Design and Development of Automated Solar Panel Cleaning System

Authors: Yogesh Mogal, Ganesh Popat Vanarse, Yash Anil Raut, Rohit Madhav More, Karan Sunil Jadhav

Country: India

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Abstract: The performance of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels is highly dependent on the cleanliness of their surface. Environmental contaminants such as dust, dirt, bird droppings, and other particles accumulate over time, obstructing solar radiation and reducing the overall power generation efficiency of PV systems. Studies indicate that dust accumulation alone can decrease solar panel output by up to 25–40% if regular cleaning is not performed. Conventional cleaning methods are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and often impractical for large-scale installations located in remote, elevated, or desert environments. This paper presents the design and implementation of an Automatic Solar Panel Cleaning System powered by solar energy. The proposed system operates autonomously and performs cleaning operations without human intervention. It employs an Arduino UNO (ATmega328P) microcontroller as the control unit and integrates a 60 RPM DC gear motor, a roller brush cleaning mechanism, a slider-based motion system, and a mini water pump for effective surface cleaning. Environmental sensors, including a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR), rain sensor, and limit switches, are incorporated to monitor environmental conditions and ensure safe system operation. The mechanical structure consists of a mild steel square pipe frame measuring 16 × 24 inches, supporting a solar panel of dimensions 16 × 23 inches mounted at a tilt angle of 20° to maximize solar irradiance. A 7.4 V lithium-ion battery pack serves as a backup power source. Uniform water distribution is achieved through a perforated horizontal pipe connected to the water pump, enabling efficient cleaning across the entire panel surface before the brushing process. The proposed system enhances solar panel efficiency by maintaining a clean surface, reducing maintenance costs, minimizing water consumption, and extending the operational lifespan of photovoltaic installations. Experimental observations indicate a potential improvement in energy output ranging from 20% to 30%, demonstrating the effectiveness and practicality of the automated cleaning mechanism for sustainable solar energy applications.

Keywords: Solar Photovoltaic Panel, Automatic Cleaning System, Arduino UNO, Renewable Energy, Dust Removal, Solar Efficiency, IoT-Based Automation.

Paper Id: 233156

Published On: 2026-06-14

Published In: Volume 14, Issue 3, May-June 2026

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