Solar Panel Hybrid Cleaning System

Abstract

Electrical energy consumption is increasing per annum. The generation of energy from renewable sources is gaining more popularity because the traditional methods of power generation aren’t environmentally friendly and therefore the source of fossil fuel are depleting at an alarming rate. Energy generation using photovoltaic panel could be a good energy source because of its simplicity in installation and operation. It’s evident that for obtaining the utmost output from the panels, ample amount of sunlight should fall on the surface of the panels. For this reason, the solar panels in homes and are placed in an open area on the roof. But this makes them liable to dust particles in air. These dust particles are carried by the wind and gets settled on the surface of the panels, obstructing the day light falling on the PV cells. Hence, the dust accumulation and dirt on the panel surface, the efficiency of the panel degrades to a comprehensible number. The output power reduces the output by 50% if the module isn’t cleaned for a month. This amounts to a major loss within the output of the panels which affects the load connected to the PV system. So to order to clean the dust accumulation on the panel, an automatic cleaning system has been designed, which senses the dust on the panel and also cleans the module. To handle this issue: a completely automated, cost worthy and efficient system must to be invented. This paper presents the design and fabrication process of a prototype ready to clean the panel surface.