Review on Development of a Closed-Loop Solar Panel Cleaning System with Automated Water Filtration & Reuse of Water

Abstract

The efficiency of solar panels decreases significantly due to dust and dirt accumulation, which obstructs sunlight and lowers power output. To address this issue, this project proposes a Closed-Loop Automated Solar Panel Cleaning System with IoT Integration. The system employs a high-pressure DC water pump with adjustable pressure control to effectively clean solar panels. Used water is collected, filtered, and recycled through a closed-loop mechanism, ensuring minimal wastage and sustainable operation. A water level sensor monitors the pure water tank, while a secondary DC pump automatically refills it from the main source when required. An Arduino Uno microcontroller manages automation, while IoT connectivity enables remote monitoring, scheduling, and control. The system is powered directly by solar panels with surplus energy stored in a battery, ensuring continuous and self-sustained functionality. This smart solution not only eliminates the need for manual cleaning but also enhances panel efficiency, extends lifespan, and promotes resource conservation in solar power plants and rooftop installations.

Introduction

• The global shift to renewable energy is driven by fossil fuel depletion, climate change, and environmental concerns.

• Solar energy, being abundant and cost-effective, is widely adopted.

• A key issue with solar panel efficiency is dust, dirt, and bird droppings, which can reduce efficiency by 10–30%, impacting energy output and ROI.

?? Current Challenges

1. Manual cleaning is labor-intensive, water-wasteful, and impractical for large-scale or remote installations.

2. Automated systems often:

   • Rely on external power

   • Consume water without recycling

   • Lack IoT features for remote monitoring and control

???? Proposed Solution

The project introduces a Closed-Loop, Solar-Powered, IoT-Integrated Cleaning System, addressing:

• Efficiency loss due to dirt

• Excessive water usage

• Lack of remote control and monitoring

• Power dependency

???? Key Features:

• High-pressure DC pump with adjustable flow to clean panels

• Closed-loop water recycling (filtration and reuse)

• Water level sensors for automatic refill from a reservoir

• Arduino Uno microcontroller for automation

• IoT connectivity (via mobile/web interface for monitoring, scheduling, and water usage tracking)

• Energy self-sufficiency via solar power and battery storage

???? Objectives

• Enhance panel efficiency by ensuring clean surfaces

• Minimize water use via recycling

• Enable remote operation with IoT integration

• Operate independently of grid power

• Ensure sustainability and adaptability to arid and remote regions

???? Problem Identification

• Efficiency loss due to dirt

• High water consumption

• Lack of recycling mechanisms

• Dependence on grid electricity

• Inadequate monitoring/control

• Shortened panel lifespan from poor maintenance

????? Existing System Limitations

• Manual methods: inefficient for large-scale use

• Automated systems: water-wasteful, grid-reliant, no IoT

• Robotic cleaners: costly, high maintenance, limited water reuse

???? Literature Review Insights

• Research highlights the benefits of IoT, automation, water recycling, and energy independence

• Gaps identified: lack of integrated systems combining these elements

• Studies suggest combining:

  • Closed-loop water filtration

  • IoT-enabled monitoring

  • Solar-powered automation

???? Research Methodology

1. Literature Review – Identify gaps in current systems

2. System Design – Architecture with sensors, filtration, solar power, and Arduino

3. Component Selection – Cost-effective hardware

4. Simulation/Prototyping – Build and test system

5. Performance Testing – Efficiency, autonomy, water use

6. IoT Evaluation – Test scheduling, monitoring, alerts

?? Comparison & Analysis

???? Literature Gap Identified

Most systems:

• Address only one or a few aspects (e.g., cleaning OR IoT OR recycling)

• Lack an all-in-one solution that is:

  • Self-powered

  • Automated

  • Water-efficient

  • IoT-monitored

Conclusion

The study highlights the pressing need for efficient, sustainable, and automated cleaning of solar panels to overcome efficiency losses caused by dust and dirt accumulation. Traditional manual cleaning methods are not only labor-intensive but also waste significant amounts of water, while existing automated systems often rely on external power and lack integrated water recycling mechanisms. From the literature and system analysis, it is evident that combining IoT-based monitoring, closed-loop water filtration, and renewable-powered automation provides a comprehensive solution. The proposed system addresses these gaps by introducing a high-pressure DC pump for effective cleaning, a closed-loop filtration unit for water reuse, and IoT-enabled monitoring for remote operation and scheduling. Powered directly by solar panels with battery backup, the system ensures energy independence and uninterrupted performance. This self-sustained design not only enhances solar panel efficiency and lifespan but also promotes water conservation and reduces maintenance costs. Ultimately, the project contributes toward smarter, eco-friendly, and resource-efficient solar power management.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Dr. Mrs. Jyoti P. Rothe, Prathamesh Gharote, Shekhar Choudhari, Akshay Jiwane, J Yash Acharya, Rohit H. Petkar, Vrushabh Pantawane. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.