DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF A SEMI-AUTOMATIC SOLAR PANEL CLEANING BRUSH SYSTEM

Student: Abdulrahman Abdulrauf
Supervisor: Engr Aliyu Agum
HOD: Engr Mahmud Mustapha
Department of Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology
Engineering
Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, Kaduna State

Abstract

ABSTRACT The efficiency of solar panels is greatly affected by the accumulation of dust, dirt, and bird droppings, especially in arid and dusty regions. Manual cleaning methods are labor-intensive and pose safety risks, while fully automated systems are often expensive. This project presents the design and Fabrication of a semi-automatic solar panel cleaning brush system aimed at providing an affordable and efficient solution. The system comprises a battery-powered motor-driven brush mounted on a lightweight, movable frame. It features a user-controlled interface with options for forward and reverse motion. The cleaning mechanism is driven by a DC motor connected to a set of rotating soft-bristle brushes designed to clean the panel surface without causing damage. This design minimizes water usage and also device relies on external power sources, making it eco-friendly and ideal for remote areas. The system was tested on standard solar panels, and results indicated a significant improvement in energy output post-cleaning, validating the effectiveness of the prototype.

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