A Project Report on

AUTOMATIC SOLAR PANEL

CLEANING SYSTEM
By

Mr. AVINASH SHANKAR Mis.VAISHNAVI BALU TADGE

UGALE
Mr. PRATHAMESH DADARAO Mr. ARYA RAJENDRA SALVE
THORAT

Guide
Prof.S.J.Suryawanshi

NBA &NAAC “A++” ACCREDITED INSTITUTE

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Maratha Vidya Prasarak Samaj's Karmaveer Adv.
Baburao Ganpatrao Thakare
College of Engineering, Nashik- 422013
[2022-23]
 Maratha Vidya Prasarak Samaj's Karmaveer Adv.
BaburaoGanpatraoThakare
College of Engineering, Nashik- 422013

NBA &NAAC “A++” ACCREDITED INSTITUTE

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify thatMr.Avinash Shankar Ugale, Mr. Prathamesh Dadarao thorat ,
Miss Vaishnavi balu tadge, Miss Arya Rajendra salve have successfully completed the
Project entitled “AUTOMATIC SOLAR PANEL CLEANING SYSTEM” under my
supervision, in the partial fulfillment of Bachelor of Engineering - Mechanical
Engineering of Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune.
Date:
Place: Nashik

Prof.S.J. Suryawanshi
INTERNAL EXAMINER
Guide

DR. A. B. Kakade Dr. S. R. Devane

Head of the Department Principal

External Examiner
1
Acknowledgements
It gives us great pleasure in presenting the project report on “AUTOMATIC PLANT WATERING
SYSTEM”.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our guide Prof.S.J.Suryawanshi

for giving us all the help and guidance we needed. We are really grateful to him for his kind support.
His valuable suggestions were very helpful.

We are also grateful to Dr. A. B. Kakade, Head of Mechanical Engineering Department, for his
indispensable support and suggestions.

With deep sense of gratitude, we thank our Principal, Dr. S. R. Devane and Management of the MVP
Samaj for providing all necessary facilities and their constant encouragement and support.

Mr. Avinash Shankar Ugale,

Mr. Prathamesh Dadarao
thorat
Miss Vaishnavi balu tadge,
Miss Arya Rajendra
CONTENTS

Certificate i

List of Figures v

List of Tables vi

Abstract vii

1 Introduction

1.1 Background

1.2 Motivation

1.3 Problem Statement

1.4 Objective
 2 Literature Review

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Review of related literature

3 System Implementation

3.1 Major Components

3.2 Methodology

3.3 Working Principle

3.4 Bill of material

4 Result and Discussion

5 Conclusion

5.1 Conclusion

5.2 System limitation

5.3 Future Scope

References

LIST OF FIGURES
3.1 Arduino UNO

3.2 L298N module

3.3 Water Pump

3.4 Adapter
LIST OF TABLES
3.5 BILL OF MATERIAL
ABSTRACT

The project is about the design and development of a solar panel cleaning system. The
main object of this design prototype is to clean the solar panel using an electrical
mechanism, such that efficiency or quality of solar panel is not compromised. As a matter
of fact, gulf region - especially Saudi Arabia- are facing a lot of dust storms and the solar
panels need to be cleaned frequently. If task is performed manually, it will be very costly
and time consuming. Water sprinklers and a special wiping material shall be used in the
conceived mechanism design to ensure quality of cleaning
 1. INTRODUCTION

There is more than enough solar radiation available around the world to satisfy the demand for
solar power systems. The proportion of the sun’s rays that reach the earth’s surface is enough to
provide for global energy consumption 10,000 times over. On average, each square meter of
land is exposed to enough sunlight to produce 1,700 kWh of power every year. Solar Panel has a
huge effect on our world. It can help our environment to be better without using other power
generation plants that can harm the environment, but solar power plant needs to be cleaned at
least every 3 days. It generally depends on the country for example in the Middle East, it needs
to be cleaned every day so it will cost so much. There are a lot of techniques for cleaning the
solar panels; our idea is to design a smart solar panel that cleans itself automatically and
remotely in order to maintain a high level of efficiency of the solar panel.

1.1 BACKGROUND
One of the major issues that people face with the installation and the use of solar panels is the
cost that is involved in it. But the cost can be drastically reduced by increasing the efficiency of
each solar panel and hence reducing the number of solar panels that needs to be installed.
Using less number of solar panels in order to get the required electricity will not only be cost
efficient but will also help in having a positive impact on the environment. In order to improve
the efficiency of the solar panels, there are two main aspects that need to be considered; the
first aspect is the amount of light that falls directly on the solar, and the second aspect is how
much of this light energy is capable of using effectively in order to generate power. The issue
that is faced with the use of solar panels is the dust that forms over it. Dust on the cells of the
solar panels reduces the efficiency of the solar panels to a large extent especially in Saudi Arabia
where dust and sand storms are very common. Hence there will be an automated system that
will periodically clean the solar panels in order to make sure that they perform at peak
performance level. The use of right fabrication and controllers will help in making this project
possible.

1.2 MOTIVATION
Solar energy is a clean, natural source of energy: it has no emission of harmful
substances, so, besides the reduction of expenses it is also extremely environmentally
friendly. Unlimited quantities are available for us; it is an inexhaustible source of energy,
which – thanks to modern technology – is able to produce electricity even in cloudy
weather. A distinct advantage is that solar energy is the only kind of energy that can be
produced anywhere in the world. Due to its countless benefits, its usage is more and more
widespread throughout the world, both at industrial and household levels.

1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT

The measured performance of solar panel is found less than designed condition due to dust
settle on solar panel and moisture content in atmosphere settle on panel. The problem is
identified and solution Is proposed with solar cleaning mechanism in such a way that reduce
manpower requirement. The mechanism is prepared to provide periodic leaning of solar panel.
It utilizes thermal and solar radiation energy

1.4 OBJECTIVES
 Design a mechanism to detect obstacles on solar panels causing
significant loss of power.
 Improve overall solar panel efficiency.
2 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION

There is more than enough solar radiation available around the world to satisfy the
demand for solar power systems. The proportion of the sun’s rays that reach the earth’s
surface is enough to provide for global energy consumption 10,000 times over. On
average, each square meter of land is exposed to enough sunlight to produce 1,700 kWh
of power every year. Solar Panel has a huge effect on our world. It can help our
environment to be better without using other power generation plants that can harm the
environment, but solar power plant needs to be cleaned at least every 3 days. It generally
depends on the country for example in the Middle East, it needs to be cleaned every day
so it will cost so much. There are a lot of techniques for cleaning the solar panels; our
idea is to design a smart solar panel that cleans itself automatically and remotely in order
to maintain a high level of efficiency of the solar panel

2.2 BACKGROUND
One of the major issues that people face with the installation and the use of solar panels
is the cost that is involved in it. But the cost can be drastically reduced by increasing the
efficiency of each solar panel and hence reducing the number of solar panels that needs
to be installed. Using a smaller number of solar panels in order to get the required
electricity will not only be cost efficient but will also help in having a positive impact on
the environment. In order to improve the efficiency of the solar panels, there are two
main aspects that need to be considered; the first aspect is the amount of light that falls
directly on the solar, and the second aspect is how much of this light energy is capable of
using effectively in order to generate power. The issue that is faced with the use of solar
panels is the dust that forms over it. Dust on the cells of the solar panels reduces the
efficiency of the solar panels to a large extent especially in Saudi Arabia where dust and
sand storms are very common. Hence there will be an automated system that will
periodically clean the solar panels in order to make sure that they perform at peak
performance level. The use of right fabrication and controllers will help in making this
project possible
 3 SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION

3.1 MAJOR COMPONENTS

Arduino:

Arduino uno is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega328. It has 14 Digital

input/output pins (of which 6 can be used as PWM output),6 analog inputs, 16 MHz
ceramic resonator, USB connection, power jack, ICSP plug, and a rest button. It contains
everything needed to support microcontroller; simply use USB cable or power it with a
AC-to-DC adapter or battery is connected to a computer begins.
L298N Module:

The L298N is a dual H-Bridge motor driver which allows speed and direction control of
two DC motors at the same time. The module can drive DC motors that have voltages
between 5 and 35V, with a peak current up to 2A.
Water pump:

This motor is small, compact and light. It is made to spray wiper water; hence its
durability is high. It can be controlled by a microcontroller or Arduino using our DC
Motor Drivers. You can also control it using our relay boards. You can also use our 12V
SM PS power supply adapter to run this pump.

Specification of water pump:

 Best 12v DC Water Pump for Hand Sanitizer Machine and Other Applications
 High Pressure Water Pump
 Used as Windshield Washer Pump in Cars, Hand Sanitizer Spray Machine and
Various Science Projects
 High flow rate and strong lift head for efficient water circulation
 small water circulation applications
3.2 Methodology
The L298N is a dual H-Bridge motor driver which allows speed and direction control of
two DC motors at the same time. The module can drive DC motors that have voltages
between 5 and 35V, with a peak current up to 2A.

Let’s take a closer look at the pinout of L298N module and explain how it works. The
module has two screw terminal blocks for the motor A and B, and another screw terminal
block for the Ground pin, the VCC for motor and a 5V pin which can either be an input
or output.

This depends on the voltage used at the motors VCC. The module have an onboard 5V
regulator which is either enabled or disabled using a jumper. If the motor supply voltage
is up to 12V we can enable the 5V regulator and the 5V pin can be used as output, for
example for powering our Arduino board. But if the motor voltage is greater than 12V we
must disconnect the jumper because those voltages will cause damage to the onboard 5V
regulator. In this case the 5V pin will be used as input as we need connect it to a 5V
power supply in order the IC to work properly.

We can note here that this IC makes a voltage drop of about 2V. So for example, if we
use a 12V power supply, the voltage at motors terminals will be about 10V, which means
that we won’t be able to get the maximum speed out of our 12V DC motor.

Next are the logic control inputs. The Enable A and Enable B pins are used for enabling
and controlling the speed of the motor. If a jumper is present on this pin, the motor will
be enabled and work at maximum speed, and if we remove the jumper, we can connect a
PWM input to this pin and in that way control the speed of the motor. If we connect this
pin to a Ground the motor will be disabled

Next, the Input 1 and Input 2 pins are used for controlling the rotation direction of the
motor A, and the inputs 3 and 4 for the motor B. Using these pins, we actually control the
switches of the H-Bridge inside the L298N IC. If input 1 is LOW and input 2 is HIGH
the motor will move forward, and vice versa, if input 1 is HIGH and input 2 is LOW the
motor will move backward. In case both inputs are same, either LOW or HIGH the motor
will stop. The same applies for the inputs 3 and 4 and the motor B.
3.3 Working Principle

Here is a simple explanation of H-Bridge motor driving. For more details, please read our
article, H-Bridge – DC Motor Driving.

H-Bridge consists of 4 MOSFETs or Transistors wired as switches. For easy

understanding refer the below circuit with 4 switches. Now let’s imagine, if the switch S1
and S4 are ON we can see that current will flow from left to right direction of the motor.
This will make the motor rotate in particular direction, say clockwise.

L298N module is having 2 H-Bridge like this. One thing to note in H-Bridge is that we
should not switch on S1 and S2 together or S3 and S4 together. This condition is called
shoot-through and can damage those MOSFETs or transistors.
3.4 BILL OF MATERIAL

SR NO. NAME OF QUANTITY RATE TOTAL

PART AMOUNT

1 Arduino Uno r 1 730 730

2 L298n module 1 320 320

3 Adapter 12V- 1 160 160

2A

4 Washer pump 1 190 190

black
5 Male to female 10 3 30
jumper wire
6 Uno cable 1 45 45

TOTAL 1475/-
 4 RESULT AND DISCUSSION
Solar power is mainly harnessed from photovoltaic (PV) panels which are arranged in
multiple arrays in a solar farm or solar system. Though, power generation from PV solar
system is characterized by uncertain efficiency, many countries with high insolation
prefer solar as an alternative way of generating clean energy. However, the efficiency of
energy generated from PV panels is affected by the accumulation of dust and debris, even
on one panel in an array. This condition leads to the need for regular cleaning of the
surface of PV panels. Current labor-based cleaning methods for photovoltaic arrays are
costly in time, water and energy usage as well as lacking in automation capabilities. To
overcome this problem, a fully automatic solar panel cleaning system with/without water
is proposed. Hence, in this paper, the design of a robot for automated cleaning of the
surface of PV panel is presented. The design utilizes an Arduino controller system to
control the robot movement during the cleaning process. In addition, it is equipped with
two rough sponge and a water pump system that can be used to clean dust or debris found
on PV panel surfaces. The efficiency of the PV panels before and after the cleaning
process is also observed. The result shows that the developed solar panel cleaning robot
is able to clean the panel effectively and increase back the output current as well as the
maximum power of the panel by 50%, after the dust on the PV panel is cleaned.
5 CONCLUSION

5.1 CONCLUSION
An automatic-based model named automatic cleaning and the sun-tracking system is
presented, mainly focussing on its implementation for residential use and also it is
cost-effective. A control strategy for the automatic cleaning and sun-tracking system
has been designed and tested. The two subsystem mechanism is very effective in
improving the efficiency of solar panels. Cleaning the panel until the value reaches
below the threshold value shows an improved performance in terms of the
effectiveness of cleaning. The quantity of dust deposited on the solar panel can
significantly affect the output voltage measured. Cleaning a PV module using a
stepper motor is both quiet and inexpensive with water improves the panel's
performance and efficiency by removing the majority of the debris that has
accumulated on the panel and by using a DC motor which was sufficient to drive the
panel to receive maximum radiation. Attaching the frame to the solar panel helped to
lift all the weight of the devices which is used in this project. Finally, the results
indicate that the output voltage measurement can be increased by up to. The system
mechanism will assess the system parameters, allowing the user to make decisions
accordingly, proving the system to be efficient, productive, and profitable

5.2 SYSTEM LIMITATION

Commercial and Industrial Solar panel cleaning systems are challenging because
they rarely have water and energy sources next to the solar panels. They can be
dangerous to clean since they may be on rooftops, carports, or off the ground

5.3 FUTURE SCOPE

 It can implement on large PV panels.

 Useful at such places where humans can’t reach to clean the PV panel.
REFERENCE

https://solarfunda.com/solar-panel-robotic-cleaning

https://www.pmu.edu.sa/attachments/academics/pdf/udp/coe/dept/ee/
solar_panels_cleaning_system_report.pdf

https://www.rst-cleantech.com/blog/5-benefits-of-automatic-solar-panel-
cleaning

https://youtu.be/vxw1DjIAfzI