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Old 01-28-2014, 09:33 PM   #1
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Roof mounted solar panels

Has anyone had to remove pine pitch from their roof mounted solar panels?
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Old 01-28-2014, 11:15 PM   #2
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There are a lot of solvents that will dissolve tree saps. I've heard people recommend WD-40, many paint removers, rubbing alcohol and a bunch of other things. There are also commercial removers.

That said my usual fallback is waterless hand sanitizer. I use it to remove sap on my clothing and skin frequently and it works well. I usually have it around and I'm not concerned that it is doing anything too nasty to anything it touches. I apply a generous amount, rub it in well and wipe it off. Then wash off the residue when I get near water.

I don't know how well it would work on sap that had been on a roof long enough to harden. You might need to experiment with it then if it didn't work try progressively nastier solvents. Your panel's manual might have some tips on what to try (or avoid).
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Old 01-28-2014, 11:52 PM   #3
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With hardened sap on my vehicle, I find that if the weather is cold, you can gingerly press down on the lump with a knife blade, taking care not to penetrate to the finish. The blob tends to shatter and release. It may leave some residue, but you can brush most of it away and then use a bug and tar remover to clean up the rest.
If necessary, you could apply an ice cube to chill the sap before using the knife.
If you screw it up, you can put the ice cube in a stiff drink.
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Old 01-29-2014, 08:03 AM   #4
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I once parked my truck under a big ole drippy Ponderosa pine in an RV park. The hood was covered with blobs of sticky stuff. A neighbor gave me some mayonnaise to use. Pitch came right off. Was informed if you don't have mayonnaise, try creamy peanut butter. Hey, it's worth a try and you know it won't damage anything.
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Old 01-29-2014, 09:33 AM   #5
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Coca Cola removes lots of grime. Let it puddle and wipe off then hose off. Removes pine pitch from hands too.
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Old 01-29-2014, 09:44 AM   #6
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JMac, please update your profile, thanx. http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f31/user-cp-3221.html
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Old 01-29-2014, 09:46 AM   #7
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JMac, please update your profile, thanx. http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f31/user-cp-3221.html
to what?
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Old 01-29-2014, 09:49 AM   #8
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Coca Cola removes lots of grime. Let it puddle and wipe off then hose off. Removes pine pitch from hands too.
Your comment reminded me of a science experiment in school where we used Coke to tenderize/eat through meat. Always made me wonder what it was doing to the inside of one's stomach. And now I find it removes pine pitch? Shiver.
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Old 01-29-2014, 09:49 AM   #9
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JMac, oops, my mistake, I see your signature has the info, sorry.
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Old 01-29-2014, 09:50 AM   #10
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Your comment reminded me of a science experiment in school where we used Coke to tenderize/eat through meat. Always made me wonder what it was doing to the inside of one's stomach. And now I find it removes pine pitch? Shiver.
When mixed with rum it'll remove your common sense too.
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Old 01-29-2014, 09:51 AM   #11
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Your comment reminded me of a science experiment in school where we used Coke to tenderize/eat through meat. Always made me wonder what it was doing to the inside of one's stomach. And now I find it removes pine pitch? Shiver.
You should see what it does to a car battery with corroded terminals……..
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Old 01-29-2014, 09:54 AM   #12
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when mixed with rum it'll remove your common sense too.
lol!!!!
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Old 01-29-2014, 09:54 AM   #13
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You should see what it does to a car battery with corroded terminals……..
Now that's a good tip!
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Old 01-29-2014, 10:08 AM   #14
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You should see what it does to a car battery with corroded terminals……..
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Old 01-29-2014, 11:36 AM   #15
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Coke has a small amount of citric acid in it.
It will dissolve crud over time, but it's not a alternative to formulated cleansers.
If you are worried about Coke in your stomach, better not drink OJ.
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Old 01-29-2014, 11:38 AM   #16
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Coke has a small amount of citric acid in it.
It will dissolve crud over time, but it's not a alternative to formulated cleansers.
If you are worried about Coke in your stomach, better not drink OJ.
Snopes agrees: snopes.com: Coca-Cola Dissolves Teeth
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Old 01-29-2014, 12:12 PM   #17
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Coke has a small amount of citric acid in it.
It will dissolve crud over time, but it's not a alternative to formulated cleansers.
That's an interesting thought gbaglo but what would you rather handle for small problems, Coke or formulated cleaners?
My answer is Coke.
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Old 01-29-2014, 12:19 PM   #18
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Coke mixed with elbow grease?
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Old 01-29-2014, 12:22 PM   #19
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Coke mixed with elbow grease?
on ice with a twist?

Now I just need my questions answered on: insulated vs non-insulated.
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Old 01-29-2014, 03:15 PM   #20
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Bug and tar remover.....safe on windshield/car paint!
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