Solar Panel Cleaning Robot in India
Client: 500MW Desert Solar Farm in Rajasthan & Urban Commercial Plant in Mumbai
Challenge: Dust accumulation (reducing efficiency by 25%-40% in dry seasons) and water scarcity in arid regions; pollution-induced grime in cities.
Solution 1: Automatic Solar Panel Cleaning Machine
Application Site: Rajasthan Desert Solar Farm
- Key Features:
- 100% dry sweeping with AI-optimized path planning (98.2% dust removal)
- Modular design for 10km+ panel arrays, compatible with single-axis trackers
- Zero water consumption, critical for desert regions with <200mm annual rainfall
- Customizable night operation to avoid daytime power generation loss
Implementation:
- Deployed 120 units across 2.8km², operating daily at 3:00-5:00 AM
- Integrated with SCADA system for real-time soiling rate monitoring
- Reduced manual labor by 90% (from 200 to 20 workers/month)
Results:
| Metric | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Yield | 780GWh | 928GWh (+19%) |
| O&M Cost | ₹1.2/MWh | ₹0.4/MWh |
| Water Saved | 18M liters/year | 0 |
Solution 2: Remote Control Solar Cleaning Robot
Application Site: 5MW Rooftop Plant in Mumbai
- Key Features:
- Dual-mode cleaning (dry/wet) for mixed pollution (dust + industrial residue)
- 18kg lightweight design with foldable wheels for rooftop access
- 4K camera with debris recognition (identifies bird droppings, cement particles, etc.)
Implementation:
- 8 units serving 25,000 panels across 12 buildings
- Semi-automatic operation via tablet (1 operator controls 3 robots simultaneously)
- 30-minute quick-change battery system for continuous work
ROI Analysis:
- Payback period: 14 months (vs 22 months for manual cleaning)
- Achieved 21.5% efficiency recovery during monsoon smog periods
- Reduced insurance claims for fall accidents by 100%
Comparative Advantage
| Factor | Desert Model | Urban Model |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Cycle | Fixed daily | On-demand (2-4x/week) |
| Speed | 0.8m/s | 0.5m/s (precision mode) |
| Slope Adaptability | ≤25° | ≤40° (for complex rooftops) |
| Data Output | Performance logs | Time-lapse cleanliness reports |
Industry Feedback:
- NTPC Ltd reported 23% reduction in module degradation rate after 18-month deployment
- Tata Power achieved 102% IRR through combined use of both models in hybrid plants
Environmental Impact:
- Equivalent to planting 8,700 neem trees annually in desert deployments
- Prevented 450 tons of chemical cleaner discharge in urban areas
Data sources: NISE performance reports 2024; MNRE cleaning robotics guidelines
tag: India solar panel cleaning system
