Design of IoT-based solar array cleaning system with enhanced performance and efficiency

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels suffer from a reduction in performance due to dirt and environmental pollutants accumulating on their surface. As the number of solar panels installed grows, boosting their efficiency becomes more crucial to optimizing electricity output while decreasing the need for additional panels. Cleaning the PV panels can increase their efficiency, and an automated cleaning system with cutting-edge technologies can improve cleaning effectiveness. This article proposes a system that utilizes the Messaging Queuing Telemetry Transport protocol to enhance the efficiency of solar panels. Also, the system harnesses the power of IoT technology to automate the cleaning process. The system incorporates IoT-enabled sensors, actuators, and communication modules, all controlled by ESP-32. We programed the microcontroller using the software Arduino and Visual Studio Code. The Adafruit IO controls and monitors the system. Users can switch between fully automatic and manual modes using the Adafruit dashboard. The system utilizes DC motors, nylon brushes, a metal frame, a relay module, a buck converter, and a boost converter. A 10W solar panel powers the system with the help of a 20 A charge controller and a 12 V/2.5 Ah battery. The Adafruit dashboard fully controls and monitors the developed system. By automating the cleaning process and leveraging real-time data, the system maximizes solar power generation efficiency, minimizing downtime. The system increases the efficiency of tested 30 W solar panels by 30%.