Automated Solar Panel Cleaning System

Abstract

Solar panels have a significant impact on our world by providing an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional power generation plants that can harm the environment. However, it is crucial to recognize that solar power plants require regular cleaning. When solar panels are not cleaned regularly, environmental dust accumulates on their surfaces and transforms into a sticky layer due to morning dew. This dust accumulation leads to a decrease in the efficiency of the solar panel. In our research, we have developed an automated cleaning system for solar panels. This system eliminates the need for manual cleaning efforts and ensures that solar panels remain clean and efficient. This system reduces human efforts, which saves time, and works automatically, resulting in increasing the efficiency of the solar panel. The cleaning is achieved using a water-based Roller brush. Two ac motors with inverters are used for the brush and the system’s assembly motions. A control unit based on Arduino is built to perform the cleaning task with the aid of limit switches, relays, electric valves, and other electrical and electronic tools. The brush is attached to the movable assembly of the system. This brush remains in contact with the panel. When the assembly of the system moves, water flows through sprinkles on panels and brush move on the surface of the panel and removes the dust. The proposed system is tested and evaluated by comparing the electrical parameters (maximum power, voltage, and current) for the solar panel before and after cleaning. Results show that the efficiency is increased when the solar panel is regularly cleaned.