As the world grapples with the challenges of meeting rising electricity demand, particularly in developing countries, solar energy has emerged as a beacon of hope. In sub-Saharan Africa, where energy poverty is a persistent challenge, the potential for solar energy is vast, and waterless solar cleaning makes this solar future brighter than ever.

Monocrystalline photovoltaic (PV) panels have become a popular choice for solar energy generation in the region. These panels convert sunlight into electrical energy, providing a clean and renewable source of power. However, efficiency is affected by the harsh environmental conditions in arid regions.

One of the major challenges facing solar panels is the accumulation of dust, bird droppings and other contaminants on the panel surface, underscoring the need for waterless solar cleaning.

Research has shown that dust accumulation can significantly reduce a solar panel’s power output up to 56 per cent over time, compared with clean modules. Research also shows that the method of cleaning affects solar panel efficiency, depending on whether soap or pressurised water are used.

“Cleaning using water is an effective method but it needs pressurised water or a cleaning brush to help the water to remove sticky or muddy particles,” the authors of a 2013 Energy Conservation and Management study write. The study also notes that surfactants (soap) help maintain the panel’s efficiency.

In many parts of the world, manual cleaning of solar panels using water, brushes and mild soap is a common practice, but it has downsides: It can be labor-intensive, and in arid regions, where water scarcity is a significant issue, manual cleaning of solar panels is not a viable option.

To address this challenge, a team of innovators has designed an automated waterless solar panel cleaning system. According to the researchers, “The system uses an ejector blower for air jet cleaning and a flexible brush for dust sweeping, ensuring efficient cleaning.” This innovative solution is designed to be efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

The system is controlled by an Arduino Uno microcontroller and a real-time clock, which schedules cleaning sessions to ensure maximum efficiency. The use of sensors to detect dust levels and adjust cleaning frequency accordingly ensures that panels operate at optimal levels. The researchers note that “the system recorded a significant 26.23 per cent average increase in power output and reduced losses due to dust accumulation.”

Read the full article about waterless solar cleaning by Samuel Ogunsona at Eco-Business.