Automated Cleaning System for Solar Panels

Abstract

Energy diversification is primary goal of 2030 vision, especially the utilization of renewable energy resources considering the location of Saudi Arabia that acquires a huge potential for solar energy with approximate solar radiation of 2,200 thermal kWh of solar radiation per m2. Studies showed that dust accumulation drops PV panels efficiency by 13%, as the dust accumulates on PV panels surface area. To ensure a maximum efficiency considering remote areas, this smart automated system is tracking solar panels performance by observing the output current and voltage, as it's monitoring the weather condition which includes the sun radiation and temperature. The methodology of this system is to detect dust is through a calculated reference from the output current and voltage of the solar panels to execute the cleaning process through hard coded device with X–Y coordinates movement and rotating brushes. As results, the system would increase the overall solar panels efficiency by 10%, as it will ensure the safety of PV system facilities by continuously monitoring the performance to avoid any over voltage and short circuits.