What to do after a wildfire ash event
Santa Ana ash can drop production 15–30% in days. Quick, careful response keeps panels from etching.
What you'll learn
- Why ash particles are absorbent and accelerate production loss
- Why dry brushing makes the problem worse (micro-scratches the coating)
- How quickly ash should be removed for full production recovery
- When you can wait for rain and when you really cannot
Step by step
- Do not dry brush, shake, or blow off the panels.
- Wait until panels are cool, early morning or evening.
- If you must rinse before pro cleaning, use a low gentle hose flow.
- Book a full deionized-water soft wash within two weeks.
- Check your monitoring portal, recovery should show up in your production data over the following days.
Safety note
After major Santa Ana ash events, call early. Production losses compound the longer ash sits bonded to warm glass.
Rather have a pro handle it?
Call and we will connect you with a local solar pro who covers your area.
More guides
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You don't need to climb the roof. A pair of binoculars from the driveway tells you most of what you need to know.
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When NOT to rinse your panels with a hose
A hose rinse seems harmless. Done wrong, it bakes mineral deposits onto your glass permanently.