmaks FS or the modular Solmaks M, be enough?

Not necessarily. Solar power plants vary considerably in their layouts and operating conditions, including whether they are ground-mounted or rooftop installations, their overall size, panel tilt angles, and array designs.

The crawler Solmaks FS and the modular Solmaks M are better viewed as complementary equipment options rather than direct replacements for one another.

Each model has its own strengths and limitations, depending on its design and operating characteristics.

The Solmaks FS offers advantages in on-site mobility and maneuverability through its crawler-based design. In contrast, the modular Solmaks M allows operators to adjust the cleaning width to suit specific site requirements. For wider arrays, this flexibility can reduce the number of repeated passes and improve overall cleaning efficiency.

Therefore, when choosing between the two models, the key question is not simply which machine is better. Instead, operators should consider the layout of the solar power plant, the site's operating conditions, and the cleaning methods involved to determine which machine's strengths best match the job.

For professional solar cleaning service providers, having both models available can offer greater flexibility in responding to a wider range of site conditions and customer requirements.

Solar Panel Cleaning Solutions since 2012

Solmaks

www.integrag.com