MUMBAI, India, Oct. 12 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202621101154 A) filed by Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute Of Technology, Pimpri, Pune on August 21, 2026, for Solar Panel Cleaning Robot.
Inventors include Yashraj Patil; Dr. Vikash Agrawal; Gayatri Rashinkar; Shejal Mestry; Manasi Mhetre; and Dnyaneshwari Yewale.
The application for the patent was published on October 09, 2026, under issue no. 41/2026.
Abstract: The present invention relates to an Integrated Multi-Mode Solar Panel Cleaning Robot designed to improve the efficiency, reliability, and operational performance of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels through intelligent and automated cleaning. Dust, dirt, bird droppings, leaves, and other environmental contaminants accumulate on solar panel surfaces, obstructing solar radiation and consequently reducing power generation efficiency. The proposed robot addresses this problem through a compact and integrated system incorporating cleaning, mobility, navigation, safety, control, and communication functions. The invention employs a hybrid wet and dry cleaning mechanism for effective removal of different types of contaminants. A rotating brush removes loose dust and surface particles during dry cleaning, while a water- spraying mechanism assists in removing stubborn contaminants such as dried mud and bird droppings. The robot utilizes a crawler-track propulsion system driven by DC gear motors, providing enhanced traction, stability, load distribution, and reliable movement on both horizontal and inclined solar panel surfaces. An ESP32 microcontroller serves as the central control unit, coordinating the motors, cleaning mechanisms, sensors, and communication devices. Potentiometer-based speed regulation enables controlled movement during cleaning operations. For operational safety, infrared (IR) sensors continuously detect solar panel boundaries and provide feedback to the controller. Upon detecting an edge, the controller automatically stops and changes the direction of the robot, thereby minimizing the risk of falling from the panel. The robot supports two operating modes: semi-autonomous and Bluetooth-based manual control. Semi-autonomous operation enables cleaning with minimal human intervention, while manual mode allows smartphone-based control. The system further provides scope for future integration of IoT monitoring, artificial intelligence, cloud-based maintenance, intelligent water management, and solar-powered charging, making it a scalable and reliable solution for residential and commercial solar installations.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
