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Do I Really Need To Get My Solar Cleaned If It Rains Often?

Living in the Sunshine State, we receive our fair share of rain. We are often asked whether it’s necessary to have solar panels cleaned, because doesn’t the rain wash the panels?

If you’re wondering about this, you’re not alone, and today our team at Solar Bear Orlando explains why, yes, you still need to get your solar system cleaned, even if it’s rained on frequently.

The Role of Rain in Solar Panel Maintenance

While it is true that rain can help wash away some of the dirt and debris that your solar panels accumulate, it doesn’t do the best job of keeping them clean.

Here’s why:

Dust and Grime Build-Up

Dust and grime accumulate on your panels over time, and while a good rainstorm can remove some of it, there is often residue that is left over that can affect efficiency.

Pollutants and Bird Droppings

Rain alone cannot clean off pollution residue or bird droppings. These need to be removed with a thorough cleaning to ensure the energy output of your solar system is not impacted.

Mineral Deposits

Though we get a lot of rain here in Central Florida, it can leave behind mineral deposits on solar panels as it dries and evaporates. This can also impact your panel’s efficiency if not addressed.

What Should You Do?

To keep your solar panels producing at their best, consider these tips:

• Complete Regular Inspections: Even if it rains regularly, like it does here in the summer months, we recommend scheduling regular solar panel inspections to check the efficiency of your solar panels.
• Schedule Professional Cleaning: Professional cleaning will ensure that your panels are spotless without the risk of damage that can occur if you DIY it.
• Monitor the System: Keep an eye on your system’s energy output. If you notice a drop in efficiency, it may be time for a cleaning, regardless if your area has received recent rainfall.

How Often Should Solar Panels Be Cleaned?

Generally, our team at Solar Bear Orlando recommends that your solar panels be cleaned at least once or twice a year.

That said, if you live near a construction site or an area with a lot of dust or pollen, your panels may need to be cleaned more often.

Also, if you have trees around your home, the leaves, branches, and bird droppings may necessitate more frequent cleaning.

If you notice a layer of dust or dirt, or even hard water spots on your panels, or if you notice that your panel’s output is not what it should be, it is a good sign that they need to be cleaned.

Read More > Weather & Solar Panel Performance

So Fresh & So Clean

While rain can help remove some dirt from your solar panels, it is not really sufficient to maintain optimal efficiency for your system. Periodic professional cleaning and inspections are important to ensure that your system operates at its best, regardless of the weather.

Have questions? That’s what we are here for. Contact our team at Solar Bear Orlando at (727) 353-3886 for any solar panel installation or maintenance questions that you may have.

Stay sunny, Central Florida!

Solar Checklist to Ensure Your Complete Solar ROI

Solar panels don’t pay you back on good intentions. They pay you back on smart solar strategy. If you want to make your solar investment work hard—not just sit pretty—you need more than sunshine and a good roof. You need to optimize. Here’s your checklist for squeezing every dollar out of your system:

1. Net Metering Is Your MVP

When your panels make more power than you use, net metering lets you bank that extra energy as credits on your bill. It’s fair and it’s essential to hitting your return-on-investment goals. But not every utility handles it the same way. In Tampa, you’ll want to:

• Confirm your utility’s current net metering policy (they canchange).
• Track your usage and production regularly to catch discrepancies.
• Make sure you’ve got a bidirectional meter installed. No meter means no credits.

2. Add Battery Backup (for ROI and Peace of Mind)

Solar batteries aren’t just for emergencies—they’re a power move for your wallet. Here’s why:

• You store excess energy instead of selling it back at a lower rate.
• You avoid high utility prices during peak hours by using your own supply.
• You stay up and running during Florida’s notorious summer storms.

The up-front cost is real, but so is the long-term payoff. Especially in a place like Tampa, where the grid isn’t always dependable.

3. Keep It Clean—Literally

Dirty panels produce less power. Less power means a slower ROI. Tampa’s mix of pollen, salt, and storm debris can cloud up your panels faster than you think. Schedule a panel cleaning at least twice a year—more often if you’re near trees or the coast. Bonus: regular checks help catch cracks or wear before they become problems.

4. A Few Extra Smart Tips

Solar is a set-it-and-forget-it system—but forgetting the details can cost you. These quick habits and long-view choices can tighten up your ROI and keep things running smoothly for years to come.

• Track Your System:Use your inverter app to monitor daily and monthly performance. If production dips, you’ll know before your power bill tells you.
• Budget for the Inverter:Most inverters need replacing before the panels do. Set a little aside now, and future-you will thank you.
• Use Power Wisely:If you’re generating your own energy, it pays to time your high-usage activities for when the sun’s out. Think laundry, AC, dishwasher—during daylight hours.
• Double-Check Your Usage Plan:If your lifestyle changes—like a new EV or home addition—your system might need a size or settings update to keep pace. Revisit your usage at least once a year to stay aligned with your goals.

Want a Solar Setup That Actually Pays Off? Turn to Solar Bear of Tampa!

At Solar Bear of Tampa, we love to help you maximize your solar investment. Whether you’re adding a battery, tweaking your system for net metering, or figuring out what’s next, we’ve got your back. Call us today at (727) 999-6287 and get a solar plan that pays you back!

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need To Power My EV Charger?

If one thing is true about the current automotive market, electric vehicles, aka EVs, aren’t going anywhere. And if you are one of the drivers who have jumped into the electric trend, then you’re likely curious how to sustainably charge your EV at home. But how many solar panels do you need?

Well, it all depends, and our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to help. Let’s discuss!

Understanding Your EV Charger Needs

The first step in understanding how many panels you will need is to figure out how much energy your EV charger uses. This can vary based on the charger and the vehicle’s specifications.

Generally, most EV chargers will typically require between 3.3 kW to 7.2 kW to function most efficiently, but again, this depends on the model itself. We recommend checking your owner’s manual for more information.

Calculating Your Energy Requirements

The next important consideration is how often you need to charge your vehicle and how much energy you use. If you charge your EV every day and it uses 7.2 kW, you will need to generate 216 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of energy per month.

Read More > What is Florida’s Average kWh Per Day?

Estimating How Many Solar Panels You’ll Need

Now, let’s discuss solar panels. The average solar panel that we install produces about 300 watts of power. If you get around 5 hours of sunlight a day, that means that a single solar panel can produce about 1.5 kWh of energy a day, or about 45 kWh a month.

To calculate how many panels you need, use this formula:

Total monthly energy consumption (kWh) ÷ Monthly energy production per panel (kWh)

So, if we use the earlier example: 216 kWh (for the EV charger) ÷ 45 kWh (produced per solar panel) = 4.8 panels

If you follow this example, you would need about 5 panels to adequately power your EV charger.

Remember, this is just an example. The number of panels that you will need will depend on your specific EV’s battery size, your driving habits, and your solar panel’s size and overall efficiency.

Note: We always like to recommend considering some extra capacity for efficiency losses and future energy needs, as your driving habits or vehicle may change.

Let’s Power Your EV

Ready to power your electric vehicle at your Central Florida home with the power of the sun? You’ve found the right team! Here at Solar Bear Orlando, we are happy to assess your energy needs, evaluate your roof’s solar potential, and design a custom system just for you.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, feel free to reach out to us at (727) 353-3886. We’re excited to get started on your solar project!

Can I Clean My Solar Panels With Windex?

Wondering how to clean your solar panels without damaging them? You wouldn’t detail your car with ketchup. You wouldn’t wash your floors with hairspray. So—should you really use Windex when cleaning your solar panels? It’s a common impulse. After all, Windex makes glass sparkle. And solar panels look like glass, right? We want to make sure you’re treating your panels right, so here’s what you need to know about cleaning them.

Your Solar Panels Are Not Just “Glass”

Sure, the surface is shiny. But solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells covered with specialized glass—glass that’s built to absorb light, not reflect it. That protective layer is engineered to withstand heat, hail, and all the gritty chaos Tampa’s weather throws its way. And that’s where the problem with Windex starts.

Window cleaners like Windex are full of ammonia, dyes, and surfactants. On your kitchen windows? Great, but on your solar panels, it’s risky. The residue can leave behind a thin film that actually blocks sunlight from getting through. So not only could your panels look streaky, they might stop performing at their best. In other words: clean panels are efficient panels. But only if you clean them right.

So, What Should You Use to Clean Your Solar Panels?

Skip the pressure washer and the Windex. Stick with simple tools that won’t scratch or strip the surface. Here’s the short list:

• Deionized or Distilled Water: This is the gold standard for no minerals, no streaks.
• Soft Brushes or Sponges: Don’t use anything abrasive. These aren’t your bathroom tiles.
• Non-toxic Solar Panel Cleaner: A little goes a long way, because it’s made for the job.

Still Thinking of Doing It Yourself?

It’s fair to want to clean your panels yourself, but here’s a pro tip from the team at Solar Bear of Tampa: If you’re going to climb up on your roof, make it count. Put safety first and wear footwear with grip. Only work in the cool, early morning hours. And if your panels are tilted or tough to reach? It’s okay to call in a pro (Really. We do this all the time.).

We know that living in Tampa means sunshine, salt spray, and that delightful layer of pollen that coats everything. But your system is an investment, so clean it like one.

Keep Your Panels Clean, the Right Way—We Can Help

Can you clean your solar panels with Windex? Not if you care about performance. Smart solar starts with smart care. Keep it gentle, keep it streak-free, and when in doubt, let Solar Bear handle the heavy lifting. Call us at (727) 353-3886 to learn how to keep your panels performing perfectly. Sunshine’s too valuable to waste!