Autonomous Solar Panel Cleaning Robot for Efficient Power Generation

Abstract

This project presents the design and development of a solar panel cleaning robot capable of removing dust and dirt from solar panel surfaces to maintain their efficiency and power output. The system uses a microcontroller-based control unit built around the Arduino Uno to control the robot’s movement and cleaning mechanism. An HC-05 Bluetooth Module is used to provide wireless communication between the robot and a smartphone, allowing the user to control the cleaning process remotely. The robot is equipped with DC motors for movement and a rotating brush mechanism to remove dust particles from the panel surface. A rechargeable battery provides power to the entire system, enabling portable and efficient operation. The Bluetooth interface allows users to send commands such as forward, backward, left, right, and cleaning activation through a mobile application. The design helps maintain solar panel efficiency by reducing dust accumulation, which can significantly decrease power generation. Experimental observations show that the robot effectively cleans the panel surface with minimal human effort. This system offers a cost-effective and practical solution for maintaining solar panels in residential and commercial installations.