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Hard water spots on solar panels are dried mineral deposits, mostly calcium, magnesium, and iron, left when sprinkler overspray or tap-water rinses evaporate on the glass. On the Treasure Coast the usual sources are shallow irrigation wells and DIY hose washing. Remove them gently with deionized water and a soft brush, never acids or scrapers. Key Facts Hard water spots form when water evaporates and leaves its dissolved minerals behind on the panel glass. UF/IFAS notes that

Solar panels need cleaning when something is shading the cells that rain cannot rinse off. In Florida that describes most coastal homes, homes under oak or pine canopy, homes near farms or construction, and any low-tilt array. A steep, inland, tree-free roof often needs only an annual check, not a wash. At a Glance Dirt does not damage solar panels, but it can cut output by about 5% to 20% depending on what it is and where it sits. Panel makers do not require scheduled cleani

Dirty solar panels typically lose 5% to 20% of their output, and where the dirt sits matters more than how much there is. An even film of dust on a Florida roof usually costs a few percent. A bird dropping, a mud line along the bottom frame, or a clump of oak leaves can cost far more because it blocks whole cells and trips the panel's bypass diodes. Key facts at a glance Soiling costs an estimated 3% to 5% of global annual PV energy production, according to the IEA PVPS Task