Challenges
Safe and economic cleaning of rooftop and floating solar panels
Short Description:
Solar panels accumulate dust frequently and are difficult to clean, especially in inaccessible areas such as rooftops and water bodies (floating-type installations).
Challenge Details
Clean and renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, are becoming crucial in industry due to climate concerns. The deployment of solar panels on rooftops and floating platforms is a common practice as it maximizes space utilization.
There are approximately 20,000 solar panels spread across the campus, installed on rooftops, on water bodies (floating type), and on the ground. These panels accumulate dust frequently, leading to reduced electricity generation efficiency and necessitating regular cleaning. We are seeking an efficient cleaning method (ideally waterless) suitable for all types of installations, with a focus on rooftop and floating-type solar panels. It is riskier to send people to clean these panels as it poses a safety hazard. Attempts to use drones for cleaning, using water spraying, proved to be economically unviable.
