Implementation of Microcontroller Based Automatic Solar Panel Cleaning System

PV (Photo Voltaic) Panels are one of the prominent sources to generate electrical energy. Countries in the Middle East are investing a significant share of capital in exploring ways to electric energy generation. Many factors can significantly reduce the PV Output among them accumulation of dust is significant. Dust accumulated on the PV Surface can significantly reduce amount of solar ray's incident on the surface and hence reduce the amount of current generated. PV Panels energy efficiency can be reduced due to reduction of energy harvesting up to 60%. Due to the reduced availability of solar ray's the PV panels might not produce sufficient power which results in increased stress on batteries incorporated, and the longevity of the batteries will be affected due to these reasons. The paper involves implementation of a PV Panel cleaning mechanism which has a very sensitive sensor to detect the accumulated dust on the surface. Detection of dust will be subsequently followed by a notification from an implemented application known as Blynk, which can remotely turn on cleaning mechanism. The implemented system can also be turned on manually with a push button. Optimal operation of the implemented system is ensured in the scenario, with the PV surface efficiently cleaned which can increase the PV production. Experimental Implementation of the system was observed, and the performance of the system indicated an average increase of 3.3% (period cleaning interval of 3 weeks) in the PV Efficiency under critical dynamic conditions in comparison with the system without cleaning mechanism.