A Mini Project Report on

Automatic Solar Panel Cleaner

Submitted By

Tushar Satish Waghmare 23UEE313

Under Guidance of
P.S.Magdum

Department of Electrical Engineering

D.K.T.E Society’s
Textile and Engineering Institute, Ichalkaranji
(An Autonomous Institute Affiliated to Shivaji University Kolhapur)

Academic Year
2024-25

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 D.K.T.E Society’s
Textile and Engineering Institute, Ichalkaranji

(An Autonomous Institute Affiliated to Shivaji University

Kolhapur) Department of Electrical Engineering
Academic Year 2023-24

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that,

Tushar Satish Waghmare 23UEE313

of Third Year B.Tech. Electrical Engineering, has satisfactorily

completed Mini- Project entitled
Automatic Solar Panel Cleaner
under the guidance of P.S.Magdum for partial fulfilment of
Under Graduation in Electrical Engineering at D.K.T.E. Society’s
Textile and Engineering Institute, Ichalkaranji for Academic
Year 2023-24.

Guide HOD Director

Electrical Department

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 Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction xx

Chapter 2: System Implementation xx

2.1 Block Diagram with Explanation xx

2.2 Circuit Diagram with Explanation xx

2.3 Description of Hardware Components xx

2.4 Algorithm of implemented work xx

Chapter 3: Results xx

Chapter 4: Conclusion xx

Chapter 5: Applications with Advantages and Limitations xx

5.1 Applications xx

5.2 Advantages xx

5.3 Limitations xx

References

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 Chapter-1

Introduction

Introduction To Automatic Solar Panel Cleaner Project

The Solar energy has become a vital component of sustainable power generation, but one of the
challenges that solar systems face is the accumulation of dust, dirt, and other debris on the
panels, which can significantly reduce their efficiency. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain
optimal energy output. Manual cleaning, however, can be labor-intensive, time-consuming, and
inefficient, especially for large solar farms or panels installed in hard-to-reach places. To address
this issue, automation provides a highly effective solution.

This project introduces a time-based automatic solar panel cleaning system, utilizing an Arduino
Uno and a DS1307 Real-Time Clock (RTC) module to automate the cleaning process. The
system operates according to user-specified times, ensuring that the solar panels are cleaned
regularly without manual intervention. This is achieved by integrating a servo motor that
functions as a wiper to sweep across the surface of the panels, and a water pump motor that
sprays water to aid in the cleaning process.

The DS1307 RTC module Is essential for ensuring accurate timekeeping. It allows the system to
trigger the cleaning operation at specific intervals, which can be set based on the amount of dust
accumulation or environmental factors. The RTC module runs independently of the Arduino’s
power supply, maintaining precise time even if the system is powered down or rebooted.

When the system reaches the user-defined target time, the relay controlling the water pump is
activated, and water is sprayed onto the solar panel. After a short delay, the servo motor,
configured as a wiper system, begins to move back and forth, effectively removing dirt and
debris from the surface. This dual-action cleaning ensures that the solar panels remain free of
obstructions, maximizing their energy output.

The ability to enter the desired cleaning time through the serial monitor makes the system highly
flexible, allowing the user to adjust the cleaning schedule as needed. This feature is particularly
useful for areas with variable dust levels, ensuring that the panels are cleaned more frequently
during dusty seasons and less often in cleaner environments.

In summary, this project demonstrates how a simple combination of an Arduino, RTC, relay,
water pump, and servo motor can automate the essential task of solar panel cleaning. By
ensuring the panels are cleaned at regular intervals, this system helps to maintain high efficiency
in solar energy generation, contributing to the overall reliability and sustainability of solar power
systems.

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 Chapter 2

System Implementation

2.1 Block Diagram with Explaination

1) RTC Module (DS1307):

The Real-Time Clock (RTC) Module is responsible for keeping accurate track of the current
time. In this project, the DS1307 module provides time-based control, allowing the system to
activate the cleaning mechanism (servo motor and water pump) at a specific time set by the user.
The RTC module communicates with the Arduino Uno via the I2C protocol and ensures that the
set target cleaning time is maintained accurately, even during power loss.

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 2) Arduino UNO:

The Arduino Uno acts as the main controller of the system. It receives input from the RTC
module about the current time, compares it with the user-set target time, and decides when to
activate the cleaning process.
The Arduino is responsible for sending control signals to the relay, servo motor, and managing
the cleaning sequence (water spray followed by the wiper motion).

3) 5V Relay:

The 5V Relay is used to control the high-power water pump motor. The relay acts as a switch,
activated by a low-power control signal from the Arduino.
When the relay is turned on by the Arduino, it completes the circuit for the water pump motor,
allowing it to operate and spray water onto the solar panels.

4) Water Pump Motor:

The Water Pump Motor is responsible for supplying water to the surface of the solar panels.
When the relay activates, the water pump motor starts, and water is sprayed onto the panel to
assist in cleaning.
This motor ensures that the wiper has enough moisture to clean the solar panels effectively,
removing dust and debris.

5) Servo Motor:

The Servo Motor in this system acts as a wiper mechanism that physically wipes the surface of
the solar panels. Once the water is sprayed by the pump motor, the servo motor moves a wiper
(attached to it) back and forth across the panels, cleaning them.
The Arduino controls the angle and timing of the servo motor, moving it in a coordinated way to
ensure thorough cleaning.

6) Wiper:

The Wiper is attached to the servo motor and is the mechanical part that actually makes contact
with the solar panel. It sweeps across the panel, pushing away dust, dirt, and debris, ensuring
that the panel is clean and able to operate at maximum efficiency.

7) Solar Panels:

The Solar Panels are the target of the cleaning system. Accumulation of dust and dirt reduces
their efficiency, so regular cleaning is necessary. The system ensures that these panels are
automatically cleaned at specified intervals to maintain their performance without the need for
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manual intervention.

Explanation of System Flow:

 The user sets a target cleaning time through the Arduino’s serial monitor.

 The RTC module keeps track of the current time and, once the target time is reached, the
Arduino triggers the cleaning sequence.

 The Arduino activates the 5V Relay, which powers the water pump motor, spraying
water onto the panels.

 After a short delay, the servo motor is activated, moving the wiper back and forth across
the surface of the panels to clean them.

 Once the cleaning process is completed, the system returns to idle mode, waiting for the
next scheduled cleaning.

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2.2 Circuit Diagram

<Abcde>

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2.3 Description of Hardware Components

1. RTC Module (DS1307)

Description: The DS1307 Real-Time Clock (RTC) module is used to keep track of the
current time, allowing the system to trigger actions at specific times. It can maintain
time even when the main system is powered off, using a coin cell battery.
Specifications:
Voltage: 4.5V to 5.5V
Communication: I2C protocol
Backup Battery: CR2032 (maintains time for several years)
Accuracy: ±2 minutes per month

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2. Arduino UNO
Description: The Arduino UNO is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega328P.
It is the central controller for the project, receiving time data from the RTC module and
controlling the relay, water pump motor, and servo motor based on the target time set
by the user.
Specifications:
Microcontroller: ATmega328P
Operating Voltage: 5V
Input Voltage: 7-12V (recommended)
Digital I/O Pins: 14 (of which 6 provide PWM output)
Clock Speed: 16 MHz
Memory: 32 KB Flash, 2 KB SRAM, 1 KB EEPROM

3. 5V Relay
Description: The relay is an electromagnetic switch used to control high-power devices,
such as the water pump motor, with low-power signals from the Arduino. It acts as an
isolator between the low-power control circuit and the high-power motor circuit.
Specifications:
Operating Voltage: 5V DC
Switching Capacity: 250V AC at 10A or 30V DC at 10A
Control Signal: 5V logic from Arduino
Isolation: Optocoupler-based isolation for safety

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4. Water Pump Motor
Description: This motor is used to pump water onto the solar panels to assist in the
cleaning process. It operates on 12V, and the relay controls its operation based on the
set time.
Specifications:
Operating Voltage: 9V DC
Current: 0.5A to 1.5A

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5. Servo Motor
Description: The servo motor is responsible for moving the wiper across the solar panel.
It is controlled by PWM signals from the Arduino, allowing for precise control over the
wiper’s movement.
Specifications:
Operating Voltage: 4.8V to 6.0V
Torque: 3-6 kg.cm (depending on model)
Rotation: 0° to 180° or 360° (depending on type)
Speed: 0.1-0.2 seconds per 60°

6. Wiper
Description: The wiper is a simple mechanical attachment connected to the servo motor.
It moves back and forth over the solar panels to remove dirt and dust during the
cleaning cycle.
Specifications:
Material: Rubber or soft silicone (to avoid scratching the panels)
Size: Customizable to the size of the solar panel
Movement: Controlled by servo motor, typically 180° sweep

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6.Solar Panels
Description: Solar panels are the components that generate electricity from sunlight.
Dust and dirt reduce their efficiency, so regular cleaning is essential to maintain optimal
performance.
Specifications:
Voltage: Typically 12V or 24V systems
Power Output: Varies (e.g., 100W, 250W, 300W)
Material: Monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon
Efficiency: 15-22% (depending on panel type)

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 Chapter 3
Results

The Automatic Solar Panel Cleaner system designed using an Arduino UNO, DS1307 RTC module, relay,
water pump motor, and servo motor successfully automates the process of cleaning solar panels at scheduled
times. The system operates based on user-input time, where the water pump motor sprays water onto the solar
panels, and the servo motor, attached to a wiper, effectively cleans the surface. The integration of the RTC
module ensures precise time-based operation without manual intervention. By automating the cleaning process,
the system enhances the efficiency of solar panels by removing dirt and debris that accumulate over time.

During testing, the system:

Accurately triggered the cleaning process based on the target time entered via the serial monitor.
Efficiently controlled the relay to activate the water pump motor and provide water to the panels.
Controlled the servo motor, simulating the movement of a wiper, to clean the solar panels without any issues.
Reduced the manual effort required for cleaning solar panels and optimized the energy generation process by
ensuring that the panels are regularly cleaned.

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 Chapter 5
Conclusion

The Automatic Solar Panel Cleaner project demonstrates a practical and cost-effective solution
for maintaining the cleanliness of solar panels, which directly impacts their efficiency and
energy output. By leveraging the Arduino UNO and the DS1307 RTC module, the system
operates with precision, automating the cleaning process based on scheduled time intervals. The
combination of a water pump and a servo-controlled wiper ensures a thorough cleaning
mechanism that can be easily customized and scaled for different solar panel installations.

This project provides a significant improvement over manual cleaning methods, reducing labor
costs and maintenance time, while ensuring that solar panels operate at their maximum potential.
The result is a highly effective, low-maintenance system that can be implemented in various
settings, from small residential setups to large-scale solar farms, ensuring cleaner panels and
improved energy yields.

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 Chapter 4

Applications with Advantages and Limitations

5.1Applications Potential
Applications
1. Residential Solar Installations: Ideal for homeowners with rooftop solar
panels to automate the cleaning process, ensuring optimal energy generation.
2. Commercial Solar Farms: Can be deployed in large-scale solar farms to
maintain cleanliness and efficiency of numerous panels without manual
intervention.
3. Remote Locations: Useful in remote or hard-to-reach areas where manual
cleaning is challenging or labor-intensive, reducing maintenance costs.
4. Solar-Powered Street Lights: Suitable for keeping solar panels on street lights
clean, ensuring they absorb maximum sunlight for efficient charging.
5. Industrial Solar Power Plants: This system can be integrated into industrial
solar plants to minimize downtime and improve energy output with
consistent cleaning cycles.

Advantages of the Automatic Solar Panel Cleaner:

Increased Efficiency: Regular cleaning ensures that dirt and debris do not accumulate on the panels, maintaining
their energy conversion efficiency.
Automated Operation: The time-based cleaning schedule allows for autonomous operation, reducing the need
for manual labor.
Cost-Effective: Low-cost components like the Arduino, RTC module, and relays make this an affordable
solution for solar panel maintenance.
Scalable Design: The system can be scaled for both small residential setups and large industrial solar farms with
minimal modifications.
Water-Efficient: By using precise timing, the water pump can be controlled to use just the right amount of water
necessary for cleaning, reducing water wastage.

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5.2Advantages
Speed and Efficiency:
 RFID can read multiple tags simultaneously, allowing for quick
identification of vehicles without the need for manual checks.
Automation:
 Automates processes like entry and exit in parking lots or toll booths,
reducing the need for human intervention.
Accuracy:
 RFID systems have high accuracy in reading tags, minimizing
errors associated with manual data entry.
Real-time Tracking:
 Enables real-time tracking of vehicle movements, which is useful for
security and management purposes.
Enhanced Security:
 Reduces the likelihood of unauthorized vehicle access, as only vehicles
with valid RFID tags can enter restricted areas.
Data Collection:
 Facilitates the collection of valuable data on vehicle usage patterns,
which can aid in decision-making for management and planning.
Durability:
RFID tags are typically more durable than barcodes

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5.3Limitations
Cost:
 Initial setup costs can be high, including the purchase of RFID readers,
tags, and infrastructure for data storage and processing.
Maintenance:
 RFID systems require regular maintenance to ensure that readers and
tags are functioning properly.
Interference:
 Environmental factors (like metal surfaces or electronic
interference) can affect the performance of RFID systems, leading to
missed reads.
Privacy Concerns:
 RFID technology can raise privacy issues, as vehicles can be tracked
without the owner’s knowledge, leading to concerns about
surveillance.
Limited Range:
 Passive RFID tags have a limited range, which may require multiple
readers for larger areas or high-speed applications.
Dependency on Technology:
 Reliance on technology means that system failures or malfunctions can
disrupt operations, requiring backup systems or manual processes.
Tag Theft or Loss:
 Tags can be removed or lost, which could lead to unauthorized vehicle
access if not managed properly.

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References

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