Solar panels are highly dependent on sunlight exposure for optimal energy production. However, dust and debris accumulation on panel surfaces significantly reduce their efficiency, especially in arid and dusty environments. Traditional cleaning methods are labor intensive and may involve significant water usage or require chemical agents, leading to increased operational costs and environmental concerns. To address these issues, this paper presents a design for an autonomous dust cleaning robot specifically tailored for solar panels. The proposed robot is equipped with sensors, cleaning mechanisms, and a lightweight structure that ensures safe and efficient operation without damaging the panels. The system utilizes automated brushes or an air blast system powered by minimal energy, which can be sourced directly from the solar panels. By employing an intelligent cleaning schedule based on dust density and weather patterns, this robot minimizes power loss due to dust and reduces maintenance costs. Initial field tests demonstrate that the cleaning robot effectively restores panel efficiency, presenting a sustainable solution to the ongoing issue of solar panel soiling.
Gayatri et al. (Wed,) studied this question.