Design Mechanism for Solar Panel Cleaning Process

Solar Energy is a form of renewable energy that is harnessed through Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. Transforming this energy into electricity in an effective way will generate an effective power output. Dust, dirt, bird droppings and sea breeze accumulating on PV panels decrease the solar energy reaching the cells, thereby reducing their overall power output. In this paper, we proposed a cleaning mechanism for solar panels installed in a coastal area. This proposed mechanism holds a proper guided cleaning path which will assure every part of the solar panel system is properly cleaned. This mechanism uses minimal water usage with wiper and detergent during the cleaning process of the solar surface. The design consists of two arrangements as the cleaning unit which consists of a roller brush, detergent supply unit, and wiper, and the locomotion unit which provides the horizontal motion to the whole system. The designed cleaning mechanism cleans the PV cells while moving vertically (Y direction) and horizontally (X direction). This system removes dust particles downward and off the panels with the rinsed water with the support of a wiper. This mechanism also aims to optimize the solar panel performance while reducing the human involvement and cost incurred for the cleaning process.