Cleaning the Future: How ISCA and PWNA Are Elevating Solar Safety and Standards

As the exterior cleaning industry continues to grow, contractors are looking for new, safe, and

profitable ways to expand their services — and solar panel cleaning is quickly rising to the top of that list. At PWNA’s ELEVATE 2026 Convention in Orlando, Florida, power-washing

professionals will have the rare opportunity to learn directly from Steve Williams, founder of the International Solar Cleaning Academy (ISCA) and one of the most respected voices in solar maintenance and safety worldwide. This live training experience will give attendees the

knowledge, tools, and confidence to add solar cleaning to their services the right way — safely, efficiently, and professionally.

Many residential power washing contractors have built their businesses around familiar services—house washing, roof cleaning, and driveway maintenance. As solar panels become more common on residential properties, the work can initially appear similar. The same rooftops, the same clients, and often the same water-fed equipment. At first glance, it looks like familiar work, but the more you look into it, the more you might realized that power

washing and solar cleaning might share the same tools — but they play by completely

different rules.

There’s real electricity involved, manufacturer requirements to follow, and safety hazards most

contractors don’t encounter during a normal house wash. It’s a different world altogether. Still,

it’s hard to ignore the opportunity sitting right there — clean energy meets clean surfaces — and that’s what made me want to learn more.

That’s where Steve Williams, founder of the International Solar Cleaning Academy (ISCA),

comes in. Steve has built his career around solar maintenance and safety training. His

organization has helped contractors all over the world expand into solar cleaning the right way — with proper knowledge, certification, and confidence. What we learned from him completely changed how we look at this part of the industry.

About Steve Williams - ISCA

Steve Williams started his career as a window cleaner, expanding into the wider world of

pressure washing and owned that business for 26 years. He’s now widely known as a

solarpreneur — an entrepreneur who built his more recent career around the booming solar

industry. He is the CEO of Clean Solar Solutions America LLC, founder of the International

Solar Cleaning Academy (ISCA) and numerous other businesses.

With more than a decade of hands-on experience, Steve has become one of the most trusted

voices in solar panel cleaning and maintenance. He began in the United Kingdom, where his

company twice won Best Solar Operations and Maintenance Company and where he

personally earned the title U.K. Solar Innovator of the Year in 2019. Most recently, he was

awarded UK Energy Efficiency Champion of the Year in 2024.

But Steve’s work goes far beyond his own business. Through ISCA, he has trained and certified over 1,100 contractors in dozens of countries, written best-practice guidelines, and partnered with organizations such as the PWNA - Power Washers of North America to improve safety and professionalism worldwide.

He’s cleaned and managed solar sites from small homes to massive commercial farms, so he

knows exactly what challenges contractors face — from electrical safety and roof access to

customer education and pricing. Today, Steve continues to lead the global conversation about solar cleaning, emphasizing safety, training, and professionalism at every level.

Growing Smarter, Not Riskier

For anyone thinking about offering solar cleaning, here’s the truth: it’s not just another upsell — it’s a serious service that requires the right education. With ISCA and PWNA working together, contractors now have a clear path to learn solar safely and profitably.

Adding solar panel cleaning to your business isn’t about chasing a trend — it’s about building a smarter, stronger company that customers can trust. As Steve Williams often says, “The cost of one mistake far outweighs the cost of learning to do it right.”

That philosophy is exactly what ISCA stands for — helping power-washing professionals like us grow safely, sustainably, and with confidence.

Now, Let’s Hear from the Solar Expert

So, if you’re experienced in power washing but new to the solar side — this next part is for you. We sat down with one of the most knowledgeable people in the industry and we talked about safety, opportunity, and what it really takes for contractors like us to start offering solar cleaning the right way.

1. For someone like me who is primarily a house wash provider, why

should I even consider adding solar panel cleaning to my services?

Because solar is everywhere now. Homeowners have invested thousands into their systems,

but most don’t realize they need cleaning for maximum performance and warranty protection.

You’re already on their property, often with pure water setups. Adding solar cleaning creates an easy upsell and positions you as the contractor who looks after the whole home, not just the siding. It’s a natural fit that diversifies your income without reinventing your business.

2. What are the biggest safety risks I should know before even

touching a solar panel?

Electricity. You’re not washing windows here—you’re working around live DC electricity that

does not shut off in sunlight. Add working at height, slippery glass, fragile equipment, and

sometimes poor roof access, and the risks multiply quickly. If you don’t understand electrocution risk, arc flash, PV fire risks and safe navigation of arrays, you’re setting yourself up for a very serious incident.

3. What do you say to contractors who think solar cleaning is just

another rinse with pure water?

That mindset is dangerous. Solar cleaning is not about “making glass shiny.” You’re maintaining an electrical asset. Improper cleaning techniques can scratch panels, damage coatings, void warranties, or worse—create electrocution and fire safety hazards. Pure water alone isn’t enough in every environment. You need training, correct tools, and an understanding of when not to clean.

4. Can you share a real example of what goes wrong when people

don't take safety seriously?

In the early days, I myself have been electrocuted twice. This heightened my desire to train and raise industry standards. More recently, we have heard of fatalities in Brazil and Pakistan as a direct result of cleaning solar panels without training or PPE.

5. Let’s talk about efficiency: what’s the difference between a well-

trained professional and a DIY or untrained contractor?

A trained professional knows how to clean faster, safer, and with better results—without

damaging the panels or voiding warranties. DIY cleaners often miss dirt patterns, leave spotting, or even scratch glass with the wrong brush. A pro adds value by protecting system efficiency, lifespan, and safety. That’s why trained cleaners get repeat contracts—homeowners and commercial clients trust them. More important than that, is the professionals knowledge of the safety risks. They are guaranteed to go home safe if they apply their training. That creates a safe environment for them and their employees.

6. What role does ISCA play in raising industry standards worldwide?

ISCA was founded to give this industry what it lacked: a global safety code and professional

training. We’re certifying cleaners in multiple languages and countries, publishing best practice guides, and working with industry bodies like the PWNA to set standards. Our mission is to make solar cleaning safe, professional, and respected worldwide. That’s the movement we’re building. We are fast becoming industry-recognized, as evidenced by the fact that at least two solar panel cleaning tenders this year have required ISCA certification.

7. You’ve been called a movement leader in solar cleaning. How do

you see the industry evolving over the next 5–10 years?

We’ll see two big shifts:

1. Professionalization. More regulation, more insurance requirements, and safety
standards becoming mandatory.
2. Scale. As solar keeps booming, large firms will outsource cleaning to trained
contractors. Those positioned with ISCA certification will get the contracts.

I expect that in the next 2 years, let alone 5-10 years, solar cleaning won’t be a side hustle—it’ll be a recognized industry in its own right.

8. For PWNA members reading this who are inexperienced, what’s the

single best piece of advice you’d leave them with?

Don’t cut corners on training. The cost of one mistake—injury, electrocution, or damaging a

$200,000 array—far outweighs the investment in learning to do it right from the start. ISCA offer their basic $249 training online which is OSHA Compliant and provides certification. For those really serious about building a solar panel cleaning business, the ‘Business-In-A-Box’ offering from ISCA takes a total novice to someone who builds brand, safety documents,

internal business processes, software, equipment advice and a 3-year business plan to action. It the gold standard of solar panel cleaning business development.

9. What are some common misconceptions homeowners have about

solar panel cleaning that contractors need to be prepared to address?

 “Rain cleans my panels.” No, rain leaves spotting just like on a car windshield.
 “Cleaning voids the warranty.” Done correctly, it actually protects the warranty.
 “Solar panels don’t need maintenance.” They’re an electrical asset—like a car, they

need servicing.

Contractors who can explain these points win the customer’s trust. 10. What types of equipment or tools should every professional solar

cleaner invest in from the start?

An insulated water-fed pole system, a brush designed for solar—not windows—a TDS meter,

the full suite of PPE and fall protection if you’re working at height. Start safe, scale up from

there.

11. How do weather conditions—like extreme heat, cold, or even hard

water areas—change your approach to solar cleaning?

 Heat: Panels can reach 150°F+. You need to understand how to clean efficiently with
glass that has that kind of heat.
 Cold: Ice hazards on glass and frames can make roofs treacherous.
 Hard water: You must manage TDS properly, or you’ll leave mineral deposits that cut
efficiency.

Climate dictates your technique, which is why training is essential.

12. For contractors already familiar with OSHA compliance in house

washing, what additional standards or safety protocols apply

specifically to solar panel cleaning?

Alongside OSHA fall protection and ladder safety, you need to understand:

 NFPA 70E for electrical safety.
 ANSI-standard PPE.
 OSHA understanding for directives that specifically apply to solar panel cleaning,
because they are out there.
 Manufacturer safety directives for panels.
 Fire risk awareness from connectors, birds, or shading.

It’s another layer of compliance, not just a rinse. 13. Can you share a story of a contractor or company that

transitioned into solar cleaning through ISCA training and how it

transformed their business?

We trained Nomadic Home Services based out of San Diego. They have taken our online

training and in-person classes at every opportunity. ISCA training is constantly developing and evolving to suit the market changes. Austin Moyer and Mya Loftus, who own that business, are multiplying their revenue again and again due to their high levels of safety knowledge. Their investment in training and business development from ISCA is reaping rapid gains for them, to the point where Austin is now seeking to become an ISCA Instructor for Southern California. Good for them I say!

Wrapping Up: What Every Contractor Should

Remember

(2025 ISCA Award Winners)

After talking with Steve Williams of ISCA, one thing became clear — solar panel cleaning is an

incredible opportunity, but it’s not something you can jump into without proper training. It may

use the same tools as power washing, but it requires a completely different mindset, skill set, and respect for safety.

Here’s what stood out the most from our conversation:

 Solar cleaning is not the same as window cleaning. Panels are live electrical systems
that can cause electrocution or fires if handled incorrectly.
 Training protects you and your clients. ISCA’s certification courses teach contractors
how to clean panels safely, maintain efficiency, and stay compliant with OSHA and
NFPA standards.
 Education builds trust and business growth. Homeowners are looking for
professionals who understand their systems and can protect their investment.
 Opportunities are growing fast. With more solar installations each year, trained and
certified cleaners will be in higher demand across residential and commercial markets.
 Safety is non-negotiable. From electrical shock to fall hazards, the risks are serious —
but with the right knowledge and equipment, they can be fully controlled.

Solar cleaning may look familiar to power washers, but it’s a different world altogether — one

where safety, training, and professionalism come first.

Go Beyond Power Washing — Learn Solar Cleaning

from Steve Williams and ISCA at PWNA ELEVATE

2026

Solar energy is here to stay — and so is the need for qualified professionals to maintain

it. For contractors who want to grow safely and smartly, training is the first step.

At ELEVATE 2026, PWNA and ISCA will bring together the brightest minds in exterior

cleaning for three days of live training, certifications, and business development. Steve

Williams will lead his ISCA Solar Safety and Cleaning Course, giving attendees the

chance to learn directly from one of the most trusted experts in the world.

Whether you’re new to solar or looking to expand your services, this is your opportunity

to gain the skills and confidence that set professionals apart.

Join PWNA, attend ELEVATE 2026 in Orlando, and start your journey into solar with

the right knowledge, tools, and support.

Learn. Train. Grow. ELEVATE.

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Apellix to Host Autonomous Cleaning Drone Demonstration at Pepperdine University — Power Washing Professionals Invited to Fly the Drone Themselves

By Apellix Power Wash Drones • June 18, 2026

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — June 2026 — Apellix, the Jacksonville-based manufacturer of semi-autonomous drones, will host a free, hands-on demonstration of its Power Wash Drone at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Power washing contractors, exterior cleaning operators, and facility managers are invited to watch the drone clean a section of the iconic hillside campus, and then take the controls themselves. The Apellix Power Wash Drone cleans all commercial, residential and industrial exteriors (from windows, roofs, office buildings, hospitals, universities, solar panels, stadiums, etc.) without scaffolding, lifts, or ladders — reducing the time, cost, and liability of traditional exterior cleaning methods. It is NDAA-compliant and American-made. Attendees will also see a live demonstration of Apellix Intelligence (AI), including the company's AirShift and AirTrace autonomous features, as the drone cleans a pre-programmed section of the building hands-free. "Working at height shouldn't mean putting people at height. According to OSHA, 37% of construction fatalities in 2024 were fatal falls. Apellix would like to bring that number to zero. Keep window cleaners boots on the ground and send the drone to dangerous heights instead. " said Grace Dahlstrom, Chief of Staff at Apellix. "This event is built for the contractors and operators who do this work every day. We want them to see the drone fly, fly it themselves, and walk away with the real numbers on what drone cleaning means for their labor costs, their liability, and their ability to win bigger jobs." Founder Bob Dahlstrom has spoken at length about how cleaning drones can save lives and shares a poignant story about meeting a window cleaner whose father, also a window cleaner, fell to his death. Click here for the story. Event highlights include: Live demonstration of the Apellix drone cleaning a campus building Live demonstration of Apellix Intelligence (AI) autonomous cleaning features Hands-on, guided flight time alongside the Apellix team A breakdown of the economics: labor savings, reduced downtime, lower liability, and new revenue opportunities Insights on getting started, including financing, training, and support Q&A with the Apellix team and networking with operators, facility leaders, and industry innovators Event details: What: Apellix Autonomous Cleaning Drone Demonstration in partnership with Pepperdine University When: Saturday, July 25, 2026 Where: Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA Cost: Free; space is limited

Drone Cleaning 101: How to Start a Drone Cleaning Business in 2026

By Apellix Power Wash Drones • June 18, 2026

If you run a pressure washing or exterior cleaning company, you have probably watched the same problem play out on every mid-rise and high-rise bid: the work is up there, and getting to it is expensive, slow, and dangerous. Lifts, swing stages, rope access, and scaffolding can consume more of a job's budget than the cleaning itself, and falls from height remain one of the most persistent safety risks in our industry. OSHA sites construction related fatalities as 37% caused by fatal falls and it’s similar pressure washing at height. Drone cleaning changes that math. A spray-capable drone tethered to a ground-based pump can soft wash or pressure wash building exteriors, windows, roofs, tanks, and stadiums while every member of the crew keeps their boots on the ground. What was a niche curiosity a few years ago is now a maturing service category, and 2026 is arguably the best time yet to enter it: the technology has stabilized, training programs exist, and most regional markets still have little or no drone cleaning competition. Here is what you need to know to launch a drone cleaning business or add drone services to an existing exterior cleaning company. Why Drones, and Why Now The value proposition rests on three pillars: Safety. Crews stay on the ground instead of working at height. No swing stages, no rope access, and dramatically reduced fall exposure, which also tends to mean better insurance conversations. Speed. Jobs that took days with lifts or scaffolding can often be completed in hours. There is no equipment mobilization for aerial access, and setup time is measured in minutes. For example, CleanFlight Solutions in St. Petersburg Florida cleaned the Raymond James headquarters in 11 hours using an Apellix Power Wash Drone, when the job conventionally took 11 days. Access economics. Mid-rise buildings (roughly 3 to 15 stories) are the sweet spot, too tall for extension poles, but where traditional access costs make conventional cleaning painful. Many of these properties are simply cleaned less often than they should be because access is so expensive. That is latent demand. Tile roofs are also a sweet spot where homeowners don’t want someone accidentally stepping on, and cracking a tile. Demand-side momentum is real, too. Property managers, HOAs, municipalities, and facility managers increasingly ask for drone services by name, both for the cost savings and because it photographs and markets extremely well. The Drone Girl reported on a story where the Blue Cross Blue Shield RFP specifically requested drone cleaning. How Drone Cleaning Actually Works Purpose-built cleaning drones do not carry water onboard; water is far too heavy. There is a 55lb weight limit set by the FAA so the drone plus the water and tether must stay under 55lbs. Instead, the drone flies with a hose tether connected to a ground-based pump, drawing soft wash chemicals or pressurized water from below. The pilot (and in most setups a visual observer) operates from the ground, positioning the drone's spray nozzle against the work surface. Capabilities vary significantly by platform: working reach ranges from about 150 feet to nearly 200 feet on leading purpose-built systems, pressures run from soft wash levels up to 4,000+ PSI, and flight times per battery range from under 20 minutes to over 30. Some platforms now include autonomy features like AirTrace, which reduces pilot fatigue and improve consistency on large facades. Step 1: Get Legal — FAA Part 107 and Beyond Commercial drone operation in the U.S. requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. The good news: it is a knowledge test, not a flight test. Plan on a few weeks of study (aeronautical charts, airspace classes, weather, regulations), a roughly $175 testing fee, and you are certificated. Each pilot on your team who flies commercially needs one. Beyond Part 107, build these into your operating plan: Most cleaning drones exceed the 55-pound threshold only rarely, but verify your platform's takeoff weight with full tether and rigging. Heavier configurations can require additional FAA authorization. Airspace authorizations (LAANC) for jobs near airports, most are instant approvals through apps, but check before you quote, not after. State and local rules. Some municipalities have their own drone ordinances, and wastewater/runoff rules for cleaning chemicals apply to drone work just as they do to ground-based washing. Drone registration. Every commercial aircraft must be registered with the FAA. Step 2: Choose Your Platform This is the largest decision you will make, and the market has consolidated meaningfully. A few years ago, operators commonly modified off-the-shelf camera drones (most famously the DJI Matrice 300 RTK) with aftermarket spray kits. That path is closing: new DJI enterprise aircraft are no longer readily available for purchase in the U.S. after the FCC cracked down on foreign-made drones, and DIY conversions come with reliability, support, and liability tradeoffs that are hard to justify for a business built on uptime. In 2026, the practical choice for most new operators is between purpose-built American platforms. The comparison chart below summarizes the current landscape across the factors that matter most: price, reach, pressure, training, battery life, and NDAA compliance (which determines eligibility for government and many institutional contracts). A few buying notes beyond the spec sheet: NDAA compliance is a revenue gate. Government, military, utility, and certain facility contracts require a NDAA-compliant aircraft. If ports, highways, courthouses, universities or other government work is in your plan, this is non-negotiable. Training is part of the price. Factor in what it costs to get your second and third pilots certified on the equipment, not just the first. Reach defines your market. A drone that reaches 195 feet bids a different building than one that reaches 150 feet. Step 3: Insurance and Risk Management Standard pressure washing liability policies generally do not cover aircraft operations. You will need aviation liability coverage (commonly $1M–$5M depending on the buildings you target) plus hull coverage for the drone itself. Several insurers now specialize in commercial drone operations, and some offer on-demand per-flight coverage that works well while you ramp up. Expect commercial property managers to require certificates of insurance naming them as additional insured, same as ground work, just with the aviation layer added. Build a written operations manual: pre-flight checklists, weather minimums (wind is your main constraint, most spray work wants sustained winds under roughly 15 mph), tether management procedures, and emergency protocols. Beyond reducing risk, a documented safety program is always a good idea. Step 4: Pricing and Services Drone cleaning commands a premium over ground-based work because you are replacing far more expensive access methods. Common service lines and how operators typically price them: Building soft washing (the core service): typically priced per square foot of facade, with rates increasing for a difficult to reach area like a building next to a retention pond. Window cleaning for mid-rise commercial properties, often on recurring contracts. Roof cleaning, especially steep, fragile, or high roofs that are dangerous to walk. Specialty work: water towers, stadiums, signage, solar arrays, storage tanks, and post-construction cleanup. When quoting, anchor against the client's alternative. If a lift rental plus a three-day crew runs $15,000, a one-day drone job at $9,000 is an easy yes, and a healthy margin for you. Recurring maintenance contracts (quarterly or semi-annual washes) are where the business model really shines, because buildings that were washed every five years for cost reasons can now be maintained annually. Step 5: Marketing That Works for Drone Services Drone cleaning is the rare service that markets itself on video. Some companies like Apellix offer free, basic marketing material along with drone purchase so be sure to check you’re your drone manufacturer. Prioritize: Job-site footage. Every job is content. A 30-second clip of a drone washing a six-story facade outperforms any brochure. Direct outreach to property managers, HOA boards, and facility directors. BOMA and IFMA chapter events are good places to meet them. Your existing customer base, if you are adding drones to a pressure washing company. The buildings you already wash at ground level have upper floors nobody is cleaning. Industry credibility. PWNA membership, manufacturer certifications, and documented safety programs all close institutional deals. A Realistic Launch Timeline Study for and pass the FAA Part 107 exam; register your aircraft. Select and purchase your platform; complete manufacturer training. Secure aviation liability and hull insurance; write your operations manual. Fly practice jobs and capture video. Launch with introductory pricing for 3–5 anchor clients, then raise rates as your portfolio builds. The capital requirement is real — plan on 75,000 all-in for a purpose-built platform, training, insurance, ground rig (which is usually $25,000) and working capital. The Bottom Line Exterior cleaning is moving up the building, and drones are how it gets there safely. The regulatory path is well-marked, the equipment has matured into reliable purpose-built platforms, and demand from property managers is ahead of supply in most markets. For pressure washing professionals, drone cleaning is not a replacement for what you do. It is the same business you already know, with new technology. 2026 is the year the early movers separate from the pack. The question is whether you will be one of them. About Apellix Apellix is a Jacksonville, Florida-based aerial robotics company that designs and manufactures American-made drones for industrial cleaning, soft washing, power washing, spray painting, coating, and inspection. Their drone systems are built to help contractors work safer and more efficiently by reducing the need for ladders, lifts, scaffolding, and rope access on high-risk jobs. With technology used in commercial, industrial, and government applications, Apellix is helping advance the future of exterior cleaning through safer, smarter robotic solutions. Learn more at Apellix.com

General Liability Insurance:Your Work vs. Care, Custody, and Control Coverage

By Shelby Bryan • March 31, 2026

Running a pressure washing business means focusing on the job in front of you, not getting buried in insurance language. Still, having the right coverage plays an important role in protecting your business.

The PWNA Contractor's Spring Start-Up Playbook

By PWNA • March 16, 2026

The jobs are already out there. The only question is whether your equipment is ready to take them. Spring doesn't ease in for exterior cleaning contractors. One week you're slow, and the next your voicemail is full and your estimate calendar looks like a game of Tetris. There's no warm-up period. No dress rehearsal. The season opens hard, and whoever's standing at the plate with a working rig and stocked chemicals gets the at-bats. That's the whole game. At PWNA, we talk a lot about what it...

March is National Ladder Safety Month

By PWNA • March 10, 2026

As members of the Power Washers of North America (PWNA), attaining certification and training in the specialized area of pressure washing endows you with a distinct competitive edge. In today's digital age, discerning consumers extensively research via the internet and other resources to identify contractors who are not only reputable but also possess advanced training, thereby ensuring the protection of their property and the efficient use of their time. To this end, the PWNA provides a...

ELEVATE 2026: PWNA/IWCA Convention Delivers Record-Breaking Attendance and Unforgettable Energy

By PWNA • March 1, 2026

A Recap of the Industry's Premier Gathering for Exterior Cleaning Professionals The exterior cleaning industry showed up — and showed out — at the 2026 ELEVATE PWNA/IWCA Convention, and the numbers say it all. With 1,039 total attendees including exhibitors and over 800 contractors walking through the doors, this year's event set a new benchmark for what the industry's premier convention can be. It was, by every measure, a record-breaking gathering and a powerful reminder of just how far this...