DESIGN OF SOLAR PANELS DIRT MONITORING AND

CLEANING FOR ENHANCED PERFORMANCE

A PROJECT REPORT

Submitted by

YAKESH S

ARAVINDAN P

GOPINATH P

ELUMALAI M

in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree

of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
IN

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

MAILAM ENGINEERING COLLEGE, MAILAM

ANNA UNIVERSITY :: CHENNAI 600 025

JUNE 2024
 ANNA UNIVERSITY : CHENNAI 600 025

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this project report “DESIGN OF SOLAR PANELS DIRT

MONITORING AND CLEANING FOR ENHANCED PERFORMANCE” is the
bonafide work of “YAKESH S(421620114025), ARAVINDAN P(421620114002),
GOPINATHP(421620114009), ELUMALAI M(421620114008) ” who carried out
the project work under my supervision.

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE

Dr.S.VANDAARKUZHALI M.Tech,Ph.D, Mr.V.PUGAZHENTHI

HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR

Professor, Professor,
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
Mailam Engineering College, Mailam Engineering College,
Mailam – 604 304. Mailam – 604 304.
 TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPTER NO. TITLE PAGE NO.

i
ABSTRACT
ii
LIST OF FIGURES

01 INTRODUCTION 01

02 LITERATURE REVIEW 02

03 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 03

3.1 Introduction 05
3.2 Objectives 06
3.3 Methodology 07
3.4 Components 08
3.5 Impact 06
3.6 Future Directions 07

04 HARDWARE DESCRIPTION 04

4.1 Solar Panel 06

4.2 Node Micro-Controller 07
4.3 Motor Driver 08
4.4 DC-Motor 07
4.5 Cleaning Mechanism 08
05 DESIGN CONTROL 05

5.1 Control Objectives 06

5.2 Control Components 07
5.3 Testing and Validation 08
5.4 User Interface and Interaction 07
5.5 Maintenance 08

06 SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION 05

6.1 05
6.2 06
6.3 07
6.4 08

07 HARDWARE PROTOTYPE
AND CIRCUIT 09

7.1 Hardware Prototype 05

7.2 Circuit 06

08 TESTING & RESULT 09

5.1 Testing Objectives 05

5.2 Field Testing 06
5.3 Testing Result 07
5.4 Analysis 08
09 CONCLUSION 21

10 REFERENCES 23
 ABSTRACT

The advancement in technology to manage energy generation using solar panels

has proved vital for increased reliability and reduced cost. Solar panels emit no
pollution while producing electricity as a renewable energy source. However, the
solar panel is adversely affected by dirt, a major environmental factor affecting
energy production. The intensity of light falling on the solar panel is reduced when
dirt accumulates on the surface. This, in turn, lowers the output of electrical energy
generated by the solar panel. Since cleansing the solar panel is essential, constant
monitoring and evaluation of these processes are necessary to optimize them. To
address the need for enhancing the efficiency and harnessing the full potential of
solar energy systems, this research aims to investigate mitigating solar energy
losses, thereby contributing to the global transition towards renewable energy. A
major impediment to solar panel efficiency is soiling, a phenomenon that causes
significant decline in performance. This review sheds light on the pronounced
impact of soiling, particularly emphasizing the exacerbated effects in arid and semi-
arid regions, where solar irradiance is abundant, and the untapped solar energy
potential is immense.
 LIST OF FIGURES

FIG NO. DESCRIPTON PAGE NO.

5.1 SOLAR PANELS 05

5.2 SOLAR PANEL 06

5.3 NODE MCU 07

5.4 L298N MOTOR DRIVER 08

5.5 L298N BLOCK DIAGRAM 08

5.6 BRUSH FOR CLEANING 08

5.7 HARDWARE PROTOTYPE 08

5.8 HARDWARE PROTOTYPE WHEN

CLEANING 08

5.9 CIRCUIT CONNECTION 08

5.10 SOLAR PANEL BEFORE AND AFTER

CLEANING 08
5.11 SOLAR PANEL BEFORE AND AFTER
CLEANING 08

5.12 RESULT GRAPH RESPECTIVE TO

EFFICIENCY 08

5.13 RESULT GRAPH RESPECTIVE TO

TEMPERATURE 08
 CHAPTER – 01

INTRODUCTION

The utilization of solar energy has gained significant momentum in recent years as
a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional energy
sources. Solar panels, the primary components of solar energy systems, play a
crucial role in harnessing solar power. However, their efficiency can be
compromised by the accumulation of dirt, dust, and other debris on their surfaces,
which diminishes their ability to convert sunlight into electricity.

Fig 1.1- Solar panels

To address this challenge, the design of a system for monitoring and cleaning solar
panels has become increasingly important. By implementing an efficient dirt
monitoring and cleaning mechanism, the performance and longevity of solar panels
can be significantly enhanced, leading to improved energy generation and
economic viability of solar power systems.
This project report focuses on the design and implementation of such a system,
aimed at maximizing the efficiency and reliability of solar panels in various
environmental conditions. The proposed system incorporates innovative
technologies for real-time monitoring of panel cleanliness and automated cleaning
processes, ensuring optimal performance and minimal maintenance requirements.

In this report, we will delve into the rationale behind the development of this
system, discussing the significance of solar panel cleanliness for overall energy
production and the challenges associated with maintaining clean panels,
particularly in diverse geographic locations and climates.

Overall, the objective of this project is to present a comprehensive solution for

enhancing the performance of solar panels through effective dirt monitoring and
cleaning mechanisms. By optimizing the cleanliness of solar panels, we aim to
contribute to the wider adoption of solar energy as a sustainable and economically
viable energy source, paving the way towards a cleaner and greener future.
 CHAPTER – 02

LITERATURE REVIEW

Solar energy is increasingly recognized as a vital component of the global transition

towards renewable energy sources. As solar panels continue to proliferate across
diverse geographical regions, maintaining their efficiency becomes paramount for
maximizing energy production and economic viability. The accumulation of dirt,
dust, and other contaminants on solar panel surfaces significantly impedes their
performance, necessitating effective monitoring and cleaning strategies.

1. Importance of Solar Panel Cleanliness:

The efficiency of solar panels is directly correlated with their cleanliness. Studies
have shown that even a thin layer of dust or dirt can reduce solar panel efficiency
by up to 25% (Abdulhadi et al., 2020). Consequently, ensuring the cleanliness of
solar panels is essential for optimizing energy generation and maximizing return on
investment.

2. Challenges in Maintaining Clean Solar Panels:

Maintaining clean solar panels presents various challenges, particularly in regions

prone to dust storms, pollen, bird droppings, and other environmental factors.
Manual cleaning methods are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and often
impractical, especially for large-scale solar installations. Furthermore, relying
solely on rainfall for panel cleaning may not suffice in arid or low-precipitation
regions.
3. Existing Monitoring and Cleaning Technologies:

Several monitoring and cleaning technologies have been developed to address the
challenge of maintaining clean solar panels.
These include:
➢ Automated monitoring systems utilizing sensors to detect dirt accumulation and
assess panel cleanliness levels.
➢ Robotic cleaning devices equipped with brushes, wipers, or air jets to remove
dirt and debris from panel surfaces.
➢ Water-based cleaning systems incorporating sprinklers or nozzles to spray
purified water onto panels, followed by squeegees or brushes for scrubbing.

4. Advancements in Dirt Monitoring Technologies:

Recent advancements in dirt monitoring technologies have enabled real-time

assessment of solar panel cleanliness. These technologies utilize various sensing
techniques, such as optical sensors, infrared imaging, and ultrasonic transducers, to
detect and quantify dirt accumulation on panel surfaces.

5. Optimization of Cleaning Processes:

Research efforts have focused on optimizing cleaning processes to minimize water

consumption, energy consumption, and environmental impact. Strategies include
the use of recycled water, scheduling cleaning operations during periods of low
energy demand, and incorporating self-cleaning coatings on panel surfaces .
 CHAPTER – 03

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1. Introduction:

The "Design of Solar Panels Dirt Monitoring and Cleaning for Performance"
project aims to address the issue of reduced efficiency in solar panels due to dirt
accumulation. Solar panels are a crucial component of renewable energy systems,
but their performance can degrade over time as dirt, dust, and other contaminants
settle on their surface. This project proposes the development of an automated
system for monitoring dirt levels on solar panels and implementing cleaning
processes to maintain optimal performance.

2. Objectives:

➢ Develop an automated cleaning mechanism to remove dirt and restore solar

panel efficiency.
➢ Integrate monitoring and cleaning systems to create a comprehensive
solution for maintaining solar panel performance.
➢ Test the effectiveness of the system in improving solar panel efficiency and

reducing maintenance requirements.

3. Methodology:

➢ Cleaning Mechanism Design: Develop mechanisms for automated cleaning,

such as brush systems or water spraying, to remove dirt from solar panels.
➢ System Integration: Integrate monitoring and cleaning systems with solar
panels, ensuring seamless operation and communication between
components.
 ➢ Testing and Optimization: Conduct thorough testing of the system under
various environmental conditions to optimize performance and reliability.

4. Components:

➢ Wi-Fi Module: A self contained SOC with integrated TCP/IP protocol stack
that can give any microcontroller access to your Wi-Fi network.
➢ Motor Driver: A dual H-Bridge motor driver which allows speed and
direction control of two DC motors at the same time.
➢ Actuators: Brushing mechanism, water spraying system, or other cleaning
devices.
➢ Communication Module: Enables communication between the monitoring
station and the solar panel system.
➢ Power Supply: Provides electrical power to the monitoring and cleaning
systems.

5. Expected Outcomes:

➢ Development of a robust dirt monitoring and cleaning system for solar

panels.
➢ Improved efficiency and performance of solar panels through regular
maintenance and cleaning.
➢ Reduction in maintenance costs and downtime associated with manual
cleaning processes.
➢ Contribution to the sustainability of renewable energy systems by
maximizing the output of solar power generation.

6. Impact:

➢ The project's outcome has the potential to enhance the efficiency and
reliability of solar energy systems, contributing to the widespread adoption
 of renewable energy sources.
➢ By reducing the impact of dirt accumulation on solar panel performance, the
project aligns with efforts to mitigate climate change and promote
sustainable energy solutions.
➢ The developed technology could find applications in various industries and
settings where solar panels are used, including residential, commercial, and
industrial sectors.

7. Future Directions:

➢ Further refinement and optimization of the monitoring and cleaning system

for enhanced performance and reliability.
➢ Integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and
machine learning, for predictive maintenance and adaptive cleaning
strategies.
 CHAPTER – 04

HARDWARE DESCRIPTION

1. Solar Panel:

The array of the solar panels is named non-literally for a photovoltaic module.
A PV module can be coined as an assembly of photovoltaic cells mounted during
a framework for installation. PV cells use sunlight as an energy source and
produce DC electricity. Arrays of a PV system supply solar electricity to
electrical equipment. PV modules use light energy from the Sun to get electricity
through the photovoltaic effect. Most of the modules use crystalline silicon cells
or thin-film cells. The structural members of a module are often either the upper
layer or the rear layer. These must be protected against mechanical damage and
moisture. Most modules are rigid, but semi-flexible ones supported thin-film
cells also are available. The specifications from the manufacture on solar panels
are seen under the standard conditions which is not the real operating condition
the solar panels are exposed to on the installation site.

Fig 4.1- Solar panels

Each one of the modules is rated by its DC output power under standard test
conditions and thus the on-field output power might vary with various
circumstances. Power values typically ranges from 100 to 365 Watts.

Figure 4.1 represents the conversion of the solar cells into a PV system. The
efficiency of a module determines the area of a module given a similar rated
output – an 8% efficient 230 W module will have twice the area of a 16%
efficient 230 W module. Some commercially available solar modules exceed
24% efficiency. Hence, most of the incident sunlight energy is wasted by PV
modules and another design concept is to separate sunlight into six to eight
different wavelength ranges that may produce unique color sunlight and direct
the beams onto different cells tuned to those range. To produce electricity, solar
cells are made from a semiconducting material that converts light into
electricity. The most common material used as a semiconductor during the
photovoltaic cell manufacturing process is silicon. Both monocrystalline and
polycrystalline solar panels have cells made from silicon wafers.

2. Node MCU (Node Micro-Controller):

➢ The NodeMCU (Node MicroController Unit) is an open-source software

and hardware development environment built around an inexpensive
System-on-a-Chip (SoC) called the ESP8266.

➢ The ESP8266 WiFi Module is a self contained SOC with integrated

TCP/IP protocol stack that can give any microcontroller access to your
WiFi network. The ESP8266 is capable of either hosting an application or
offloading all WiFi networking functions from another application
pocessor.
 Fig 4.2- Node MCU

➢ The ESP8266 is a system on a chip (SOC) Wi-Fi microchip for Internet of

Things (IoT) applications produced by Espressif Systems.

3. Motor Driver:

➢ The L298N is a dead simple way to drive a DC motor and they are readily
available.

Fig 4.3 - L298N Motor Driver

 ➢ We use motor drivers to give high power to the motor by using a small
voltage signal from a microcontroller or a control system. If the
microprocessor transmits a HIGH input to the motor driver, The driver will
rotate the motor in one direction keeping the one pin as HIGH and one pin
as LOW.

Fig 4.4 - L298N Block Diagram

➢ 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.

4. DC – Motors:

A DC Motor is an electrical device that converts electrical energy into mechanical

energy. Going by the DC motor full form, the device uses Direct Current (DC) for
its operation. A rotary component called an armature coil rests inside the motor's
casing, surrounded by strong permanent magnets.
5. Cleaning Mechanism:

➢ Brushes attached to the motor shaft are made of materials like nylon,
polypropylene, or soft bristles to prevent scratching or damaging the solar
panel surface.

Fig 4.5 – Brush for Cleaning

➢ This brush design ensure effective removal of dirt while minimizing the risk
of abrasion to the solar panel's anti-reflective coating or glass surface.
➢ The size and shape of the brush should be compatible with the dimensions of
the solar panels to ensure comprehensive cleaning coverage.
 CHAPTER – 05

DESIGN CONTROL

The control design of the Solar Panels Dirt Monitoring and Cleaning system, a
comprehensive approach is necessary to ensure efficient and effective operation.
Here's an outline of the control design:

1. Control Objectives:

➢ Maintain optimal performance of solar panels by ensuring minimal dirt

accumulation.
➢ Minimize energy consumption during cleaning operations.
➢ Prevent damage to solar panels and components during cleaning processes.
➢ Provide timely cleaning based on dirt accumulation levels to maximize
energy generation efficiency.

2. Control Components:

➢ Cleaning Mechanism: Removes dirt from solar panel surfaces using

actuators.

➢ Node - Microcontroller (Node MCU): Controls and coordinates the

operation of the monitoring and cleaning systems.

3. Testing and Validation:

➢ Conduct simulation studies and hardware-in-the-loop testing to validate the

performance of the control algorithms under various operating conditions
and scenarios.
 ➢ Perform field trials and real-world testing to assess the effectiveness and
reliability of the control design in practical applications.

4. User Interface and Interaction:

➢ Develop a user interface for control system status, cleaning control, and
performance metrics.
➢ Provide manual override capabilities for users to initiate cleaning cycles or
adjust control parameters as needed.

5. Maintenance:

➢ Implement diagnostic features to detect system faults and anomalies,

facilitating proactive maintenance and troubleshooting.
➢ Provide documentation and support for system maintenance tasks, such as
sensor calibration and component replacement.
 CHAPTER – 07

HARDWARE PROTOTYPE
AND CIRCUIT

This section explains the workflow of modelling and simulation of the

prototype hardware.

1. Hardware Prototype:

Fig 7.1 – Hardware Prototype

The full hardware combined with the circuit. This section explains the process of
the fabrication of the prototype dual-axis solar cleaning robot. The initial part is the
base of the dual-axis solar cleaning robot. A square board is used for the bottom of
the base so that it can hold the top part and support the DC-motors . While
connecting motors bolts are attached to the motor to arrange grip in connecting
square board and also the Wheels and brushes for cleaning solar panel. To support
the square board at the top, a rectangular wooden pieces is attached which goes
through and hold the another DC motor with the cleaning brush. The node
microcontroller in each circuit is a board based on the IOT signals which is
programmed and controlled by wireless. Once the node microcontroller board gets
powered from the power supply, it starts controlling the features of the devices
interfaced to it.

Fig 7.2 – Hardware Prototype during cleaning

2. Circuit:

Fig 7.3 – Circuit connection

 CHAPTER – 08

TESTING & ANALYSIS

1. Testing Objectives:
➢ Assess the performance of the cleaning mechanism in removing dirt and
restoring solar panel efficiency.
➢ Validate the overall functionality and reliability of the integrated monitoring
and cleaning system under various environmental conditions.

2. Field Testing:

Testing with the cleaned and dirt solar panels

Fig 8.1 – Solar panel Before and After Cleaning

 Fig 8.2 – Testing of Solar panel Before and After Cleaning

3. Testing Result:

Creating a graph that represents the relationship between dirt accumulation,

cleaning cycles, and the resulting solar panel performance can offer insights into
how cleaning interventions affect efficiency.

Description:
➢ X-axis: Time (seconds)
➢ Y-axis: Relative power output (% Efficiency)

Fig 8.3 – Result Graph respective to Efficiency

Description:
➢ X-axis: Temprature (°c)
➢ Y-axis: Time (minutes)

Fig 8.4 – Result Graph respective to Temperature

4. Analysis:

➢ The solar panel performance curve gradually declines over time as dirt
accumulates on the panels, leading to decreased efficiency.
➢ Cleaning when dirt accumulation reaches a certain threshold, resulting in
temporary spikes in performance.
➢ The dirt accumulation curve rises steadily until a cleaning cycle occurs, after
which it resets or decreases, indicating successful removal of dirt.
➢ Performance improvements following cleaning cycles demonstrate the
impact of cleaning interventions on restoring or maintaining solar panel
efficiency.
 CHAPTER – 08

CONCLUSION

The Design of Solar Panels Dirt Monitoring and Cleaning system presents a
comprehensive solution to address the challenge of efficiency degradation in solar
panel installations due to dirt accumulation. Through the integration of advanced
monitoring technologies and automated cleaning mechanisms, the system aims to
optimize solar panel performance, prolong operational lifespan, and enhance
overall energy generation efficiency.

Key Achievements:

➢ Cleaning Mechanism: The brushing mechanism, driven by motor actuators

controlled by a node microcontroller unit, effectively removes dirt and debris
from solar panel surfaces. This cleaning process ensures consistent
performance and minimizes manual intervention requirements.

➢ Reliable System Integration: The seamless integration of cleaning systems

with solar panel installations ensures robust performance and reliability in
various environmental conditions. The system's adaptability and
responsiveness enable efficient operation over extended periods.

Impact and Implications:

➢ The implementation of the monitoring and cleaning system has the potential
to significantly improve the efficiency and output of solar panel installations,
thereby maximizing energy generation and reducing reliance on
conventional energy sources.
 ➢ By mitigating the adverse effects of dirt accumulation, the system contributes
to the sustainability and longevity of renewable energy systems, aligning
with global efforts to combat climate change and promote clean energy
solutions.
➢ The scalability and adaptability of the system make it suitable for deployment
across a wide range of solar panel installations, including residential,
commercial, and industrial settings, further expanding its potential impact
and reach.

In conclusion, the Design of Solar Panels Dirt Monitoring and Cleaning system
represents a significant advancement in the field of renewable energy technology,
offering a sustainable and effective solution to optimize the performance of solar
panel installations and drive the transition towards a cleaner and more resilient
energy ecosystem.
 CHAPTER – 08

REFERENCES

1. Bhagwan Deen Verma, Prof. (Dr.) Mukesh Pandey, Asst. Prof. Anurag
Gour."A Review Paper on Solar Tracking System for Photovoltaic Power
Plant”. International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology Vol.
9 Issue 02, February(2020): 2278-0181

2. Cotfas, D. T., and Cotfas P. A. "Multiconcept methods to enhance

photovoltaic system efficiency." International Journal of Photoenergy
2019 (2019).

3. Premkumar, M., and R. Sowmya. "An effective maximum power point

tracker for partially shaded solar photovoltaic systems." Energy Reports 5
(2019): 1445-1462.

4. Sharma, Rakhi, Shivanshu Sharma, and Sumit Tiwari. "Design

optimization of solar PV water pumping system." Materials Today:
Proceedings 21 (2020): 1673-1679.

5. Prabodh Bajpai and Subhash Kumar “Design, Development associated

Performance check of an Automatic Two-Axis star huntsman
System”,Annual IEEE Conference on state Conference, Hyderabad, pp. 1-
6, Dec.2011.

6. Drugă, C. Repanovici, A., and Roşca, I.C., Micro-electro-mechanical

systems- Laboratory Guide, medicine Engineering series, ed. Transylvania
University of Braşov, ISBN 978-606-19 0562-1, 2015.

7. A.Stjepanovic, S.Stjepanovic, F.Softic and Z.Bundalo,

“Microcontroller based star chase System”, International IEEE Conference
of Telecommunication in trendy Satellite, Nis, pp. 518- 521, Oct. 2009.