Solar Performance
How dirt, weather, and panel health affect production.
Do Solar Panels Need Cleaning in San Diego?
Yes, and the production loss from skipping it is bigger than most San Diego homeowners realize. Here's the data and what to do about it.
Bird Droppings on Solar Panels: How Much Production Loss?
Bird droppings cause more solar production loss than general dust, sometimes by a factor of 10. Here's the data and what to do about it.
How Much Does Dirt Actually Reduce Solar Output?
What UCSD and NREL research can tell you about soiling, and why your system needs its own measurements.
Hot Spots on Solar Panels: What They Mean
Hot spots are the early-warning sign of failing panels, and a thermal camera is the only way to catch them.
Micro-Inverter vs. Optimizer vs. String Failures
How different solar topologies fail differently, and what a thermal inspection reveals in each case.
How to Read Your Solar Monitoring Data
What to look for in your Enphase, SolarEdge, or SunPower monitoring data, and when it's time to call a cleaner.
Smoke and Wildfire Impact on Solar Panels in San Diego
Wildfire ash and smoke create heavy, persistent soiling. Here's what to do after the fire.
Solar Panel Degradation: What's Normal and What Isn't
Every solar panel degrades over time, but 'fast degradation' usually means something else is wrong.