Well, as I have very little idea as to what these solar panels manufactured over your way are coated with then even the contamination from residual amounts of chlorine, etc,, in your water supply may well be building up on them over time but, on the other hand, a good shower of rain will usually wash that layer loose any way.
However, after the last 10 years of having "Mr. I know Everything because I read the Bible, I am a qualified Stone Mason but have no certification, I know how to use an Electric Arc Welder because I watched my father use one, etc, etc, etc," IF I had solar panels installed upon my roof then I would most CERTAINLY leave the regular cleansing of them to those trained in doing so.
After all, that would be the logical thing to do would it not?

@Triphid We had a choice of solar made in China, which was cheaper but the rebate was lower or made in Washington with a higher price and higher rebate and I chose the later. I have well water with no chlorine but it's hard with some iron. The biggest problem is mold.

@JackPedigo Ah but even rain these day is quite polluted at best, is it not, and who knows for absolute certainty what chemicals, etc, etc, have become dissolved in the water coming from ANY Well or other sub-surface water sources in this day and age?

@Triphid In most places I would agree but we are islands in the middle of a huge sea. The prevailing winds come from a mainly rural area. My system has two levels of filtration which includes activated carbon + a UV. The problem is, it's too clean and I often mix it (drinking water) with some well water for added minerals.

Sounds a wee bit like a Fitters' Assistant we once had on the Railways here.
His " method" for ensuring his car started first time every winters morning or freezing cold night at finishing time of midnight was to do the following,
a) Lift the bonnet,
b) reach in to the boot ( luggage compartment of the car), REMOVE an L.P. Gas operated blow-torch like device,
c) ignite said device, then hold it over the fuel lines and carbie until warm then sit in the car and turn the ignition key.
And he WONDERED why EVERYONE would make absolutely certain that they were a minimum of at least 200 yards away from him and his vehicle.

@Triphid I'm assuming he got his "Darwin Award"

[darwinawards.com]

@LenHazell53 No, in fact he survived until well after he reached retirement age.

"Sorry, Vangy. All your 'special plants' died last week."

Sadly, LOL, for him, No, I have had my fair share of hospital rooms for this year already and my next Physiotherapy Appointment is not for a fortnight any way.
Though I sincerely doubt that his 'stay' will be nothing more than overnight just may sure he does not have a concussion.

I live in hopes even if I should die in despairs.

@Triphid How badly to you think he damaged his solar panels?

@Triphid With a fall like that, he should have some nasty bruises. That should keep him out of your hair for awhile at least.
Won't it be nice to sit out with your coffee in the mornings just listening to the birds and wildlife without his interference?

@Betty Well consider he cleaned them using wire wool scrubbers and who now what type/kind of cleaning solution I'd hazard a guess to say that their efficiency has now dropped by at least 10-15 or more percent of what they would have without his unwanted "cleaning attentions."

@Triphid Sounds like he's getting exactly what he deserves. As my mom always said, stupid is as stupid does.

I did not know about the FFRF weekly crankmail post. I look forward to being entertained.

I'm with you. I love these stories and look forward to them.

Precisely, and because he knows better than the manufactures, which, btw, he frequently tells everyone and anyone whether they have asked him or not, of course.

@Triphid My mom had a response for people like him. Mr. know it all doesn't know so much. lol

Please, no. I find his antics brighten my day.

@anglophone Would like me to see if I can convince him to become your permanent neighbour perhaps....LOL.

@Triphid Hmm. If his mother paid me enough ...

@anglophone Can I pass that request/suggestion on to her then...LOL.

@Triphid Mind you, I am expensive. I charge upper class whore rates you see: $2,000/hour.

@anglophone Careful putting a price tag on it. The neighborhood just might consider it. lol

There's an old saying...Their god protects fools and drunks. Just another reason not to believe. lol

You are NOT the only one who has pondered deeply upon that very question btw.

And everyone around him.

@Betty As witness the saga of the television antenna.

@anglophone Speaking of which, late yesterday he AGREED 100% to my quotation for me to build him a proper antenna mast for his TV antenna AND I will be PAID at my rates for my time and efforts, not his cheap-arsed ones.
Just 1 quick question keeps lingering in my mind and that being, should I be honest and telling that I can solve his reception problems by just fitting an ordinary out-door antenna or should I go ahead and let him waste his mothers money when he does not need to to?