See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/380896215

Solar Panel Cleaning Using Robotics

Article · May 2024

DOI: 10.17148/IARJSET.2024.11570

CITATIONS READS

0 1,464

2 authors, including:

Bharathesh Patel N
GSSS Institute of Engineering and Technology for Women
14 PUBLICATIONS 16 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Bharathesh Patel N on 27 May 2024.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 IARJSET ISSN (O) 2393-8021, ISSN (P) 2394-1588

International Advanced Research Journal in Science, Engineering and Technology

Impact Factor 8.066Peer-reviewed & Refereed journalVol. 11, Issue 5, May 2024
DOI: 10.17148/IARJSET.2024.11570

Solar Panel Cleaning Using Robotics

Dr Bharathesh Patel N1, Naithanya Y2, Anusha NL3, Bhanushree K4, Rakshitha S5
Assistant Professor, Department of EEE, GSSSIETW, Mysuru, India1
Student, Department of EEE, GSSSIETW, Mysuru, India 2-5

Abstract: The dust particles accumulating on the solar panels (20,000 Square meters).The cleaning of dust particles on
the solar panel is a panels will prevent the solar energy from reaching the huge problem because it’s time consuming
process and solar cells, thereby reducing the overall power requires lot of man power and money. To remove this
generation, Power output is reduced as much as by 50%,limitation, robotics can be used as it eliminates human if the
module is not cleaned for a month. In order to labour and at the same time more economical and regularly clean the dust,
an automatic cleaning system autonomous. which removes the dust on the solar panel is developed. In this paper, the
problem is reviewed and the method for dust removal is discussed. A robot cleaning device is developed and it travels
the entire length of the panel. A PIC microcontroller is used to implement robots control system. The robot provided a
favourable result and proved that such a system is viable by making the robotic cleaning possible, thus helping the solar
panel to maintain its efficiency. This paper provides an overview of the cleaning aspects of solar panels through a literature
review. We first discuss the drawbacks of unwanted deposits on solar panels in terms of energy production and efficiency.
Existing cleaning practices and technologies are then presented with an emphasis on factors such as the size of the facility,
location, cost, and available resources. Finally, comparative cost– benefit analysis is carried out using decision support
tools and taking into account different relevant criteria to support users choose the right cleaning maintenance for their
specific solar installation.

Keywords: Cleaning aspects; solar panels; unwanted deposits; energy production; efficiency existing .

I. INTRODUCTION

Introducing innovative solutions to enhance the efficiency of solar energy systems, the development of a solar panel
cleaning robot harnesses the power of robotics to address the challenge of maintaining optimal performance in
photovoltaic arrays. This research paper explores the intersection of robotics and renewable energy, presenting a novel
approach to automated maintenance within the burgeoning field of solar technology. By leveraging robotics, this proposed
system offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to the persistent issue of dust, dirt, and debris accumulation on
solar panels, ultimately maximizing energy output and prolonging the lifespan of solar installations.

At its core, the solar panel cleaning robot represents a fusion of cutting-edge robotics technology with the imperative for
sustainable energy solutions. Through autonomous operation and intelligent cleaning algorithms, this robotic system
minimizes the need for manual intervention while ensuring thorough and efficient cleaning of solar panels. This research
not only underscores the potential of robotics in revolutionizing renewable energy maintenance but also highlights the
significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving innovation towards a greener and more sustainable future.

II. RELATED WORK

• A Cleaning Robot for Solar Panels: This paper discusses the design and development of a robot that uses a rotary
brush and water spray to clean solar cells. The robot can operate at a surface level of 0–30 degrees Celsius, and the rotary
brush can clean 80% of the solar panel.

• Autonomous solar panel cleaning robot with rubber wheeled: This robot can clean photovoltaic panels without
water, and can move manually or autonomously. It also generates its own energy, and takes in dusty air instead of blowing
it out.

• A Solar Panel Cleaning Robot Design and Application: This paper discusses the effects of dust build up on PV
panels, and suggests a strategy for improving their performance using a slide-cleaning technique.

• Designing and Manufacturing a Robot for Dry-Cleaning PV Solar Panels: This robot has a machine vision
camera, and a cleaning head with two brushes. The robot's hardware includes a main frame made from aluminium bars,
wheels for horizontal and vertical movement, and a motorized trolley that moves along aluminium rods.

© IARJSET This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License 473
 IARJSET ISSN (O) 2393-8021, ISSN (P) 2394-1588

International Advanced Research Journal in Science, Engineering and Technology

Impact Factor 8.066Peer-reviewed & Refereed journalVol. 11, Issue 5, May 2024
DOI: 10.17148/IARJSET.2024.11570
III. BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES

A. Benefits:
• Increased energy production.
• Minimal maintenance.
• Protect panel warranty.
• No personal injury risk.
• Completely green.

B. Challenges:

• High initial investment

• This robotic technology is quite new & hence a lot of R&D (Research & Development) still needs to be done in
this sector.

IV. METHODOLOGY

Fig.1

• The methodology for developing a solar panel cleaning robot involves identifying the problem of solar panel
maintenance, gathering requirements from stakeholders, conceptualizing design options, and selecting the most feasible
concept.

• Detailed design and prototyping follow, leading to integration, testing, and iterative optimization of the robot's
performance. Deployment in real-world settings allows for field testing and continuous improvement based on feedback.
Documentation and knowledge transfer ensure that the developed solution is sustainable and can be effectively maintained
and scaled for broader use.

© IARJSET This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License 474
 IARJSET ISSN (O) 2393-8021, ISSN (P) 2394-1588

International Advanced Research Journal in Science, Engineering and Technology

Impact Factor 8.066Peer-reviewed & Refereed journalVol. 11, Issue 5, May 2024
DOI: 10.17148/IARJSET.2024.11570
V. MATERIALS NEEDED

C. Hardware description:

SL NO Hardware Quantit
y
1 AVR 1
Microcontroller Development Board
(Arduino Board)

2 Dust on solar PV module detection sensor 1

(IR or ultrasonic sensor)

3 Edge detection sensor 1

(IR sensor)

4 DC Power Supply 1
(Rechargeable battery)

5 Driver circuit (Relay Circuit Board) 1

6 Motor Driver Switch Board (4 channel relay) 1

7 DC Motor 4

8 Buzzer or Alert device 1

9 Dust cleaning brush 1

10 Water pump 1

11 Roller 1

12 Solar PV Module 1

Table.1

D. Software description:

SL NO Software
1 Arduino Software

2 Embedded C

Table.2

VI. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

• Solar panel cleaning robots provide an efficient and cost-effective solution for maintaining the performance of
solar panel arrays.
• They help reduce manual labour, improve energy production, and ensure the longevity of the panels by keeping
them clean and free from obstructions.
• Undesirable deposits on solar panels can have negative effects on energy production and efficiency.

© IARJSET This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License 475
 IARJSET ISSN (O) 2393-8021, ISSN (P) 2394-1588

International Advanced Research Journal in Science, Engineering and Technology

Impact Factor 8.066Peer-reviewed & Refereed journalVol. 11, Issue 5, May 2024
DOI: 10.17148/IARJSET.2024.11570
• This article presents existing cleaning practices and technologies, with an emphasis on factors such as facility
size, location, cost, and available resources.
• The importance of cleaning solar panels to optimize their energy production and efficiency.
• As a conclusion, we presented a microcontroller based SPCR system which is cost and lightweight effective.
• The proposed system reduces the effect of dusting on the output power of the PV panels.
• This system is designed in short time period and also, the tests are likewise. However, more testing of the device
will be done to ensure the reliability.
• As future aspects, we want to make some improvements on our project.
• Some of these developments are to provide shortest cleaning time, minimum water and electricity
storage requirements.
• The cleaning time can be reduced by changing brush type. Also, for the next version of the device, a light
deduction circuit will be included to the system for day and night deduction.

Fig.1

Fig.2

VII. CONCLUSIONS

Autonomous Robot for dust cleaning on solar pv module is designed and implemented using embedded technology. The
AVR microcontroller is used as heart of the project for building autonomous robot for detecting and cleaning dust on the
solar pv module. The edge detection sensor is used to detect edges of the Solar pv module and embedded C code is written
using ATMEGA-328 IC. This IC is reprogrammable in the feature we can enhance it more application on the same
development board. This research focuses on mechanical approaches encompassing module vibration, air and water jets,
and combinations of these. Here, we discuss the overall cleaning design philosophy and approach, systems design, and
how multiple cleaning configurations can be realized within the overall PV module. Results indicate that in this project
we are building a prototype autonomous robot for cleaning solar pv module.

© IARJSET This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License 476
 IARJSET ISSN (O) 2393-8021, ISSN (P) 2394-1588

International Advanced Research Journal in Science, Engineering and Technology

Impact Factor 8.066Peer-reviewed & Refereed journalVol. 11, Issue 5, May 2024
DOI: 10.17148/IARJSET.2024.11570
In addition, dust cleaning brush optimized for cleaning dust on solar pv module with autonomous robot. Now days
renewable energy is booming in the world every one going to use the solar pv module for different domain application.
So we need to keep the solar pv module with good working condition for absorbing more sunlight and producing more
energy we need keep it without dust on the panel. The proposed system uses embedded technology for building a small
prototype autonomous robots used as heart of the project and embedded C code is written using ATMEL-328 IC.

VIII. FUTURE SCOPE

• The device that is developed, reduces the number of workers needed to clean the arrays significantly.
• Further development could be done to optimize the system to be smaller, lighter and easier to assemble in
higher volumes and to become more user-friendly.
• The next focus will be on diversifying the robot’s functionality by including auto- inspection, communication
and self- diagnostic features.
• The installation of a thermal camera module that will allow for inspection of the panels since the cleaning head
is in direct contact with every individual panel.
• Cold spots just under the glass surface will indicate a section of panel that remains un cleaned and will
prompt the cleaner to make another pass if needed.
• Solar panel energy can be used instead of using individual battery.
• Wireless cameras can be also attached for perfect wireless operation.

1X. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The authors would like to be very thankful and grateful for GSSSIETW, Mysuru for their constant support and
encouragement.

REFERENCES

[1]. International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Renewable capacity statistics 2018; International Renewable
Energy Agency: Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2018; ISBN 9789295111905.
[2]. Masson, G.; Orlandi, S.; Becquerel Institute. Global Market Outlook for Solar Power 2015– 2019. Available
online:(accessed on 29 July 2019).
[3]. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Solar Cell Record E ciency Chart 2018; National Renewable
Energy Laboratory: Golden, CO, USA, 2018.
[4]. Ashley, T.; Carrizosa, E.; Fernández cara, E. Heliostat field cleaning scheduling for Solar Power Tower plants: A
heuristic approach. Appl. Energy 2019, 235, 653–660.
[5]. Kawamoto, H.; Guo, B. Improvement of an electrostatic cleaning system for removal of dust from solar panels. J.
Electrostat. 2018, 91, 28–33.
[6]. Anilkumar, G.; Naveen, K.; Kumar, M.T.V.S.H.K.P.; Kumar, G.V.B.; Palanisamy, K.; Patil, A.; Sachan, D. Design
and development of wireless networking for solar PV panel cleaning robots. IOP Conf. Series Mater. Sci. Eng. 2020,
937, 012024.
[7]. M. A. M. Ali and N. M. Tahir, "Cancelable biometrics technique for iris recognition", 2018 IEEE Symposium on
Computer Applications & Industrial Electronics (ISCAIE), pp. 434-437, 2018.
[8]. Xiaokun Li and Xin Li, "Development of following robot for supplying power to solar panel cleaning robot",
Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, 2021.
[9]. Hongyan Wang, Research on Control System of Ground Walking Photovoltaic Module Cleaning Robot, 2019. [10].
Zhibin Yan, Research on Kinematics and Trajectory Planning of Mobile Cleaning Robot Arm for
PhotovoltaicModules, 2019.
[11]. Chen Liu, Kinematics Analysis and Structural Optimization of Photovoltaic Power Generation Board Sweeper,
2019.

© IARJSET This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License 477

View publication stats