Ruben van Schoor is no stranger to the world of solar energy. He has been working in the sector for 16 years, starting at his father's solar company and moving up through all layers of the organisation. "I started in the warehouse, became a service engineer, later managed the service team and eventually was COO," he says. "When the solar farm construction market in Western Europe weakened a bit, I wanted to start something for myself, something practical and direct. That's how SolarWash was born."
With SolarWash, Ruben focuses entirely on the professional cleaning of solar panel installations. Not as a sideline, but as a specialism. "In the previous company I worked for, we did the complete maintenance of solar parks, including cleaning. We did that well and on a large scale. So why not do the same for third parties?"
Understanding what customers really need
What sets Ruben apart from many other entrepreneurs in the industry is his deep-rooted knowledge of the market. "I know the people, the parties, the return figures, the rules and the expectations. I take that knowledge with me when talking to our customers. I understand what they are up against."
That is why SolarWash's services are built on one clear premise: unburdening. "We take care of everything. For example, we meet all safety requirements and arrange the water supply and the right brush or robot for the specific type of soiling, our customers don't have to worry about anything."
Investing in efficiency and relationships
That sounds logical, but in practice Ruben often sees something different happening. "There are parties that work with low entry prices and then charge all kinds of additional prices. We deliberately don't opt for that. We want to give our relations clarity, even if that means we have to do something extra every now and then because practice is simply unruly. Because a long-term cooperation is worth much more to us."
There is also serious investment at the back end. "People don't always realise the costs behind cleaning solar panels properly. Like, for example, the maintenance of our machines and vehicles. That fire truck we use as a mobile water tank? That has to be maintained. Pumps, robots, hoses, power supply, it all requires attention and we invest in that. And that ensures that we can deliver fast, professional and top quality."
Staying in the field yourself
Despite his role as director, Ruben still prefers to be on location. "I want to be there. See how things are going. Thinking along. Adjust. It's commitment, direction, market research, but also fun. After all, we see immediate results from our work."
He draws that commitment into the company culture. "We have a small team with permanent staff and a flexible shell of experienced workers. Everyone knows what is expected of him or her. Safety, quality and efficiency always come first. And yes, I too still just grab the bus and join the field."
Growing with healthy ambitions
SolarWash is growing. With more customers, more equipment and ever larger projects (from 2,000 panels upwards). Yet the vision remains clear: deliver practical solutions that work for the customer. No unnecessary luxury, no unnecessary embellishment. "In our market, it's all about returns. We help customers achieve that return. Simple, effective and reliable."
And outside working hours? "Then I'm a father, handyman and animal lover. Rest is few and far between, but that doesn't matter. I like to build. At home and on SolarWash."
Ask Ruben
Want to know more about our approach or meet Ruben in person? Call, email or send an app!