Solar Panel Automated Robot Cleaner for Optimal Solar Performance

Abstract

Amongst the most important sustainable energy resources that offer us long-run economic benefits is solar energy. Nevertheless, it is observed that ac- cumulation of dust, sand, and defecation of birds on solar panels drastically af- fects the efficiency of solar panels by causing power loss due to the thin layer of dust that creates an invisible barrier in front of solar panels blocking the sunlight reaching it. The effect of this factor will be more severe if witnessed in highly polluted regions, construction sites, or desert areas where it will be essential to clean it by keeping it properly polished.

Methods for cleaning usually involve washing the panels with water. The meth- ods are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and pose a high risk to the people car- rying out the task, especially in high-altitude systems. Water cleaning methods are not suitable in arid regions that lack water. Large-scale cleaning methods are ineffective using human cleaning.

In an attempt to solve this problem, this study presents an autonomous solar panel cleaning robot which is safe, efficient, and eco-friendly. Through the application of microfiber rotating brushes, the dry cleaning process of the robot ensures the removal of accumulated dust particles from the surface of the solar panel, and this makes the robot applicable to different geographical locations. For the pur- pose of ensuring safety while the robot operates on an inclined or elevated sur- face, infrared sensors aid in the detection of the edges. The robot has a recharge- able battery. The robot operates in an efficient manner, thus reducing human in- terference, and this makes the robot applicable for use on a large scale.