About Pacific Panel Cleaners
Our journey began in 2009, during the height of the photovoltaic (PV) installation boom. While most people were focused on getting solar systems onto rooftops, Fred Brooks, our founder, was already thinking ahead: Who would maintain all these systems? Who would ensure they continued performing at their best for decades to come? That’s when the vision for Pacific Panel Cleaners was born.
Fred brought with him a deep background in PV system design, installation, and commissioning on Oahu. Transitioning from building PV systems to maintaining them was a natural evolution. Before entering the photovoltaic industry, Fred served in the United States Navy, operating and managing engineering plants aboard both a Frigate and a Destroyer (FFG-7 Class and DDG-51 Class), stationed out of Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu.
In between military service and launching PPC, Fred earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and took advanced coursework in photovoltaic engineering — combining technical skill with a deep care for the environment and the Hawaiian islands.
At the time, there was no blueprint for starting a PV maintenance company. Fred took the initiative, and Pacific Panel Cleaners became a pioneer in the industry. Since then, we’ve led the charge in developing best practices for long-term PV system maintenance across the Hawaiian Islands.
We started with a focus on PV panel cleaning, but thanks to Fred’s expertise and the growing demand for comprehensive care, we quickly expanded into full-service maintenance, including:
- Quality PV System Inspections
- Inverter Certifications – We are certified to troubleshoot and work on a variety of inverter systems. Manufacturers still contact us to diagnose and repair issues statewide.
- Thermal Imaging for Diagnostics – Fred has spoken at numerous conferences and authored several articles on the use of thermal imaging in PV systems.
- Aerial Thermal Imaging via Drone – We received the first FLIR Vue camera-equipped Phantom II drone directly from FLIR and have continued to lead in this technology.
- Education & Training – Fred has taught PV maintenance courses and continues to speak and write about the importance of properly caring for solar systems.
Under Fred’s leadership, our team has grown organically, attracting incredibly skilled individuals with a passion for quality work and a shared love for the islands. We’re proud of the camaraderie, knowledge, and dedication that make our crew so special.
In January 2024, Pacific Panel Cleaners joined the Solaray family, alongside industry leaders like SunEarth, AET Solar, Generator and Power Systems, and Inter-Island Solar Supply. Our PPC team alone holds over 50 years of combined photovoltaic experience in the Hawaiian Islands.
From day one, Fred made our mission clear — and it still drives us today:
“Our team is fully committed to protecting our clients’ solar investments and exemplifying the meaning of customer satisfaction and quality service. We lead by example — not only in our work space, but in our homes and communities.”
We’re honored to serve the people of Hawaii.
Service and Maintenance Areas:
- Oahu solar panel cleaning and maintenance for residential, commercial, and solar farms
- Maui solar panel cleaning and maintenance for residential, commercial, and solar farms
- Kauai, Big Island, Molokai & Lanai – Currently serving commercial clients, with plans to expand dedicated teams to each island in the near future
PPC has proudly served Hawaii since 2009 — and we look forward to protecting solar systems for many more years to come.
Mahalo for trusting us. We are here for you.
Certifications:
- License Photovoltaic Contractor: #34167
- Member of ASES ( www.ases.org ).
- Certified Energy Manager (CEM) #18577
- Certified Energy Auditor (CEA)
- Certified Thermographer
- Conducts Quality Control Inspections
