Every year you hear the old phrase “it’s time to do a spring cleaning”. Spring cleaning could mean anything from cleaning out a basement or attic, opening the blinds and letting t he sunshine in, or possibly it could mean it’s time for a spring cleaning of your solar panels. Spring cleaning solar panels may sound new and different…or maybe not, it entirely depends on where you live, rainfall, tree debris and other natural causes as to why it may need to be done. Since we’re talking about Texas, it’s going to be about winter dust and dirt build up.

Spring Cleaning Solar Panels

The reality is,here in South Texas, a pre summer cleaning is where it is at. According to the University of Houston‘s department of Nano Energy, “a dirty solar panel, can decrease its energy output by as much as 30 percent in high pollen and dust areas”. So it’s natural to assume, that South Texas has its highest pollen activity in the months of April and May, which also coincide with the beginning of spring. The flip side to this report, is that, we also get a large part of our rain for the year during these months as well and as any solar system owner knows, part of the design tells us that enough reoccurring rain takes care of most debris.

So the real question is, are your solar panels working to their maximum ability years after being installed due to dirt and pollen build up. Most likely the answer is yes, or you would notice it in energy output, but it never hurts, maybe prior to summer, to have someone come out and take a look, and possibly give your panels a spring cleaning. They are an important investment just as your home and automobiles are and should be maintained for maximum output.