Cost Analysis of Solar Panel Cleaning Solutions
Based on the provided document, the costs for cleaning solar panels vary significantly between manual cleaning and robotic cleaning solutions. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Manual Cleaning Costs
- Per-cleaning cost: Cleaning a 1MW solar power station (using 1,818 panels) costs $1,363.5 to $7,272 per session.
- Long-term cost (15-year lifespan):
- Cleaning once annually: $20,452.5 to $109,080 total.
- Cleaning four times annually: $81,810 to $654,480 total.
2. Robotic Cleaning Costs
- Initial investment: For a 1MW station, $10,000 to $20,000 for three sets of robotic equipment.
- Key advantages reducing long-term costs:
- Labor savings: Eliminates recurring labor expenses.
- Zero water costs: Dry cleaning avoids water-related expenses.
- Lifetime service: One-time investment with minimal maintenance needs.
3. Cost Comparison Summary
| Method | Per-Cleaning Cost (1MW) | 15-Year Cost (Annual Cleaning) | 15-Year Cost (Quarterly Cleaning) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual Cleaning | $1,363.5 – $7,272 | $20,452.5 – $109,080 | $81,810 – $654,480 |
| Robotic Cleaning | ~$0 (after initial investment) | ~$10,000 – $20,000 (one-time) | Same as annual (no added cost) |
The robotic solution offers substantial savings over time, particularly for frequent cleaning schedules, while also addressing safety risks and operational inefficiencies of manual methods.
