Sustainable Automated Electro-Mechanical Solar Panel Cleaning System

ABSTRACT: Renewable energy is abundantly available from the sun, wind, and tidal sources on mother Earth. Solar power is emerging as one of the cleaner and major form of energy generation globally. Developing as well as developed nations are using rooftop as well as ground mounted solar power plants as a dominant alternative to thermal power generation, which is being considered as the major contributor to air pollution worldwide. Around the world, Solar PV energy generation is now an affordable alternative, but achieving maximum efficiency remains challenging due to multiple factors. Dust, dry leaves, bird excreta, and air pollutants might be considered as significant factors that impact the solar panel efficiency. Accumulation of dust particles not only decreases module output but also increases the solar panel temperature by up to 10%, which further decreases power output over time. Various studies concluded that the efficiency decreases by around 30–40%, and the accumulation of moss could reduce the output power by up to 86%. Further, many studies have revealed that regular cleaning is very important to avoid efficiency losses. The present study discusses the design and development of an automated mechanical system that can be fitted or retrofitted to existing or newly installed PV Solar Panel(s) for cleaning applications with minimal water requirement. Specifically designed and programmed to automatically operate/function as per the present conditions for optimum cleaning of the solar panel surface on a regular basis. It will enable the PV Solar Panel to function at maximum efficiency. This system can be mounted on any off grid and on grid solar power plant. The system will be best suited for the standalone installation of PV Solar Panels.