Solar Panel Cleaning tractors vs. robots vs. manual cleaning

Solar Panel Cleaning Tractors

A tractor mounted cleaning system is used to clean the solar modules is known as solar panel cleaning tractors.

This tractors contains a cleaning brush setup, a water storage unit, and hydraulic control unit.

This tractor mounted cleaning system drives energy from the tractor to perform the hydraulic operations.

This tractor cleaning method can be used for both dry and wet cleaning purposes. While other methods cannot afford both cleaning methods.

The tractor system used to clean at any soil condition also it can remove high amount of dirt while passing the arrays.

When we are using cleaning tractors we need vehicle passing space between the arrays.

The water usage can be controlled by changing the water outlet unit setup.

Solar Panel Cleaning Robots

This robots are made with a brush arrangement which is mounted on a framed structure.

This robots contains a brush, electronic sensing units, and a driven motor.

The required energy for the robot operation is derived from the solar energy and it was stored in the batteries with it.

In this method we need to place the robot manually between two arrays. Otherwise we need each robot for each array.

Mostly these robots are used for dry cleaning purpose due to electronics components on it. Only few models can support the wet cleaning process.

Solar Panel Manual Cleaning Method

In manual Cleaning few peoples are involved in the cleaning process. They will use water and few soft sponges or non-abrasive brush or mob for the cleaning.

In manual cleaning they will rinse and wash the solar panels with the manual effort.

In manual cleaning we can clean modules on dry and wet cleaning methods based on the dirt condition on the modules.

Mostly manual cleaning methods used for wet cleaning purpose to avoid the scratches on the module during dry cleaning.

Comparison between the Solar Panel Cleaning Tractors and Robots

ParticularsTractorsRobot
Length of panel coveredEntire length can be covered in a single swipe easily.Entire Length cannot be covered easily. Few models can cover.
Changing arrayNo need for system changes to move to next array.Need to dismantle to move to next array.
Wet CleaningWet cleaning is possible with the water system mounted itself.Wet Cleaning not possible which will affect the electrical and electronic components on the robot.
Power SourceUsing Tractor Power.Need external power source or batteries.
AccuracyMore accurateLess Accurate
Bird droppings/Sticky ParticlesCan clean bird droppings, sticky particles.Cannot clean bird droppings, sticky particles.
Night time UseCan be used in night or low light timesCannot be used on night or low light times because much robot system uses solar energy as the power source.
No. of personsSingle operator is enoughNeed minimum two persons needed to change robot to next the array
Time Taken2 Hours3 hours
MaintenanceLow maintenance is enoughHigh maintenance is required

Comparison between the Solar Panel Cleaning Tractor and Manual Cleaning Method

ParticularsTractorsManual Cleaning
Length CoveredEntire LengthFew Feet’s based on brush size and length fittings
Wet CleaningPossible with water systemNeed additional water hoses, water source and pumps
Changing arrayWhile Passing the VehicleNeed To change the brush arrangement
Power SourceUses tractor PowerNeed power source from the solar plant to drive the pump
AccuracyHigh AccurateBased on the cleaning person
Bird dropping / Sticky particlesCan be cleaned easilyNeed More effort and wiping
No. on personsOne PersonNeed more based on the plant size
Night time UseCan be cleanedCannot be cleaned due to light availability
Time taken2 hours6 hours for 15 peoples
Water Required2000 to 4000 liters / MW10000 to 15000 Liters / MW

Cleaning Parameters comparison between Solar Panel Cleaning Tractors vs. Robots vs. Manual Cleaning

ParticularsSolar TrackRobotManual Cleaning
Dust, Sand Cleaning Efficiency95 to 99 %70 to 85 %85 to 99 %
Bird Dropping / Sticky Particles Cleaning Efficiency90 to 99 %0 %85 to 95 %
Time Taken2 hours / MW3 hours / MW8 hours / MW for 10 to 15 Persons
No. of panels / Hour1500 to 2000 panels1000 to 1350 panels350 to 500 for 10 to 15 persons
Cleaning costRs. 0.5 / Panel (With water)Rs. 0.7 / panel (without Water)Rs. 1 /panel (With water)
MaintenanceLow Maintenance is enoughNeed High MaintenanceNot applicable
Inclination levelPossible to clean all inclination on solar systemNot possible for all inclinationPossible to clean all inclination on solar system

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