Abstract

This study presents an experimental assessment of a motorized cleaning system developed to improve the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels by eliminating surface dust and contaminants. The system features a mechanical unit that moves along the length of the panel, powered by an arrangement of motors, gears, and belts. Its motion is regulated by a timing mechanism that ensures smooth and synchronized back-and-forth movement of a cleaning brush across the entire panel surface. The primary aim of the experiment was to evaluate the system’s operational efficiency, power consumption and impact on the solar panel’s energy output. A total of five test runs were performed on a dust-covered solar panel under stable environmental conditions. Key performance metrics recorded included cleaning duration, energy consumed by the system, and panel output before and after cleaning. The tests revealed an average cleaning time of 60.4 seconds per cycle, with energy consumption of 2.1 Wh. Post-cleaning measurements showed a significant improvement in panel output, rising from an average of 180 W before cleaning to 200 W after-a roughly 11% increase in efficiency. This gain far outweighed the minimal energy cost of operating the system, demonstrating the design’s energy efficiency. The results confirm that the motorized cleaning system is both reliable and energy-efficient, delivering consistent performance across repeated tests. Its dry-cleaning mechanism makes it especially suitable for arid regions where water-based cleaning methods are less viable. Additionally, the gear and belt-driven design enabled uniform and gentle cleaning, reducing the risk of surface damage. In conclusion, the proposed system represents a cost-effective, autonomous solution for sustaining solar panel performance over time. Its potential scalability and integration into larger PV arrays are promising, though further research is recommended to investigate long-term durability, performance under varied environmental conditions, and compatibility with smart monitoring systems.

Keywords:Renewable energy; Solar energy; Sustainable energy system