A fully portable robot system for cleaning solar panels

Abstract

Dust and dirt particles accumulating on PV panels decrease the solar energy reaching the cells, thereby reducing their overall power output. Hence, cleaning the PV panels is a problem of great practical engineering interest in solar PV power generation. In this paper, the problem is reviewed and methods for dust removal are discussed. A portable robotic cleaning device is developed and features a versatile platform which travels the entire length of a panel. An Arduino microcontroller is used to implement the robot's control system. Initial testing of the robot has provided favorable results and shows that such a system is viable. Future improvements on the design are discussed, especially the different methods of transporting the robot from one panel to another. In conclusion, it is found that robotic cleaning solution is practical and can help in maintaining the clean PV panel efficiency.