Advancements and applications of novel waterless and contactless cleaning technologies for solar panels

Solar power has emerged as a primary approach to mitigating the global energy crisis and achieving carbon neutrality. However, the long-term outdoor operation of solar modules leads to the gradual accumulation of dust and pollutants on their surfaces, significantly reducing their photovoltaic conversion efficiency. In addressing challenges associated with conventional cleaning methods, such as over-reliance on water resources, potential waste of water, and damage to panel components, waterless and contactless dust removal technologies have attracted increasing attention. This paper first examines the properties of dust particles, their deposition mechanisms, adhesion forces, and their negative effects on solar modules. Next, it comprehensively reviews various existing waterless and contactless dust removal technologies, focusing especially on electrostatic dust removal and superhydrophobic self-cleaning approaches. Their theoretical foundations, dust removal mechanisms, and relevant research progress as well as their real-word applications are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the paper assesses the existing anhydrous non-contact dust removal technologies in a multi-dimensional comparison. Finally, this study delineates potential future research directions and application prospects for self-cleaning technologies specific to solar panels, thereby establishing a comprehensive guideline for both the research on solar panel dust removal and cleaning methodologies and the associated industrial development. • Comprehensive review of novel waterless and contactless cleaning technology for solar panels. • Detailed analysis of dust physicochemical properties, surface forces, and influencing factors, with associated module-performance losses. • Provides exposition of principles, technologies, and influencing factors of waterless and contactless dust-removal technologies. • Reveals lab-to-field performance gaps, highlighting the need for large-scale field trials and actual demand deployment. • Provides a multi-criteria comparison of waterless and contactless cleaning methods and outlines future research priorities.