Brush-supported solar cell washing system and method

A method for cleaning an array of solar panels, the method comprising:

• supporting a washer head frame, upon a plurality of lath brushes resting on one of the array of solar panels, the washer head frame including:
• a washer frame cross member including:
• a swivel mounted thereon, the swivel allowing one degree of freedom allowing the pitching of the washer head frame, the swivel being mounted below a center of gravity;
• each of a top frame rail and a bottom frame rail;
• and
• a plurality of lath brushes, the plurality of lath brushes together extending, generally, the length of the washer head frame, the plurality further being selected to include a plurality of bristles being of sufficient number to support the washer head frame against the surface of the solar panel without damage to the solar panel;
• conveying water from a water reservoir in a pressurized water line to supply a water sprayer manifold assembly the washer head frame comprises;
• distributing water through the water sprayer manifold assembly to each of the port and the starboard nozzles;
• issuing a spray received from the pressurized water line and from each of the port and the starboard nozzle thereby spraying water onto the surface of the solar panel activating a jib winch to pay out a jib pendant, the jib pendant being affixed to the top frame rail such that the paying out will allow the washer head frame to pitch to place the washer head frame onto the bristles of the lath brushes of the washer head frame onto the surface of the solar panel.

A washer head frame for washing a surface of a solar panel, the washer head frame comprising:

• a swivel mounted thereon, the swivel allowing one degree of freedom allowing the pitching of the washer head frame, the swivel being mounted below a center of gravity of the washer head frame;
• each of a top frame rail and a bottom frame rail;
• a plurality of lath brushes affixed to the top frame rail and the bottom frame rail, the plurality of lath brushes together extend, generally, the length of the washer head frame, each lath brush making up the plurality being oriented such that the long axis of each lath brush lies perpendicular to a direction of travel, the lath brushes comprising a plurality of bristles being of sufficient number to support the washer head frame against the surface of the solar panel without damage to the solar panel;
• and a jib winch to draw and to pay out a jib pendant, the jib pendant being affixed to the top frame rail such that such drawing or paying out will allow the washer head frame to pitch to an attitude selected by the operator.