Intelligent Automated Smart Solar Panel Using Internet of Things

Due to increase in power consumption and greenhouse problem all over the world, an alternative source is necessary for generating clean and environmental friendly electric power. In this regard, solar energy could be a good choice of power generation. Moreover, solar energy has also become more efficient as compared to other source of energy systems. The performance of solar photovoltaic (PV) panel however depends on the incoming light to panel surface and it is governed by environmental parameters, mainly dust and lichen/moss buildups. All these shading creates a barrier in the path of incoming sun light, which reduces the amount of sunlight falling on photovoltaic panel surface, and hence power output and performance of panel reduces significantly. There is an urgency in improving the efficiency of solar power generation. To address this issue, we have successfully engineered a self-cleaning solar panel. This specific panel detects the obstruction with a LDR(Light Dependent Resistor) Sensor. It makes the decision from the Microcontroller unit to either clean the panel with the Wiper and Spray water or continue to charge the battery. Our mechanism to combat the decreasing in efficiency of the solar panel is unique, self-reliant, and easy to use. Thus we propose a solar panel cleaning system in order to make a solar panel operate at the best power generation state, while the solar panel is used in any environment.