A novel solar panel cleaning system for improved efficiency

Dust accumulation on photovoltaic module surfaces hinders sunlight penetration, causing overheating, degradation, and disposal issues that plague the solar energy industry. Climate and morphology are strongly related to dust accumulation failure, particularly in dry areas with high dust concentrations and high wind speeds. Conventional cleaning methods often require water resources, manual intervention, and risk of surface damage. This study introduces an innovative mechanism to improve PV panel efficiency through a self-cleaning strategy. The proposed prototype utilizes transparent rolling film technology across the surface of the photovoltaic panels, physically removing accumulated dust while simultaneously enabling optimal sunlight access. This novel proposition represents a significant advancement in optimizing the performance of photovoltaic systems by implementing an autonomous cleanliness assessment. This approach eliminates unnecessary cleaning cycles and facilitates waterless operation for water-scarce regions, real-time data collection, visualization, and actuator control. Several features were combined to make this new prototype an improved innovation for mitigating partial-shading faults and enhancing solar power generation. Consequently, the proposed system makes a significant contribution to the development of a more reliable and sustainable photovoltaic plant infrastructure, while promoting environmentally friendly practices through the use of waterless methods. • Innovative PV panel cleaning technology to overcome harsh weather conditions • Adoption of waterless dry-cleaning in arid and non-arid regions • Prevent brush contact with front panel to protect PV module from glass damage • Prevent water infiltration fault using transparent film covering PV panel front & rear