Rotary Solar Panel Brush: Save Time On Big Cleaning Jobs
Table of Contents
- Why Upgrade to a Rotary Solar Panel Brush?
- Categories of Rotary Solar Panel Brushes
- Electric Powered Dual Rotary Solar Panel Brush
- Counter Rotating Solar Brush with Floating Brush System
- Rotary Brush 32 in. or 39 in. Hydrokinetic
- The Complete Package: Rotary Brush + Solar Skid = Ultimate Pure Water Results
- Electric Powered Rotary Brush (32 in., 24v)
- Choosing the Right Rotary Brush for Your Needs
- Shop the Solar Collection:
- Final Thoughts: Boosting Solar Panel Cleaning Efficiency
- FAQs
Rotary Solar Panel Brush: The Ultimate Guide to Faster, Safer Solar Cleaning
As solar energy continues to grow, so does the demand for professional solar panel cleaning. Homeowners and commercial building owners understand that dirty solar panels reduce efficiency and cut into energy savings. For smaller residential systems, water-fed pole brushes are often enough. But when you start handling large solar panel arrays, you’ll quickly realize that a standard pole brush can’t keep up with the scale of the job. That’s where rotary solar panel brushes come in. These specialized tools—available in both hydrokinetically powered (water-powered) and electric-powered designs—offer incredible time savings, consistent cleaning power, and long-term durability. Whether you’re a professional contractor scaling up your services or a facilities manager responsible for maintaining large installations, rotary brushes can transform the way you clean solar panels.
Why Upgrade to a Rotary Solar Panel Brush?
Traditional water-fed pole brushes are effective, but they rely entirely on manual scrubbing. On large jobs, that quickly translates into fatigue, slower results, and uneven cleaning. Rotary solar panel brushes solve this problem with powered scrubbing action.
Benefits of the Rotary Solar Panel Brush
Speed: Clean more surface area in less time. A 25-inch path covers thousands of square feet per hour.
Consistency: Powered rotation ensures even cleaning without missed spots.
Efficiency: Use less water while achieving superior cleaning results.
Versatility: Suitable for solar panels, aluminum siding, vinyl siding, and even atrium glass.
Professional Results: Counter-rotating brushes provide stability and control, reducing the risk of streaks or scratches.
For large-scale jobs, the return on investment is immediate: faster completion times, lower labor costs, and satisfied clients.
Categories of Rotary Solar Panel Brushes
Rotary brushes fall into two main categories:
1. Hydrokinetically Powered (Water-Powered) Brushes
These brushes harness the power of water pressure from a small pressure washer and water purification system. As water flows through, it spins the brush heads, delivering consistent scrubbing action without the need for electricity.
Best For: Contractors already equipped with pressure washers.
Applications: Solar panels, aluminum siding, vinyl siding.
Advantages: Simple setup, durable design, reliable rotation powered by water flow.
2. Electric Powered Brushes
Electric brushes use a battery pack or plug-in power source to spin the brushes. They offer greater independence from water pressure and are particularly useful when working on delicate or variable surfaces.
Best For: Small to medium solar panel jobs where portability and flexibility matter.
Applications: Solar panels, glass atriums, large flat surfaces.
Advantages: Long battery life, consistent scrubbing regardless of water pressure, easy to maneuver.
Electric Powered Dual Rotary Solar Panel Brush
Our top pick for small to medium-sized solar panel systems is the Electric Powered Dual Solar Brush. Designed for mobility and efficiency, this unit makes quick work of dirty panels.
Key Features
Dual Brush Design: Counter-rotating brushes stabilize the system on panels, preventing wobbling and delivering superior scrubbing action.
25-Inch Cleaning Path: Covers large areas fast, cleaning 1.2MW to 1.6MW in an 8-hour day.
Portable Power Options: Use with a battery pack (4–5 hours runtime) or plug into a 110v outlet.
High Productivity: Efficiently cleans 5,000–8,000 sq. ft. per hour depending on access.
Eco-Friendly: Consumes just 2–3 gallons per minute, conserving water while still delivering outstanding cleaning.
Durability: Built with reliable components for long service life.
👉 Partner it with the DIY RODI solar kit for maximum cleaning power and water purity.
Double Brush 25in Wide 24v Electric Cleaning Kit
$1,538.20
Powered Double Brush with 25in Wide Cleaning Path Kit The Double Brush 25in Wide 24v Electric Cleaning Kit is a cutting-edge solution for efficient and...… read more
ProTool SS MAX 110V - Solar Brush Kit
$5,267.25
ProTool SS MAX Cart Solar Kit The ProTool SS Ultra RO/DI Cart paired with the ProTool Double Brush Kit and Ultra light hose reel forms...… read more
Counter Rotating Solar Brush with Floating Brush System
For contractors looking for a reasonably-priced, water-powered brush, the Counter Rotating Solar Brush with Floating System is an excellent choice.
How It Works
This system attaches to a telescopic wand and relies on water flow from a small pressure washer to spin its brushes. The floating design automatically adjusts to the panel’s surface, ensuring full contact and optimal cleaning efficiency.
Requirements
Minimum Pressure: 435 PSI (30 BAR)
Water Flow: 2.3 gallons per minute (9 LPM)
Max Pressure: 725 PSI (50 BAR)
Pressure Washer Compatibility
1500 PSI at 4.0–5.0 GPM
2000 PSI at 3.5–4.0 GPM
2500 PSI at 3.0–4.0 GPM
3500 PSI at 2.5–3.25 GPM
4000 PSI at 2.5–3.0 GPM
👉 Item #159-132 – The floating system and counter-rotating brushes make it easier to control while delivering a professional-grade clean.
ProTool Counter Rotating Solar Brush 16in with Floating Brush System
$697.85
Counter Rotating Brush Water powered. Used to clean Atrium Glass, Solar Panels, glass Porticos, Metal Roofs, Granite walkways. This brush will help to make quick...… read more
Rotary Brush 32 in. or 39 in. Hydrokinetic
When covering very large solar installations, a bigger brush means faster results. The Rotary Brush (32 in. or 39 in.) is designed for high-volume solar panel cleaning as well as siding maintenance.
Features
Large Coverage: Available in 32" or 39" widths for maximum efficiency.
Hydrokinetic Power: Brushes spin using water pressure, saving considerable time.
Mobile Design: Hand-operated, easy to maneuver, and designed for durability.
Requirements
Pressure at Brush Head: 600–700 PSI (40–50 BAR)
Water Consumption: 2.3–3 GPM (9–11 LPM)
Max Water Temp: 104°F (40°C)
Recommended Pressure Washer: 2.5 GPM, 2500 PSI
👉 Item #159-135 – The perfect balance of size, power, and mobility for professional cleaners.
Rotary Solar Brush 32in Water Powered with 27ft ProTool Solar Pole
$4,934.95
Brush and Pole Kit with Hose 32in wide Water Powered Brush for Cleaning Large Surfaces 32-inch Water Powered Rotary Brush Complete Kit, engineered to efficiently...… read more
The Complete Package: Rotary Brush + Solar Skid = Ultimate Pure Water Results
For contractors who want the highest level of efficiency and cleaning power, pairing a rotary solar panel brush with a solar skid system is the ultimate solution. While the rotary brush delivers powered scrubbing action across large solar arrays, the solar skid ensures that only 100% pure water reaches the panels—guaranteeing streak-free, spot-free results.
By combining these two systems, you unlock the following benefits:
Unmatched Productivity – Cover thousands of square feet per hour with consistent scrubbing power and an uninterrupted supply of pure water.
Pure Water Filtration – The skid’s multi-stage RO/DI system removes minerals and impurities, leaving panels spotless and maximizing energy output.
Professional Setup – Integrated tanks, pumps, and reels create a mobile workstation designed for all-day jobs, reducing downtime and setup hassles.
Scalable Performance – Whether cleaning a 50kW rooftop or a multi-MW solar farm, this package grows with your business.
Client Satisfaction – Faster, safer cleaning with pure water means panels stay cleaner longer, customers save more on energy, and your services stand out.
👉 Rotary Brush + Solar Skid = The Contractor’s Advantage
With this setup, you’re not just cleaning panels—you’re delivering professional-grade maintenance that protects the investment of solar owners and builds long-term service contracts.
Solar Skid + Rotary Brush Dual User Kit
$19,044.20
Brush and Pole Kit with Hose 32in wide Water Powered Brush for Cleaning Large Surfaces32-inch Water Powered Rotary Brush Complete Kit, meticulously engineered to efficiently...… read more
Electric Powered Rotary Brush (32 in., 24v)
For contractors who prefer electric-powered reliability, the Rotary Brush 32 in. (24v) offers professional-grade cleaning for solar panels, atrium glass, and other flat surfaces.
Features
Electric Powered: Runs on a 24v power source at 8 amps.
Water Efficient: Consumes just 1.5–2.5 gallons per minute.
Manual Operation: Easy to control and maneuver directly on the panel surface.
Versatile Applications: Built for solar, but equally effective on atrium glass and commercial flat surfaces.
👉 Item #159-1351 – Combine with dual 12v pumps or a portable battery pack for convenient all-day use.
Choosing the Right Rotary Brush for Your Needs
When selecting a rotary solar brush, consider these factors:
Job Size: Small jobs may only require a dual electric brush, while large solar farms demand a 39" hydrokinetic unit.
Power Source: Decide between water-powered (simpler, reliable) and electric-powered (flexible, portable).
Water Supply: Check flow rate and PSI compatibility with your pressure washer.
Surface Type: Some brushes are designed specifically for solar panels, while others work equally well on siding and glass.
Budget: Hydrokinetic brushes tend to be more affordable, while electric brushes offer advanced features and portability.
Shop the Solar Collection:
Brushes:
https://jracenstein.com/solar-panel/solar-brushes/
Skids:
https://jracenstein.com/solar-panel/solar-cleaning-skids/
Complete Packages:
https://jracenstein.com/solar-panel/solar-cleaning-packages/
Shop Accessories:
https://jracenstein.com/solar-panel/solar-panel-cleaning-accessories/
Shop All:
Final Thoughts: Boosting Solar Panel Cleaning Efficiency
Solar energy thrives on efficiency—and so should your cleaning methods. While traditional water-fed pole brushes work fine for small systems, professional contractors tackling large-scale solar panel jobs need tools that save time and water without sacrificing results.
Rotary solar brushes—whether hydrokinetically powered or electric—are the answer. With designs that range from compact dual brushes to massive 39" hydrokinetic rollers, there’s a solution for every cleaning challenge.
Investing in the right rotary solar panel brush not only improves productivity but also protects panels, conserves water, and delivers the spotless results clients expect.
FAQs
What is a rotary solar panel brush?
A rotary solar panel brush is a powered cleaning tool designed to scrub solar panels more efficiently than manual brushes. It uses either water pressure (hydrokinetic) or electricity to spin the brushes, delivering consistent, even cleaning across large surfaces.
Why should I use a rotary brush instead of a regular water-fed pole?
Water-fed poles work for smaller residential arrays, but they rely entirely on manual scrubbing. On large jobs, this means slower cleaning, more fatigue, and inconsistent results. Rotary brushes provide powered scrubbing action that saves time, reduces strain, and delivers professional-quality finishes.
Do rotary solar panel brushes scratch the panels?
No, when used properly. Rotary brushes are built with soft, non-abrasive bristles that are safe for solar glass. Counter-rotating designs also stabilize the brush, preventing wobbling that could otherwise cause scratches. The J Racenstein rotary solar panel brush is certified to not scratch solar panels. View the product for certification details.
What’s the difference between hydrokinetic (water-powered) and electric-powered brushes?
Hydrokinetic brushes use water pressure from a pressure washer to spin the brushes, making them simple and durable. Electric-powered brushes rely on batteries or plug-in power, offering consistent rotation regardless of water pressure and more flexibility for delicate surfaces.
How much water do rotary solar panel brushes use?
Depending on the model, they typically use 1.5–3 gallons per minute (GPM). The J Racenstein rotary solar panel brushes requires approx 2.7-3 gpm. Many rotary brushes are designed to be water-efficient, cleaning large surfaces while conserving water compared to traditional rinsing methods.
What size rotary brush should I choose?
Dual electric brushes (25") are best for small to medium solar jobs.
Large hydrokinetic brushes (32"–39") are ideal for large solar farms or commercial installations.
Your choice should depend on job size, available power source, and surface type.
What pressure washer do I need for a hydrokinetic rotary brush?
Most hydrokinetic brushes require 600–700 PSI at the brush head and water flows between 2.3–3.0 GPM. Pressure washers rated between 1500–4000 PSI at matching flow rates are generally compatible. The new J Racenstein rotary brushes requires 3.0 gpm and 1000-1200 psi at the pump
Can rotary brushes be used on surfaces other than solar panels?
Yes. Many rotary brushes are versatile and can also be used on aluminum siding, vinyl siding, atrium glass, and other flat surfaces, making them a multipurpose tool for contractors.
How productive are rotary solar panel brushes compared to manual cleaning?
A 25" dual electric brush can clean 1,000 panels an hour. Larger hydrokinetic units (32"–39") can cover solar farms at 1,800-2,000 panels per hour. This translates into faster jobs, lower labor costs, and higher ROI for contractors. Note: These numbers can vary, most commonly due to access at the job sites. When the panels are all in a line and close together, numbers can be more favorable. If the panels are spread apart, require a lift, etc. the number of panels cleaned per hour can be less.
Are rotary solar panel brushes worth the investment?
Yes—especially for professionals. While the upfront cost is higher than a simple water-fed pole and brush, the time savings, water efficiency, and professional results quickly pay for themselves. For large-scale contractors, the return on investment can be immediate.
