Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

June, 2005

Removing Oil Stain for Solar Panels

Q. Is there any way to safely remove oil stain (messimers uv plus) from solar pannels without damaging them?

A. You will need to experiment with different solvents. Isopropyl alcohol (available from a pharmacy) is a mild solvent that, depending on the material of the substrate, might not damage the solar panel. You should avoid strong solvents such as MEK, MIBK, Toluene, Xylene, Lacquer Thinners because they might affect the substrate. Since you have not told me anything about the substrate, I can't be more definitive. Therefore, you will need to experiment.

Best wishes,

Ron Joseph