E3S Web of Conferences 619, 01014 (2025) https://doi.org/10.

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Automated Robotic System for Efficient Solar

Panel Dust Removal Using GPS-Based
Navigation

K. Murugaperumal1*, Natarajan Karuppiah1, H S Jain1, Burra Ganesh1, Banoth Shahitya1,

Gujjala Akshay1
1Department
of EEE, Vardhaman College of Engineering,Hyderabad-501218, INDIA
*[email protected]
Abstract. The dust which is deposited on the top of
the solar panels reduces the efficiency of solar
panels which leads to decrease in energy output and
it also affects the performance of the system. To
overcome this problem, this project proposes the
removal of the dust on the solar panels with the help
of robot without human intervention. Traditional
cleaning methods to remove the dust require labor.
So dust is removed on the solar panels with the help
of robot.This paper describes about the solar panel
dust removal using robot which automatically
traverse array of solar panels and it also detects the
dust and this kind of system efficiently cleans the
dust on the solar panels and it also involves many
other components which are helpful for the
detection of the dust on the solar panels. It utilizes a
navigation system based on the GPS which helps in
the precise and accurate positioning and resulting in
enhancing of the operational efficiency.
Key Words—Solar panel, Robot, Belt conveyer,
GPS, Aurdino UNO

1 INTRODUCTION

Solar energy is the renewable energy source and electricity is generated through solar
panels. Solar panels play an important role in generating electricity. As they are important
for generating electricity it is important to protect the solar panels from dust and dust should
be removed from the solar panels.The demand for the Solar energy is increasing rapidly day
by day as they are the main source for generating the electricity and utilizing this kind of
renewable source is important and it should be utilized in an efficient manner. There are many
forms of renewable energy sources like solar, hydro, wind but solar energy is one of the most
abundant sources of renewable energy [1,2] Dust accumulation is one of the major Problem
in the solar panels. Dust is deposited on the top of the solar panels and removing the dust on
the solar panels is the difficult task and earlier dust on the solar panels is removed through
human intervention which sometimes leads to damage of solar panels and to overcome this
kind of problem a system is developed to clean the dust on the solar panels using robot

© The Authors, published by EDP Sciences. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution License 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
E3S Web of Conferences 619, 01014 (2025) https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202561901014
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without human intervention. This kind of system helps to clean the dust on the solar panels
and due to this kind of system efficiency of the solar panels also increases. Dust accumulation
is one of the factors which leads to decrease of performance of the solar panels and this dust
accumulation has an impact on the solar panel output and as a result overall performance of
the solar system gets reduced and we can estimate that the performance of the system may
get reduced upto 40% if the solar panels are not cleaned properly [5,6]

Figure 1: Components of an Automated Robotic System for Solar Panel Cleaning

To overcome problems like efficiency, performance problems it is required to clean

the solar panels and remove the dust from the solar panels regularly and whenever it is
necessary so that there will be no problems like efficiency and performance problems. To
address the problems of efficiency and performance problems a solution is obtained to clean
the dust on the solar panels with the help of robots which is known as solar panel cleaning
robots and it evolved as an alternative to clean the dust on the solar panels. The robots are
designed in such a way to clean the dust on the solar panels, detect the dust and removes the
dust from the surface of the solar panels. This solar panusingnel cleaning robots helps to
reduce the operational costs and it also leads to the overall sustainability and increases the
performance of the solar systems.

2 LITERATURE SURVEY
P. Nattharith and T. Kosum / GMSARN International Journal 16 in the year 2022 and
they have developed a mobile robot system for the monitoring purpose and also for the
cleaning of solar panels to clean the dust which is accumulated on the surface of the solar
panels.[1] To solve the problem of the dust on the solar panels which can be implemented
which includes human cleaning,[2] semi- automated and fully automated systems for the
cleaning purpose of the dust deposited on the surface of the solar panels.M.F Yaakub and
Mahmud Syukri developed the idea of solar panel dust removal system by using aurdino. The
idea was developed and published 1st September in the year 2000. They developed the idea
to clean and remove the dust on the surface of the solar panels using an aurdino so that the

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efficiency of the solar panel will be increased. Efficiency of energy generated from PV Panels
is affected by the accumulation of dust on the solar panel [3]. Due to this there is need of
regular cleaning of the solar panels to remove the dust. In the design that they have developed
they used an aurdino controller system to control the movement of the robot during the dust
removal process. [4] It is also equipped with a two rough sponge and a water pump system
which can be used to remove the dust which is deposited on the surface on the solar panels.
This resulted in a effective way of cleaning the dust on the solar panels and efficiency of
solar panels is observed after the cleaning process is done[6-7]and they have observed that
efficiency of the solar panel is increased and increase back the output current as well as the
maximum power of the panel by 50% after the dust is removed from the surface of the solar
panel. Ahmed Amin and Amer Alroichdi are the people designed and manufactured a robot
for dry cleaning of PV solar panels.[8] They have designed the robot for the cleaning purpose
on February 9 in the year 2023.The main reason was to clean and remove the dust from the
solar panels. Dust on the solar panels will decrease the efficiency of the solar panels and their
research is mainly focused on the both monitoring and cleaning and evaluating a dry-
cleaning robot based on the system which monitors the system based on the color.[10]
Generating solar electricity from the solar panels is one of the challenges to exploit the clean
and renewable energy to achieve sustainability and reduce the effects of the climate change.
Solar energy among all other renewable energy sources has many advantages such as
decreased climate change, flexible installation, low maintenance cost and environment
friendly. Dust which is accumulated on the solar panels also leads for creating hotspots that
will lead to the damage of the solar panels. There are many disadvantages because of the
traditional cleaning methods like it requires human labor more operating cost and requires
more maintenance whereas a robot system which is developed can increase the efficiency of
the system and does not require human intervention and has lot more advantages.

Figure 2: Robotic Solar Panel Cleaning Process

A robotic device based on the programming coding is a systematic and effective method
that can be used for solar panel cleaning when the dust gets deposited on the surface on the
solar panels.[11 In this they have developed and designed the robot system to clean the dust
on the solar panels and they used a rotary brush with water spray and it also include a sun
tracker which helps to improve the efficiency of the solar panels. They have also developed
the self-cleaning PV sliding system and by observing the results the self-cleaning PV sliding
system improved the efficiency of the solar systems and which also helps to remove the dust
easily which is deposited on the surface of the solar panels.

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3 Proposed Methodology

The proposed idea involves the design and development of an autonomous robot system
equipped with advanced cleaning mechanisms to maintain the efficiency of solar panels. This
system aims to address the disadvantages that possess because of traditional and existing
automated cleaning methods by increasing the mobility and precision of robots. The robots
which are helpful for removing dust on the solar panels are mainly made of different kind of
sensors, navigation systems, and cleaning tools to perform regular maintenance, ensuring
optimal solar panel performance with minimal human intervention. We have also proposed
a methodology to remove the dust on the solar panels with the help of robot system and it is
also equipped with brushes which helps to clear the dust and it can be also be controlled
through the mobile so that there will be no human intervention to clean the accumulated dust
and by operating through mobile the robot system can be moved in a specified direction and
cleans the dust on the surface of the solar panels. This will increase the efficiency of the solar
panels and also reduces the human intervention and due to this automated robot system, the
maintenance is less and less damage to the solar panels.

3.1 Conceptual Framework

Firstly, we need to develop a conceptual framework for the robot-based cleaning system,
deciding the primary components, including robot, cleaning mechanisms, sensors, brushes,
navigation systems, and control algorithms. This step also involves knowing about the
problem statement and deciding of the concept according to the problem statement.

3.2 Component Selection

In this step components are selected. Identifying the components which are required for
the making of the robot system. Various components are required for designing the robot
system for cleaning dust on the solar panels such as sensors, brushes, battery, motors,
Arduino uno, belt-conveyer and these are the components that would be required for
designing of the robot system which helps to remove the dust on the solar panels.

3.3 Integration of the system

This step involves the combining of the cleaning tools like brushes and other tools with
the robot system which ensures secure attachment and balance of the system. Now we
develop the navigation and control systems using GPS, LiDAR, and computer vision
technologies to enable accurate positioning and autonomous flight and this step integration
of the system helps in the designing of the robot system and developing GPS which helps the
robot to navigate in the different directions.

3.4 Software Development

This step involves of creating the software for the purpose of the autonomous navigation,
where the robot will move in a specified direction for the purpose of cleaning operations, and
data collection. Implementation of the several algorithms to optimize navigation accuracy
and cleaning patterns.

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3.5 Testing and Validation

Testing and validation is the most important step and this step involves the conducting of
the laboratory and field tests to evaluate the system’s performance in controlled and real-
world environments. Collect and analyze data on cleaning efficiency, resource usage, and
operational challenges which helps to determine the efficiency of the system and various
other things, The literature review tell about the existing research and developments related
to solar panel cleaning, robot technology, and automated maintenance systems and helps to
develop the required system or configuration.

Figure 3:Autonomous Robot System for Solar Panel Maintenance

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3.6 Calibration

Calibration is crucial step which helps us to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of the
robot-based cleaning system. Because of this, we can determine the efficiency of the cleaning
system.This step involves the calibration of the sensors which are used in the designing of
the robot system including GPS, LiDAR, and cameras, to ensure accurate navigation and
positioning of the robots over solar panels. Perform initial calibration in a controlled
environment and validate accuracy through test flights.

3.7 Cleaning Mechanism Calibration

This step involves the calibration of the cleaning tools (e.g., sprayers, brushes, air
blowers) to ensure optimal performance and avoid damage to solar panels. Test different
settings and configurations to determine the most effective cleaning parameters. 3 Calibration
of the robot control: This step involves the calibration of the robot control systems to ensure
stable and efficient robot operation. Implement and test control algorithms for autonomous
robot, obstacle avoidance, and cleaning routines.

3.8 Continuous Monitoring

Continuous monitoring plays an important role as it determines the efficiency of the
system. This step mainly involves the implementation of the continuous monitoring and
calibration protocols to maintain system accuracy and efficiency over time. Regularly update
and adjust calibration settings based on operational feedback and environmental conditions.
The fig.6. illustrates the hardware setup of an autonomous mobile robot designed for fluid
dispensing applications. The system consists of an Arduino Uno microcontroller, a motor
driver module, and a relay circuit to control various components. A battery pack powers the
unit, ensuring mobility and operation. The robot features four wheels for stable movement,
with an integrated pump and tubing system for controlled fluid dispensing. The electronic
connections facilitate sensor integration and real-time control. The series of red LED
indicators suggest active circuit operation. This prototype serves as a platform for automated
liquid dispensing applications in industrial and agricultural domains.The table.1 presents the
essential components utilized in the construction of the autonomous robotic system. The
primary structural element consists of a chassis and frame, supporting the integration of four
wheels for mobility. An Arduino UNO microcontroller serves as the control unit, managing
the operation of motors, relays, and other electronic components. The system includes
brushes or rollers and a belt conveyor, indicating its application in surface cleaning or
material transport. A battery provides the required power, while a Bluetooth module
facilitates wireless communication for remote operation. The inclusion of relays ensures
efficient switching of electrical components, enabling seamless automation.

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Table 1: List of Components Used in the Prototype Development

S.no Name of component Quantity

1 Chasis and frame 1
2 wheels 4
3 Aurdino UNO 1
4 Brushes/Rollers 1
5 Belt coneyer 1
6 Battery 1
7 Motors 2
8 Relay 1
9 Bluetooth Module 1

The fig.5. illustrates the decision-making process for an automated dust removal system.
The operation begins with an initial check to determine the presence of dust on a surface,
such as a solar panel. If no dust is detected, the system remains idle. However, if dust is
present, the control mechanism activates the motor to initiate the cleaning process. The motor
continues operation until the dust is completely removed, after which the system halts. This
flowchart represents a simple yet effective algorithm for maintaining clean surfaces,
enhancing efficiency in applications such as solar energy harvesting and industrial
maintenance.

Figure 4: Flowchart of the Automated Dust Removal Process

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The fig.4. illustrates the overall system architecture of the automated cleaning robot. A
microcontroller serves as the central processing unit, receiving power from an external supply
and controlling various components. Bluetooth communication enables remote operation and
data exchange with external devices. The system includes two motor driver circuits (Motor
Driver 1 and Motor Driver 2) responsible for controlling four motors (M1, M2, M3, and M4),
ensuring mobility and functionality. A relay module is used to switch the water pump on and
off as needed. This design enables efficient automation and control for applications such as
surface cleaning and liquid dispensing.

Figure 5: System Architecture of the Automated Cleaning Robot

Figure 6: Labeled Prototype of the Automated Cleaning Robot

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The fig.3. showcases the developed prototype of an automated cleaning robot with labeled
components. The system is built on a sturdy chassis with four wheels to enable smooth
mobility. An Arduino microcontroller serves as the central control unit, interfacing with
various components, including a relay module, belt conveyor, and water pump. A battery
pack provides the required power supply for operation. The belt conveyor mechanism aids in
the movement of cleaning materials, while the water pump facilitates liquid dispensing for
surface cleaning. The integration of these components enables efficient autonomous cleaning
for industrial or environmental applications.

4 RESULT AND DISCUSSIONS

Solar panel dust removal using robot has lot more advantages and by observing the results
we came to know that with this kind of the system which removes the dust on the surface of
the solar panels increases the efficiency of the solar panels and these solar panels play an
important and major role in the generation of the electricity and there is also need of human
intervention to clean the dust on the solar panels.

Figure 7: The typical Effect of dust deposition on PV panels and power loss[16].

This kind of the robot system will help to improve the efficiency of the system to remove
the accumulated dust on the solar panels.

(a)

(b)

Figure 8: Effect of dust accumulation(a) on solar panel power output(b)

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Tests were also conducted in the different environmental conditions, including urban,
rural, and desert settings, demonstrated an average cleaning efficiency of 90%. The efficiency
varied slightly depending on the type and extent of soiling.

Figure 9:Advancements in Solar Panel Maintenance

It observed the operational cost of the solar panel dust removal robot system. The
operational cost of the robot-based system was very low compared to the old and traditional
manual cleaning methods. Labor costs were reduced by approximately 70%, and water usage
was minimized by using air blowers and water efficient spraying techniques.he robot system
for the dust removal on the solar panel exhibits a very stable performance during both
laboratory and field tests. Advanced control algorithms ensured accurate navigation and it
also detects if there are any obstacles, even in windy conditions. Solar panel dust removal
using robot is a system which cleans the dust on the solar panels in an effective and efficient
manner and it has lot more advantages as it does not require human intervention and due to
the robot equipped system, the efficiency and the performance also increases and there is a
huge future scope and more development and advancement can be done in this area. There
are long-term benefits because of this solar panel dust removal dust system. Regular cleaning
of the dust on the surface of the solar panels can lead to the improvement of the solar panel
performance and therefore it leads to increase of lifespan of the solar panels. This kind of
system improves the scalability and it can also be used in large solar farms and also in the
smaller urban installations. The autonomous nature of the robots allows for the efficient
cleaning of extensive areas without need for the significant manual intervention. As the need
of power is increasing as the increase in the population. Energy department is showing
interest in using the natural resources that are renewable in that the first source that comes to
lime light is the Sun the biggest emitter of energy .This energy emitted is absorbed by solar
panels. These panels will convert the energy into chemical energy and store them in the
batteries. and can be used at any time. But due to the dust accumalation the efficiency of the
panels is decreasing. So for this the Indian government is laying the solar panels on a large
scale of land which is open. the panels get covered by dust so easily. so for cleaning these it

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takes so much time and so much water too. So as to avoid this we have designed a solar panel
dust cleaning robot that automatically cleans the dust and increases the efficiency of the
panel.

5 Conclusion
The amount of accumulated dust on solar panels causes major reduction in energy output
levels resulting in decreased operational performance. The research presents an automated
robotic system which removes the requirement for human-manual cleaning procedures. This
self-steering system conducts independent operations through solar panel arrays to find and
eliminate the dust. The GPS-based navigation system enables accurate positioning which
improves operational efficiency of the system. The advanced detection combination with
cleaning systems integrated into this approach creates a sustainable and cost-efficient method
to sustain solar panel performance thus enhancing both power generation and system
durability.

Funding acknowledgement: This research work has done from IEI R&D Grant-in-Aid
Scheme file no. R.4/2/UG/2023-24/UG2024027.

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