Robotic Solar Panel Cleaner

Solar energy is currently one of the most widely used sources of electricity generation. The deposition of dust (also known as soiling) on the surface of solar panels limits the amount of sunlight that reaches the solar cells beneath, decreasing the solar panel’s efficiency. Cleaning solar panels is challenging due to dust and water stains, and manual methods are inefficient and time-consuming. As a result, this study describes the design of a robot for cleaning the surface of a PV solar panel. The design includes a DC motor for mobility, an Ultra-sonic sensor, and an Arduino controller system to control the robot while it cleans the panel surface. The cleaning part has a wiper on the front side of the robot and a smooth spongy brush on the back side. This combination of equipment can control the robot while also cleaning the panel’s surface. The results demonstrate that the created robotic solar panel cleaner will be able to clean the photovoltaic solar panel effectively without damaging the panel’s surface, thus enhancing the solar panel’s performance sustainably and affordably.