Design and Performance Evaluation of an Autonomous Solar Panel Cleaning System with MPPT Control using Arduino

Abstract

Maintaining high efficiency in photovoltaic (PV) systems necessitates regular solar panel cleaning, as dust accumulation significantly reduces power output. This paper presents a design and performance evaluation of an autonomous solar panel cleaning system integrated with Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) using an Arduino microcontroller. Leveraging prior research on automated cleaning and MPPT algorithms (all pre-2017), we propose a system combining Arduino-based actuated cleaning with IncCond-based MPPT control, ensuring optimal energy extraction even in dusty environments. The system employs a wiper or brush mechanism mounted on a rail, driven by DC motors and controlled via Arduino. It incorporates environmental sensing to trigger cleaning when performance degradation is detected. MPPT control uses the Incremental Conductance algorithm—optimized for fast convergence and reduced oscillation around the MPP. Experimentation shows that the cleaning mechanism restores PV panel output by up to 50%, and MPPT ensures sustained high efficiency under variable conditions. The integrated system demonstrates improved energy yield and reduced manual intervention, with modular hardware and firmware for adaptability. This work suggests that combining autonomous cleaning with smart MPPT control offers a compelling solution for low-maintenance, high-efficiency solar installations.