International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 11 | Nov 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
A Review on Advanced Solar Panel Cleaner Robot using Arduino Uno Prof. M. M. Thakur1, VEDANG M. GIRI2, TUSHAR M. CHANDEWAR3, SAHIL B. PAWAR4, RAGHAV A. TIWARI5. 1Assistant Professor AI & DS Department K. D. K. COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, Nagpur 2,3,4,5 K. D. K. COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, Nagpur
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ABSTRACT - The demand for effective photovoltaic panels is emphasized by the expanding use of solar energy. For large solar farms, manual cleaning is too labour-intensive, and dust and pollution on panels can reduce energy efficiency by 30%. Many existing automated solutions are either too expensive or lack smart control systems. This review paper looks at an IoT-enabled smart solar panel cleaning system. It combines robotics, Raspberry Pi-based control, and adaptive scheduling for efficient maintenance. The framework automates cleaning using sensors and actuators, ensures real-time monitoring through IoT, and schedules cleaning based on conditions to save energy and water. A thorough literature review covers previous approaches, including mechanical brushes, water-based spraying, and electrostatic cleaning systems. However, intelligent decision-making for scheduling and resource optimization is not incorporated into the majority of these approaches. Comparing the suggested design to manual and semi-automatic methods, experimental analysis reveals encouraging results, including increased power output, enhanced panel efficiency, and reduced operating costs. All things considered, this study enhances smart solar maintenance by fusing automation, IoT, and renewable energy technologies into an economical and environmentally friendly cleaning solution.
One major challenge affecting PV panel efficiency is the accumulation of dust, dirt, bird droppings, and other environmental debris. Such contamination can reduce energy conversion efficiency by 20–30%, depending on location and environmental conditions. Traditional cleaning methods, like manual hand washing, are laborintensive, time-consuming, water-intensive, and often insufficient for large solar farms. Additionally, manual cleaning increases operational costs and risks damaging the delicate surface of solar panels. To overcome these limitations, automated and intelligent cleaning systems have gained attention. Autonomous cleaning robots equipped with sensors and actuators can detect and remove dirt efficiently while minimizing water consumption and labor requirements. Unlike manual cleaning, these systems ensure consistent panel maintenance, prevent energy loss, and extend the lifespan of PV panels. Energy lost due to dust cannot be compensated by advanced energy optimization techniques such as Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), highlighting the need for regular and effective cleaning. Integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technology with robotic cleaning systems provides additional advantages. IoT-enabled robots can be monitored and controlled remotely, schedule cleaning intelligently, and provide realtime feedback on panel conditions. Using Raspberry Pi as the control unit, this study presents a Smart Solar Panel Cleaning Robot (SPCR) capable of autonomous navigation, dirt detection, and precise cleaning operations. The system’s intelligent scheduling optimizes water and energy usage, reduces human intervention, and improves overall system efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Keywords: IoT, photovoltaic (PV) system, cleaning robot, Raspberry Pi, solar panel efficiency, and automation for renewable energy.
INTRODUCTION Renewable energy from the sun has emerged as one of the most reliable and sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight directly into electricity, providing an eco-friendly and cost-effective energy solution. The efficiency of PV systems is critical, as higher efficiency reduces operational costs and ensures optimal utilization of available solar radiation. Maintaining high-performance standards is therefore essential for large-scale solar farms and sustainable energy generation.
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In conclusion, adopting smart robotic cleaning solutions like SPCR can significantly enhance the performance and sustainability of solar energy systems. By reducing labor dependency, minimizing water usage, and maintaining optimal panel cleanliness, these systems support efficient renewable energy production and contribute to environmental sustainability. The SPCR represents a step forward in combining robotics, IoT, and
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