Hardware Design for a Water-Based Solar Panel Cleaning Robot for Residential Purpose

Accumulated dust particles on solar panels can significantly hinder the efficiency of solar energy generation. If left uncleaned for a month, the dust can reduce power generation by up to 50%. To tackle this issue, researchers have developed an automatic cleaning system that employs a robot cleaning device. This paper aims to address the problem of dust accumulation on solar panels and presents a review of the research conducted. The study primarily focuses on the cleaning method employed in arid areas, where dust accumulation is particularly prevalent. The proposed solution involves utilizing a robot cleaning device that travels along the entire length of the solar panel to remove dust particles. The control system of the robot cleaning device is implemented using an Arduino Pro Mini microcontroller. This microcontroller serves as the brain of the system, orchestrating the movement and cleaning operations of the robot. The design and functionality of the control system are crucial in ensuring effective and efficient cleaning of the solar panels. Results show that the robotic cleaning system is a viable solution for maintaining solar panel efficiency.