Novel Method of Integrated Solar Panel Cleaner

Abstract

Solar energy is most sought-after energy resources nowadays. But they face a major crisis of reduced panel life times and performance issues. In order to overcome these issues, we have proposed an integrated panel cleaner using electrostatic and vacuum suction method. The panel cleaner is programmed to remove the accumulated dust by non-contact method and without using water. The controls are given using Arduino controller which is pre-programmed to clean autonomously from the input obtained from the sensors. Dust accumulation in the photovoltaic panel reduces its spread, resulting in reduced power output and loss of power generation. Moreover, in India bird droppings are also a big threat to panels while cleaning. This can be removed with the help of vacuum suction tube which operates on low pressure negative suction. Water when used for cleaning develops strains which contain sediment chemical salts. Moreover, water should also be cleaned before utilisation by cleaners which incur additional costs for performing cleaning operations. The sole purpose of this project is to develop an automated panel cleaning technology wherein cleaning process takes place without much power and water consumption.