Dust storm just coated the array? East Valley homeowners (Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek) often want to “just hose it.” Pause.
Short answer
Heavy dust often needs proper cleaning. Spraying very hot glass or using abrasives can do more harm than good. Check monitoring to separate dirty glass from a dead string. This post is the immediate after-haboob checklist.
What you can do safely
- Note soiling from the ground
- Check the monitoring app for a step-drop vs gradual dirt loss
- Photograph the array for a quote
- Stay off steep/hot roofs
What not to DIY
- Abrasive scrubbing
- Harsh chemicals into module gaps
- Lifting panels
- Assuming every production drop is “just dust”
Cleaning vs inspection
Routine dust → cleaning quote. Nesting, broken glass, or weird electrical behavior → inspection first.
FAQ
Can I just hose my panels after a haboob?
Heavy dust often needs proper cleaning; hot glass + abrasives are a bad mix. Book pro cleaning if soiled or hard to reach.
Why check monitoring after a dust storm?
Output can drop from soiling — or from a string issue the dust merely revealed.
Cleaning · Monitoring · Contact
Next step
Book the matching service — inspection, cleaning, or monitoring — or contact with city + photos.