Introduction

Dirty solar panels can reduce your solar power generation by 20–50%.
In Nigeria, dust, harmattan, bird droppings, pollution, and rain stains build up quickly on panels — blocking sunlight and slowing battery charging.

Cleaning your panels the right way ensures:

✔ faster battery charging
✔ stronger daytime load support
✔ longer panel lifespan
✔ less inverter beeping
✔ better rainy-season performance

In this guide, Solarzone Nigeria explains how to clean your solar panels properly and safely.

⭐ 1️⃣ Clean Early in the Morning or Late in the Evening

Cleaning under hot afternoon sun can:
❌ cause glass cracks
❌ leave streak marks
❌ dry water too fast
❌ stress the panel surface

✔ Best cleaning time:

🕖 7am – 9am
🕓 4pm – 6pm

Panels stay cool and safe to touch.

⭐ 2️⃣ Use Clean Water Only — No Soap or Chemicals

Detergents and chemicals can:
❌ damage anti-reflective coating
❌ leave residue
❌ reduce panel efficiency
❌ cause long-term surface wear

✔ Use:

✔ clean water
✔ soft cloth
✔ microfiber towel
✔ soft sponge

📌 NEVER use:
❌ detergent
❌ acid
❌ bleach
❌ hard brushes
❌ metal scrubbers

⭐ 3️⃣ Gently Wash Off Dust, Dirt & Bird Droppings

Focus on:
✔ edges where dust gathers
✔ center stains
✔ droppings that block sunlight

If dirt is hard:
✔ soak with water for 2–3 minutes
✔ wipe gently afterward

Do NOT apply force.

⭐ 4️⃣ Use a Long-Handle Soft Brush for Roof Panels

If panels are on the roof:
✔ use long telescopic brush
✔ avoid climbing directly on panels
✔ stand safely on roof edges
✔ avoid stepping on solar panels

Solarzone recommends soft EVA solar brushes.

⭐ 5️⃣ Rinse Well to Remove Water Streaks

After wiping:
✔ rinse with clean water
✔ allow water to run off naturally

Streak marks reduce sunlight penetration.

⭐ 6️⃣ Check for Damage While Cleaning

During cleaning, inspect for:
✔ cracks
✔ hot spots
✔ burnt MC4 connectors
✔ corroded rails
✔ loose clamps
✔ lifted panel corners
✔ broken glass

If you notice ANY damage, call Solarzone immediately.

⭐ 7️⃣ Remove Shading Sources After Cleaning

Even after cleaning, shading reduces panel output.

Check for:
✔ new plant growth
✔ tree branches
✔ antennas
✔ water tanks
✔ DSTV dishes

Remove or reposition shading sources.

⭐ 8️⃣ Clean Panels More Frequently During Harmattan

During harmattan:

• dust is heavier

• panels get dirty quickly

• output drops drastically

✔ Cleaning Frequency:

🟩 Every 1–2 weeks during harmattan
🟩 Every 2–4 weeks in normal season

This keeps your charging at peak.

⭐ 9️⃣ Avoid Pressure Washers

Pressure machines may:
❌ damage panel edges
❌ push water into wiring
❌ crack glass surface

Always clean manually.

⭐ 🔟 Don’t Stand on Solar Panels

Panels are not designed for body weight.

Standing on them may:
❌ create micro-cracks
❌ damage internal cells
❌ reduce efficiency
❌ void warranty

Stay on the roof surface only.

⭐ 11️⃣ Use Filtered Water in Hard-Water Areas

Hard water leaves white stains.

If your area has hard water:
✔ use filtered or clean stored water
✔ wipe dry with soft cloth

Stains reduce performance over time.

⭐ 12️⃣ Hire Professionals for High-Roof or Large Systems

If your system is:
✔ on a steep roof
✔ commercial building
✔ multi-storey building
✔ 20+ panels
✔ difficult to access

Allow Solarzone’s maintenance team to handle it safely.

We use:
⭐ industrial brushes
⭐ purified water
⭐ safety harness
⭐ professional cleaning agents
⭐ panel inspection tools

⭐ What Happens When Panels Are Not Cleaned?

Dirty panels cause:
❌ slow charging
❌ low battery voltage
❌ more PHCN/generator use
❌ inverter beeping
❌ shortened battery lifespan

Cleaning is the easiest way to boost your solar system performance.

⭐ Why Solarzone Is Best for Professional Panel Cleaning

Solarzone provides:

⭐ full panel washing
⭐ panel inspection
⭐ wiring checks
⭐ MC4 replacement
⭐ tilt-angle adjustment
⭐ panel repositioning
⭐ maintenance packages
⭐ commercial cleaning service

We restore your panels to maximum efficiency.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Clean solar panels = stronger power, faster charging, and longer system life.

With proper cleaning:
✔ batteries charge fully
✔ inverter stays stable
✔ appliances run smoothly
✔ solar output increases

Solarzone is here to maintain your solar system year-round.

💥 Call to Action

⚡ Need solar panel cleaning or maintenance?
Contact Solarzone Nigeria today for professional cleaning and system optimization.

📞 Call/WhatsApp: 09091394722