International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 12 | Dec 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Smart IoT-Enabled Solar Panel Cleaning Robot with Scheduled And On-Demand Operation Vivek Mahawadiwar1, Samruddhi Gaidhar 2, Alhad Chopade 3, Kashish Ghatode 4, Harsh Bawankar5, Manav Kamdi 6 1Assistant professor, Dept of Electronics and Telecommunication, KDK College of Engineering, Maharashtra, India 23456UG student, Dept of Electronics and Telecommunication, KDK College of Engineering, Maharashtra, India
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Abstract - Automated cleaning of photovoltaic (PV) panels
Recent advances in robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT) offer promising approaches. Researchers have designed autonomous cleaners that traverse panel arrays on tracks or robots, using brushes, blowers or water jets to remove dust. Integrated sensors and IoT modules enable remote monitoring and scheduling of cleaning cycles. For instance, Kumar and Murthy (2020) describe an IoT-driven cleaning robot employing air jets, liquid spray, wipers and brushes to systematically clean panels, significantly reducing manual labour. Automated systems like these have proven effective at maintaining PV efficiency without continuous human supervision. In this context, our project proposes an IoTBased Advanced Solar Panel Cleaning Robot with SelfCleaning Timing and Schedule Mode. The robot is designed to automatically clean panels according to preset intervals or on remote command, using an Arduino controller interfaced with dual DC motors (for movement and brushing), a relayactivated water pump, limit-switch boundaries, and an onboard LCD for feedback. A GSM module with DTMF decoding provides a simple phone-call interface for remote operation, avoiding the need for internet connectivity. Together, this design addresses the operational inefficiencies of manual cleaning by delivering a compact, cost-effective solution that enhances solar output and reliability.
is essential to maintain high efficiency, as soiling from dust and pollutants can significantly degrade output. This project develops an IoT-enabled solar panel cleaning robot that autonomously traverses panel arrays using dual motors, a rotating brush, and a controlled water spray. An Arduino microcontroller orchestrates the system, integrating limit switches for navigation and an I2C LCD for real-time status. Scheduled cleaning is implemented through onboard timers, while a GSM module with DTMF capability allows remote activation or overrides via a simple phone call. The robot supports dual modes (automatic and manual) for flexibility. Experimental testing on a prototype (three 100 W panels) showed a typical efficiency gain of 28% after cleaning cycles, with residual dust below 5% and water usage of only 120–150 mL per cycle (far less than the 1–2 L typically used manually). Remote commands were received reliably . These results confirm that the system meets its aim of enhancing solar output while minimizing human labor and water consumption. In summary, the IoT-based cleaner ensures consistent panel maintenance through timed and on-demand operation, contributing to more efficient and sustainable solar installations. Key Words: IoT, solar panel cleaning, robotic maintenance, scheduling, GSM remote control, photovoltaic efficiency, automation, renewable energy maintenance. a.
1. INTRODUCTION Solar energy is a leading solution for sustainable power generation, but real-world PV performance is often impaired by soiling. Dust, pollen, bird droppings and other debris accumulate on panels, blocking sunlight and causing efficiency losses. Studies report that panel output can drop anywhere from about 5% in mildly dusty conditions to over 40% in harsh, arid environments. For example, manual cleaning delays of 1–2 months can reduce power output by roughly 40–50%. Traditional cleaning (manual wiping or high-pressure spraying) is laborious, time-consuming and can damage panels. It also consumes large amounts of water a critical drawback in arid regions and poses safety risks to maintenance crews. These limitations highlight the need for automated cleaning solutions.
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2. LITERATURE REVIEW a) The efficiency of solar panels is significantly affected by dust accumulation, which can lead to power output losses of up to 50% if panels are not regularly cleaned. Kumar and Murthy (2020) explored the design of an autonomous solar panel cleaning robot that utilizes air blowing, liquid spraying, and wiping mechanisms, controlled via IoT for remote operation. Their findings demonstrated that the proposed robot effectively cleans panels, leading to increased energy efficiency and reduced manual labour in solar plants. The integration of IoT not only allows for remote monitoring but also enables predictive maintenance by analysing environmental data to optimize cleaning schedules. b) Similarly, Singarapu et al. (2023) developed a costeffective solar panel cleaning system integrating IoT technology, utilizing a timed cleaning mechanism with water and wipers, controlled through an Android application. Their results showed a remarkable 32% increase in power output
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