What dirties solar panels in Temple Terrace
Dense oak canopy
Leaf litter, acorns and small branches land directly on arrays and pack into the gap behind the lower row, where they hold moisture against the roof.
Sap and honeydew
Aphid honeydew from oaks leaves a sticky film that grabs every particle of dust that lands on it and needs pure water and dwell time to release.
Biological growth
Shade plus river humidity means algae and mildew along frame edges, which spreads inward across the glass if left.
USF and I-75 corridor grit
Traffic film from Fowler Avenue and the interstate adds a grey layer on top of the organic soiling.