A Novel Energy Efficient Dry Cleaning Method for Solar Cells Dust Removal

Abstract

In this study, we present the development of a novel, automated solar photovoltaic (PV) panel cleaning system designed to address the challenges of dust accumulation and water scarcity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. The proposed system integrates a hybrid cleaning mechanism that utilizes a combination of water sprinkles, a wiper, and a brush to effectively remove dust and debris from the surface of solar panels. Unlike conventional cleaning systems that consume large volumes of water, our design employs only three controlled sprinkles, significantly minimizing water usage without compromising cleaning efficiency. A key feature of the system is its autonomous control capability, driven by real-time environmental data including humidity, temperature, light intensity, and dust levels. This data is collected via sensors and transmitted to a cloud-based platform for processing. The system is also interconnected with a user-friendly Android application, allowing remote monitoring and manual override when necessary. Performance evaluation indicates a cleaning efficiency of approximately 70%, with a corresponding 6% increase in output power observed after cleaning operations. Designed to be cost-effective for solar PV systems rated above 5 kilowatts (kW), the prototype demonstrated effective cleaning on both L1 and shed-type solar array configurations. Furthermore, the system's modular design makes it adaptable for extension to L2 and L3-array type installations. This solution offers a sustainable alternative for PV maintenance by reducing operational costs and water dependency, thus enhancing long-term energy yield and system reliability. The system holds significant potential for large-scale solar farms operating in environmentally challenging conditions.