How to Save Money When Buying pv panel cleaning robot

As solar energy becomes increasingly popular, keeping your solar panels clean is crucial for maintaining efficiency. That’s where solar panel cleaning robots come in handy. Imagine an automated device programmed as per your requirements that will automatically clean your panels without any human intervention.

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These robotic devices are a game changer in the field of dry cleaning your panels, making it easier than ever to keep your photovoltaic panels in top condition without the hassle of manual cleaning.

These robots are revolutionizing solar cleaning with features like AI and remote control.

In addition, you will be amazed to know that the solar panel cleaning robot market was valued at over $621.5 million in and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.5% from to (source).

The market is driven by increasing demand for solar energy, especially in developing countries, and the Asia Pacific region specifically China and India are expected to dominate the market. These statistics show how fast this segment is making way for itself.

In this article, we’ll explore the best 10 solar panel cleaning robots for . You’ll learn about the latest advancements in intelligent control and modular design that make these devices so effective. 

Whether you’re looking for a portable option or a certified model, we’ve got you covered with detailed reviews and comparisons to help you find the best robot cleaner for your solar panels. Let us welcome you to the virtual world of robotic cleaning.

Top 10 Picks of Robot Cleaner For

Ecoppia

The world’s leader in robotic solar panel cleaning Ecoppia’s robots are engineered specifically for large-scale solar farms where manual cleaning is both impractical and expensive. These robots are designed for waterless cleaning.

It combines a soft microfiber and a combination of regulated airflow to eliminate dust. As the company claimed one year of Ecoppia dry cleaning saves water for more than 2 lac people for one year.

Ecoppia’s robots operate autonomously and are powered by advanced AI that enables them to clean solar panels without human intervention. The AI algorithms integrated into the system allow for real-time monitoring and adjustments, ensuring that each panel is cleaned thoroughly and efficiently. Additionally, these robots are equipped with solar-powered batteries, making them energy-independent and reducing operational costs.

Ecoppia’s robots are made from high-quality, weather-resistant materials. These materials include lightweight, corrosion-resistant alloys, and high-grade plastics designed to face extreme temperatures and UV radiation.

Having the first movers’ advantage Ecoppia has 50+ patents grants and has a market in 4 continents with 35+ large-scale sites.

SKILANCER SOLAR

This innovative Indian startup is an idea of IIT Jodhpur alumni. Skilancer Solar is designed for both water-based and waterless cleaning. These robots are providing services for not only large-scale solar farms but also rooftop solar. The water-based systems are particularly effective in regions with heavy dust, while the waterless options are ideal for areas with water scarcity.

These solar are specially programmed in integrating IoT technology allowing for real-time monitoring and control. This allows the robots to be controlled remotely via a centralized platform.

The robots feature corrosion-resistant alloys and durable plastics that can endure constant exposure to sunlight. The brushes and other cleaning components are made from soft but effective materials that ensure thorough cleaning without damaging the solar panels.

Know More: How Often You Should Clean Your Solar Panels

SolarCleano

The F1 by SolarCleano offers an adaptable and efficient cleaning solution. Its ability to clean both wet and dry solar panels. its high-speed operation is capable of cleaning up to 1,600 square meters per hour. 

The robot can be disassembled into four parts, making it easy to transport and reassemble at different sites. It comes with a camera and screen which makes it very convenient to control from a distance.

Its high-end caterpillar tracks ensure it maintains grip and stability across various surfaces, including floating solar panels, which are becoming increasingly popular in India.

Sunpure

Sunpure has established itself as a leader in the solar panel cleaning industry. Offering durable, efficient, and technologically advanced cleaning systems, at the same time specialization in automated solutions for both ground-mounted and rooftop solar panels makes them a versatile choice for solar installations worldwide.

With more than 200 registered patents and 14+ countries presence Sunpure is a to-be leading robotic company. Sunpure integrates cutting-edge technology into their solar cleaning systems, like lightweight design, windproof, UV-modified PBT brush filament, smart obstacle crossing, and twistable body.

SolaBot

Another Indian startup, SolaBot making waves in the industry with waterless, automated solar cleaning solutions. Their robots are designed to operate in extreme weather conditions, making them suitable for a variety of environments. 

Having a presence in 11 states of India SolaBot is also planning to expand internationally in the Middle East and American markets.

SolaBot designed their robots specifically for dry cleaning with long resilience in hazardous circumstances. They have many variants like SB-01, SB-03, and SB-04T which require very less to neglectable men’s power, automatic tracker, self-charging, fast response, and real-time monitoring.

Read More: How To Clean Solar Panels Without Water

Airtouch

An advanced linear, water-free robotic solar panel cleaner with wind-blowing technology can clean up to meters on a single charge. 

The robots are designed to operate on a predefined schedule, ensuring that the panels remain clean at all times. They utilize advanced algorithms to optimize the cleaning process, minimizing the time required to clean each panel.

The durability of these robots is a key selling point, as it ensures that they can operate effectively over long periods without frequent repairs or replacements. The robots are equipped with advanced sensors and AI-driven software that allow them to navigate solar farms independently. 

With a 58% sales growth rate, Airtouch is definitely in the industry to disrupt. The company’s main production unit is in India, which makes it more adaptive for the Indian market.

Jetsons Robotics

Manual cleaning with water is not a sustainable process with this tagline Jetsons Robotics provides autonomous waterless cleaning. This is specifically designed for commercial solar rooftops.

Jetsons Robotics stands out for its capacity to handle extensive solar installations, making it an ideal choice for utility-scale projects. Their robots are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems, enabling them to clean panels efficiently without human intervention.

The robots are equipped with advanced sensors, AI algorithms, and IoT connectivity. Jetsons is well positioned in the Indian market size of robotic solar cleaning.

NOMADD Solar Cleaning System

The NOMADD (NO Water Mechanical Automated Dusting Device) cleaning method is quite similar to the Ecopia system. The main distinction is the sort of brush used on the panel’s surface. Specially designed for the desert area, the NOMADD system does not contain many motors. 

It usually contains only two motors which are used to run the brush horizontally. NOMADD is unmatched at scale because of its patented “Cleaning Angle” technology. The system’s distinctive “pivoting brush endpoints” provide many major advantages.

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The machine can float over misaligned tracks by automatically adjusting the angle. NOMADD has a strong presence in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia.

Greenlap Robotics

Another Indian startup by IIT Delhi alumni Greenlap Robotics provides advanced robotic solar panel cleaning solutions. It is particularly adept at handling large-scale solar installations, including utility-scale solar farms, where the sheer number of panels makes manual cleaning impractical.

Their robots are engineered to operate in various environmental conditions, making them suitable for a wide range of geographical locations. The cleaning robot’s 39 kg weight is spread evenly thanks to its sturdy and broad TPU wheels. It runs on a solar panel frame. 

These robots can be monitored and controlled from anywhere on any device via a web dashboard. Greenlap Robotics has a presence in 7 states across the country.

Aegeus Technologies

A 100% Made in India company specializes in developing autonomous and semi-autonomous robotic systems designed to clean solar panels effectively and efficiently. One of the key specializations of Aegeus Technologies is its ability to offer customized solutions for different types of solar installations. 

The company is also known for integrating cutting-edge AI and machine learning algorithms into its robotic systems. Robots are often made of high-quality aluminium alloys and robust plastics that can face the challenges of outdoor operation. The cleaning mechanisms are non-abrasive, guaranteeing that the solar panels are completely cleaned. 

Innovative Features in Modern Solar Panel Cleaning Robots

Modern solar panel cleaning robots are transforming how we maintain and improve solar energy installations. These revolutionary gadgets include sophisticated features that make them efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally beneficial. Let’s look at some of the cutting-edge technologies that are influencing the future of solar panel maintenance.

• AI and Machine Learning Capabilities
• Advanced Sensors and Obstacle Detection

To navigate safely and efficiently, modern cleaning robots are equipped with a suite of advanced sensors. These include:

• LiDAR
• Cameras
• Ultrasonic sensors
• IR sensors
• Water Conservation Technologies
  • Dry cleaning
  • Wet cleaning
  • De-ionized water cleaning
• Integration with Solar Farm Management Systems
• Self-Diagnostic and Reporting Features
  • Data collection on energy output before and after cleaning
  • Monitoring of environmental conditions
  • Performance analysis of the cleaning process

Some Key Things To Consider When Choosing A Solar Robot Cleaner

1. Cleaning speed and coverage area: Fast cleaning speed and wide coverage areas are essential to minimize downtime and ensure efficient cleaning of large solar arrays. If your requirements are not met, then you should avoid purchasing robot cleaners.

2. Cleaning effectiveness (percentage of dirt removed): Another key point for your checklist is ensuring high cleaning effectiveness so that most of the dirt is removed, allowing solar panels to operate at their maximum efficiency.

3.  Water usage (if applicable): If you are purposefully looking for a dry cleaning method then you must consider this. Water-efficient systems reduce operational costs and environmental impact, especially important in regions where water is scarce or expensive.

4.  Energy consumption: Low energy consumption minimizes operational costs and ensures that the energy gains from cleaning exceed the energy used by the robotic system. Always invest in those which give your money a higher value.

5. Durability and Lifespan: A durable system with a long lifespan provides better value for money, reducing the need for frequent replacements and ensuring consistent operation over time. It can minimize your fixed cost for the entire setup.

6. Materials used in construction: High-quality materials improve durability and resistance to environmental factors, leading to fewer breakdowns and a longer operational life. You have to check for those that are sustainable for disposal.

7. Weather resistance: Weather-resistant systems can operate reliably in various conditions, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring continuous operation throughout the year.

8. Warranty and support offered by the manufacturer: A good warranty and strong customer support protect your investment and ensure that any issues are resolved quickly, minimizing downtime and unexpected costs. So always do your research before investing your money in robot cleaners.

9. Maintenance requirements: Systems with low maintenance needs are more cost-effective and convenient, requiring less frequent attention and fewer replacement parts, reducing overall operational costs and time as well.

10. Ease of Deployment and Operation: Easy deployment and operation reduce setup time and labour costs, making the system more user-friendly and accessible for a wider range of personnel, which is important for large-scale operations.

The user-friendliness of a solar panel cleaning robot can significantly impact its overall value. Look for robots that offer:

• Simple installation processes
• Intuitive control interfaces
• Remote operation capabilities
• Integration with existing solar farm management systems
• Compatibility with Different Panel Types
• Various panel sizes and orientations
• Cost-effectiveness and ROI

Conclusion

Solar panel cleaning robots have transformed photovoltaic system maintenance, providing a unique combination of efficiency and creativity. These devices increase energy output and reduce water use and labour expenses. 

As technology advances, we should expect even more innovative features in future cleaning robots. The top ten recommendations for represent the current state of the art, with alternatives to meet various demands and budgets. By selecting the appropriate robot for your setup, you can keep your solar panels clean and productive while increasing your return on investment in clean energy.

What is soiling loss?

Soiling loss is the term given to all energy production loss in a solar system that is attributed to the panels being dirty. This panel soiling can come from:

• Atmospheric dust
• Bird Droppings
• Ash from wildfires
• Pollen from adjacent trees
• and other factors

We know that the economics of cleaning residential solar systems are not great. If a residential owner experiences 7% soiling loss annually on a 5-kW solar system in California, they will see about $65 lost over the course of the year. We are forced to ask ourselves if the cost to wash our panels justifies the savings, as this is generally how we view the economics of solar.

While the figure above wouldn’t motivate most people to climb up on the roof and clean their solar panels as often as they might clean the family car, it is not the full picture of what soiling does to our systems.

Economics are, of course, important but other factors must also be taken into consideration. To bring it back to the family car, it will probably not affect daily gas mileage when one decides between regular and synthetic oil, but the latter will likely ensure that the car lasts long enough to be handed down to that lucky first child when they come of age.

The same can be said for solar panels. Two important negative effects of soiling that do not necessarily impact daily energy production relate to two jargon terms: PID and Riso. Don’t worry, these terms are explained below.

Related reading: How To Choose Solar Panels for Your Home

Economics of Cleaning Solar Panels

We have seen above that a 7% average annual loss on an average sized system does not justify the effort of cleaning. Well, what if a system does not fall on the average? What if the annual loss is greater than the 7% average? In their study, Zorilla and Casanova found that daily soiling rates can reach up to 25% during the dry summer months. These rates are mitigated by a significant rain event, but during the extended dry periods of the summer, these levels can be sustained throughout times when we generate the most solar energy all year.

For Example

This leads to an annual average of 10% on a system that is above average at 10 kW we see the soiling loss value rise to nearly $190. If this can be recovered by simply hosing down the solar panels a couple of times a year at nearly zero cost, it becomes a lot more attractive to do so. The key to knowing if we should be addressing soiling losses at home is through determining daily soiling losses and daily soiling accumulation.

Local solar soiling losses can be determined using soiling measurements with devices located adjacent to the array or by taking measurements on the panels themselves before and after cleaning.

Once a daily soiling accumulation rate has been determined we can calculate the rate at which soiling losses build on a daily basis. This value will lead to the optimal time to clean from a financial perspective.

One aspect that needs to be taken into consideration if attempting to hose down a PV system is water hardness. It is true that water spots will negatively impact the production so this author recommends testing water hardness before attempting to clean panels with a quick spritz.

If the intrepid panel washing homeowner needs additional motivation for testing water, just ask the plants in the yard, they can also benefit from a little added knowledge of what is coming out of that hose. As with those plants in the yard, a solar array should be hosed down in the morning or early evening. This will prevent large temperature swings that could affect the panels as well as allowing for the water to run off without as much water-spot depositing evaporation. This should be done at domestic water pressure and never with a pressure washer.

Cleaning Modules

1. If cleaning is required beyond a simple rinse, a soft (read: non-abrasive) means can be employed to remove more stubborn dirt. First, we use only pure water and a soft sponge, non-abrasive brush, microfiber cloth or anything you would take to your car’s finish to wipe the area while maintaining a wet surface. After wiping down, rinse the system again and let dry.
2. Although rare, there are instances where the above steps do not fully clean the array. In such cases, it is ok to use a very mild biodegradable cleaning agent. Repeat the steps above employing the cleaning agent and rinse very well when complete.

It is important to note, that when working around solar panels, we should never step on any surface of the panel. Also, in many cases, using an abrasive cleaning method can void a manufacturer’s warranty so take exceptional care when cleaning your system.

Potential Induced Degradation (PID)

PID is a type of degradation that can build up in solar panels (and therefore arrays) over time. This loss can render a PV system useless. Without getting too far into the weeds, PID is caused by electrical fields in and around the solar panel itself. These electric fields are generally harmless but can be worsened when the surface of the panel is covered in an electrically conductive layer of dirt. I apologize for bringing up High School chemistry but dirty water allows electricity to flow and pure water does not.

What does this mean for solar panels? When the surface of the panel is dirty, it allows for interaction between these internal and external fields of the system. This interaction is the breeding ground for PID. Though, some manufacturers have mitigated this effect as of recently, avoiding PID via keeping an array clean is a cheap and effective way to prevent it for the previous generation of solar panels.

Isolation / Insulation Resistance (RISO)

Riso is a term given to a test that inverters perform before initiating system start. This test is designed to determine if the electrical connections are ok before starting up the system. If this test fails, the inverter will not turn on. This is an excellent feature for the safe operation of a PV system. The effects of soiling on this issue come into play in the same way as we saw with PID above.

If the system and its electrical connections become coated in dirt, this test could result in an unnecessary failure during early morning dewy situations. This will generally present itself as an error on the inverter (Riso Low) and can substantially impact the annual production of a system if the system must wait first for sunrise and then for everything to dry out before turning on.

These are a few of the important characteristics to consider when thinking about the issue of soiling on a solar system and whether or not to clean. All too often we think only about the immediate economics of our solar installations, but as time goes on, and we become savvier to all this technology that now pervades our lives, we learn more and more about how to use it to the utmost potential.

For high-tech and reliable soiling monitoring equipment, Fracsun has developed a state-of-the-art product. You can inquire about their technologies here. To request a product quote, you can visit here.

Guest Blogger Bio:

Catlin is the co-founder of Fracsun which has built a patented device that allows system owners and operators to locally measure soiling rates and determine financially optimal cleaning schedules.

Catlin has nine years of engineering experience in commercial and utility project development, module product management, new product development, sales engineering, estimating, system design, installation and project optimization. He has worked in project development in the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, India, Nepal and Indonesia. In several of these markets, he has led training workshops, teaching engineers and installers of local companies industry best practices for design, installation, and maintenance of solar assets.

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