How we score solar panel cleaning companies

What the score is

Every solar panel cleaning company on this site is scored the same way, from one source: what the company publishes on its own website, on the date shown on its page. We count facts. We do not rate workmanship, prices or service, and a company may offer something it does not mention online.

How the points add up

• Services listed — one point for each of these 8 services the website lists: Residential panel cleaning, Commercial and solar farm cleaning, Bird and critter proofing, Panel inspection or performance check, Recurring maintenance plans, Panel removal and reinstall, Solar system repair, Hard water and mineral stain removal.
• Publishes prices — the website shows at least one dollar price, such as a price per panel.
• Uses purified water — the website states it cleans with purified, deionized or reverse-osmosis water.
• States a gentle method — the website states a soft-brush or no-pressure-washing method, or that it follows panel makers' guidance.
• States it is insured — the website states the company is insured.
• Shows a license number — the website displays a contractor license number.
• Book online — the website has an online scheduler or instant booking, not just a contact form.
• Written guarantee — the website states a satisfaction guarantee or workmanship warranty.
• States when founded — the website states the year the company was founded.

Companies are ordered by total points, then by the number of services listed, then alphabetically. On a page for one service, companies listing more of that service's items come first, then by total points. A company whose website we could not read is not scored or ranked; it appears in a separate alphabetical “Not yet reviewed” list. A license number is recorded only when the company's own website displays it; we do not check it against the licensing board, so check it yourself before you hire.

What the badges mean

Each badge is one of the facts above, and you can check it on the company's website. Widest range of services goes to the company or companies listing the most services (ties share it).

Where the companies come from

We find companies through web search, then read each company's own website. Directories and review sites may tell us a company exists, but nothing is copied from them. Sites that only pass calls on to unnamed contractors (lead-generation sites) are not listed.

What we don't do

• No company pays to be listed, ordered or badged, and there are no featured or sponsored listings.
• No reviews or star ratings.
• Website and phone links go straight to the company. We do not take bookings or sell leads.
• Nothing is guessed: if a company's website doesn't say it, it isn't counted.

Any company can ask for a correction by emailing hello@backroomops.co.nz with a link to the page on its website that shows the change.